MME Space
Innovative Satellites, Merging Technologies:
Pioneering a New Era of Global Connectivity
It's a revolution as technologies are mixed and matched to form new global networks, new services and to provide broadband to the underserved.
What's driving this revolution?
As new types of network systems enter the mix and as emerging technologies develop, innovation will dictate success in the satellite industry.
Starting with some background, there are three major types of satellites by orbit: geostationary orbit satellites (GEOs), medium earth orbit satellites (MEOs) and low earth orbit satellites (LEOs). Most satellites are GEOs and LEOs. A short discussion follows.
The strengths of GEO satellites are diverse, including wide coverage, fixed position, ideal for broadcasting, high capacity and efficiency.
Of note is that GEO satellites have revolutionized the way television content is received and consumed with its satellite TV service. The industry has been enormously successful. Yet markets change and satellite TV is impacted by cord cutting. This will push the innovative mindset within the GEO satellite industry.
There are two major types of LEO satellite systems: smaller constellation LEO satellite systems and mega constellation LEO satellite systems.
Smaller constellation LEOs were the pioneers, developing successful businesses with this technology. These initial systems are now pivoting into exciting areas such as satellite-direct-to-phone and other services that fill cellular dead zones.
Now there's a new wave of smaller constellation satellite systems, with a focus also on satellite-direct-to-phone.
Mega constellation LEOs are relatively new and consist of thousands of satellites. Systems have recently become operational or are soon to be operational. Of note is a lengthy timeframe involved to launch thousands of satellites. Among the many services being offered, a key service is, as just mentioned, satellite-direct-to-phone communications. High-speed data throughput is the strong suit of these mega systems.
Satellite-direct-to-phone systems and mega-constellation LEO satellite systems are and will challenge and change existing business models.
