Analysts share their major talking points for SATELLITE 2022, covering SPACs, LEO constellations, and the consolidation reshaping the satellite industry.
Brad Grady of NSR flagged SPACs, Starship, orbital debris, and ground segment virtualization as top topics. He watches AST SpaceMobile, Lynk, and Omnispace on direct satellite-to-device: “The potential is extraordinary. Even if performance levels are very basic, the addressable market is huge.” On Viasat/Inmarsat: “This acquisition will significantly impact the direction of satellite manufacturing, launch, and HTS revenues going forward.”
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Pacome Revillon of Euroconsult highlighted the start of service of broadband constellations, space sustainability, and M&A activity. “The influx of cash and high valuation of startup businesses is definitely a game-changer.” He keeps an eye on Intelsat following its exit from Chapter 11. On the pace of change: “Many of the underlying drivers have been in business for five to 10 years now, and/or have been on an innovation path for quite some years.”
Daniel Welch of Valour Consultancy highlighted satellite overcrowding, multi-orbit network transitions, and user terminal adoption. On Inmarsat/Viasat: “The potential disruption it will cause to the competitive environment, if approved” is notable. He also flagged SpaceX valued at $100 billion: “A valuation of that size poses concerns that the space economy is facing a speculative bubble.”
Siddharth Shihora of PwC highlighted Viasat’s acquisition of RigNet as underappreciated: “This acquisition was one of a kind where a satellite operator moves down the value chain and acquires a company that specializes within a very niche market.” On LEO’s pace: “Some planned constellations are yet to begin meaningful satellite deployments.” On the future: “Satellite technology is surely going to be critical within the overall communications landscape. Large volume production of equipment has already lowered costs.” VS
