March 2025 saw two U.K.-based trade shows dedicated to the space industry, and a third event is scheduled for later in the year. At first glance, this might seem like a lot of activity for a small country, but we are currently seeing boom times for the space industry. In the U.K. alone, several “space clusters” have emerged, representing a range of innovative companies which are well placed to take advantage of this new interest in space. This activity is replicated around the world.

Space exploration has always been fascinating, but it was traditionally driven by large organizations. The early era of spaceflight in the 1960s and 70s was dominated by Apollo, Soyuz and the growth of the Shuttle program. But space has always been big business, even when it wasn’t making the headlines. We are now living in a new golden age of space exploration, and technology is playing a central role in this activity.

Smaller and Lighter

At the heart of any spaceflight program is the balancing of size, weight and power while maximizing a satellite’s capabilities. Often described by the acronym SWaP, these constraints have a significant impact on the launch requirements. To achieve orbit, a vehicle must accelerate to over 28,400 km/h (more than 17,500 miles per hour). The energy required for such an effort is enormous, and so are the costs. NASA’s Space Shuttle program employed a vehicle designed to be reused, in large part to keep costs to a minimum. Even so, the cost to launch 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of mass into orbit was more than $50,000.

This has changed with the rapid expansion of commercial launch systems. The cost of launching devices into orbit has plummeted. In just one example, the modern Falcon 9 launch system can perform the same task for less than $3,000 per kilogram. These developments have coincided with new spaceborne systems that are smaller and lighter. Advances in miniaturized electronics and compact, long-lasting power sources have created a new breed of satellite. Known as nanosatellites, these are devices that weigh as little as 10 kg. The Cubesat takes this concept even further, allowing designers to create satellites in a standardized package. Using a standard 10-cm cube, these are optimized for the modern generation of space launch systems.

These smaller and lighter satellites, combined with cheaper launch options, have opened access to space for a vast range of organizations. According to recent estimates, commercial ventures now represent more than 60% of all space launches. As a result, universities, businesses, and research organizations can all now afford to design and launch their own dedicated satellites. However, research represents just a small proportion of space-based activity. New developments in the field of satellite communications (SATCOM) are changing our everyday activities.

The Internet from Space

The development of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is delivering internet connectivity to regions that have traditionally suffered poor connectivity, or those areas in which wired connections are impossible. These NTNs are typically provided by constellations of small satellites in low-Earth orbit. However, this functionality goes beyond simply being able to use a mobile device in remote areas. In just one example, by delivering the Internet of Things from space, large organizations can finally create a unified network around the globe.

Providing fast internet connection to all parts of the world will allow companies to create a single, unified network. No longer will a smart factory be limited to a local area, connected by cables or WiFi connection. The factory can become a distributed entity, with operations in remote locations controlled as if they were in the same building. In smart agriculture, autonomous agricultural vehicles will be able to operate over vast areas without losing connection with central farm systems. The networks will no longer depend on the cell towers that have been a familiar part of our landscape for decades. Freed from the need for terrestrial infrastructure, truly global networks can be created.

It is no surprise, therefore, that space is once again in the news. Whether as individuals or as part of our working lives, space-based systems will play a greater role in our lives than ever before. 

Samtec has supported many SATCOM applications with its combination of high-speed connectors in compact and lightweight form factors. In addition, Samtec products are subjected to rigorous conditions with its Severe Environment Testing and Extended Life Product programs, ensuring that they can withstand the tough environment and long mission times that are common in space flight applications.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This blog was originally posted on the Samtec website. The original blog can be found here.