Satellites are essential to global communications systems because they can receive and transmit a wide range of data and information. Since they operate in space, satellites can communicate and collect data virtually anywhere without being hindered by terrestrial coverage limitations. Thus, they can cover large sections of the Earth’s surface, collect data more quickly than instruments on the ground and provide services with an unmatched level of ubiquity. However, they suffer from long latency delays and data collection challenges. These delays limit the implementation of satellite communication from several industries. Hence, new technologies are needed to improve the speed and reliability of satellite data transmission.

Researchers at Rowan University are developing new hardware for improving data collection from satellites in space. It comprises application-specific microprocessors and other components for onboard computation on satellites. Also, it will include a distributed computing framework to perform high-complexity calculations in space.

Competitive Advantages

• Accelerates data collection and evaluation acquired from satellites in space.
• Reduces latency, energy consumption, and data loss during transmission to Earth.
• Applicable to several industries, including telecommunications, military, and media services.

Opportunity

• The market for satellite communication was $71.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $159 billion at a CAGR of 9.5% through 2030.
• The sale of satellite components led to $28 billion in revenues in 2021.
• Increasing demand for mobile services and small satellites across the energy, oil & gas, defense, and agriculture industries is propelling the market’s growth.