Beyond space exploration, these high-potential startups are leveraging data from small satellites to increase military surveillance, predict the weather, and more.
Just ten years ago, it cost millions of dollars (up to $1B) to build a satellite and launch it into outer space – limiting the market for “sats” largely to high-tech companies and government entities.
But thanks to the rapid pace of technological development, the costs have declined significantly: Small satellites – ranging in mass from 1 kg to 500 kg – can now be built at budgets in the tens of thousands of dollars, and startups offer containerized sat launches for as little as $300,000.
