Tailoring Reliability and Rad-Hardening
High-reliability, radiation-tolerant semiconductors were initially required to survive for decades in the extreme conditions of space aboard NASA missions to the planets and high-Earth-orbit GEO satellites. But LEO satellite markets have relaxed requirements, with durations of only a few years and lower earth orbits with reduced levels of radiation exposure.
“Today’s high-volume commercial space market cannot afford, nor do they often require, the more costly ‘classic’ components,” said Chris Chipman, Product Line Director, Aerospace, Defense and RF Products, ADI. “They can realize cost savings with ADI’s commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components.”
Benefits include access to advanced technologies; higher levels of integration and performance; and superior size, weight, and power (SWaP). Commercial space low (CSL) grading offers testing and screening suitable for constellations orbiting in lower-radiation environments for those requiring more protection.
Reducing Ground-Station Costs
Ground stations form the core of global networks, and a satellite dish must be within 500 miles of a ground station to access the internet. Thus, an extensive network of internet-connected ground stations is required. Cutting the cost or the number of ground stations needed is critical for an industry on a mission to bring connectivity to underserved populations in rural and remote areas.
LEOs with laser links or optical intersatellite lasers (OISLs) can reduce the number of ground stations needed for global connectivity. Laser links distribute communication traffic and route it around a constellation—between satellites—rather than pinging back and forth between ground stations and space. The routed signal is sent directly to a home antenna.
Increasing Bandwidth and Opportunity
According to the 2021 Asian Development Bank report, “LEOs are forecasted to significantly increase the available internet bandwidth in remote and rural geographies not currently served by fiber-optic cables,”1 The increased bandwidth could increase economic and social development opportunities in those regions, provided that the private sector companies investing in LEO constellations have identified market opportunities that unlock long-term value to extend service to these regions.
Satellite Broadband Access Now and in the Future
Satellite networks can potentially extend the internet’s reach to places that conventional fixed and mobile networks can’t be or where terrestrial-based technologies aren’t economically viable.
Satellite broadband offers the promise of ubiquitous connectivity and new ways of working and living untethered from cable and fiber connections. Urban students, rural farmers, and people working in remote offshore mining rigs and ships at sea all stand to benefit. Service levels may eventually rival fiber-optic cable speed and latency, enabling new applications that are yet to be envisioned.
More than a dozen startups now plan to use small satellites (LEOs) to connect with the Internet of Things (IoT).3 GSMA Intelligence forecasts that IoT connections, both consumer and those used in industry, will reach almost 25 billion globally by 2025.4
What’s Needed and What to Expect
Space-based communications networks must integrate seamlessly with terrestrial networks to maximize their effectiveness. Significant investment is required in space communications technology and terrestrial wireline infrastructure between satellite ground stations, service providers, and data centers.
Given satellites’ power to transform the communications landscape and bridge the digital divide, internet providers, manufacturers, and companies from all walks of industry should consider how to prepare for the future today. They should also investigate how to best tap into opportunities presented by the new communications frontier.
References
- John Garrity and Arndt Husar. “Digital Connectivity and Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations: Opportunities for Asia and the Pacific.” Asia Development Bank, April 2021.
- Chris Daehnick, Isabelle Klinghoffer, Ben Maritz, and Bill Wiseman. “Large LEO satellite constellations: Will it be different this time?” McKinsey, May 4, 2020.
- Christopher Mims. “Elon Musk and Amazon Are Battling to Put Satellite Internet in Your Backyard.” The Wall Street Journal, March 20, 2021.
- Sylwia Kechich. “IoT Connections Forecast: The Rise of Enterprise.” GSMA, December 16, 2019.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses the use of satellite technology to improve connectivity and bridge the digital divide, which aligns with SDG 9. It also mentions the potential benefits for education, which relates to SDG 4. The focus on bringing connectivity to underserved populations and rural areas connects to SDG 10, while the need for collaboration and investment in space communications technology and infrastructure aligns with SDG 17.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.3: Increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable internet access in least developed countries
- SDG 4.c: Increase the number of scholarships available to developing countries for enrollment in higher education programs
- SDG 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average
- SDG 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation
The article highlights the potential of satellite technology to increase internet access in remote and rural areas, which aligns with SDG 9.3. The mention of the benefits for education suggests a connection to SDG 4.c, which focuses on increasing scholarships for developing countries. The goal of reducing inequalities, as stated in SDG 10.1, is relevant to the article’s discussion on bringing connectivity to underserved populations. Finally, the need for collaboration and partnerships in space communications technology and infrastructure relates to SDG 17.6.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of population with access to affordable internet in least developed countries
- Number of scholarships provided to students from developing countries for higher education programs
- Income growth rate of the bottom 40% of the population compared to the national average
- Level of international cooperation and access to science, technology, and innovation in the field of space communications
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but the identified targets can be measured using indicators such as the percentage of population with access to affordable internet in least developed countries, the number of scholarships provided to students from developing countries, the income growth rate of the bottom 40% of the population compared to the national average, and the level of international cooperation and access to science, technology, and innovation in the field of space communications.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable internet access in least developed countries | Percentage of population with access to affordable internet in least developed countries |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Increase the number of scholarships available to developing countries for enrollment in higher education programs | Number of scholarships provided to students from developing countries for higher education programs |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average | Income growth rate of the bottom 40% of the population compared to the national average |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation | Level of international cooperation and access to science, technology, and innovation in the field of space communications |
Source: mwrf.com
