Constellations of smaller, shorter-lifespan satellites are enabling faster technology insertion and more frequent updates to capabilities on orbit. This trend isn’t limited to new entrants; even established industry is shelving plans for traditional large, GEO-based satellite systems to explore the options for architectures in LEO and MEO orbits. In a rapidly changing funding environment, generating positive cash flows quickly can reduce overall business risk, so delivering a novel capability to orbit can be the crucial factor in gaining or maintaining an edge. To stay competitive, companies need to deliver systems to orbit, functioning as anticipated, in as short a timeframe as possible.
