Market Trends of Space Power Electronics Industry
Satellites are Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
The satellite segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for satellites for various applications such as communication, navigation, earth observation, and others. A surge in the small satellite sector was witnessed in the last decade, fueled by significant technological advancements, the commercialization of the industry, and an influx of private capital. This momentum was propelled by increased interest in space exploration and the need for small satellites to perform complex tasks such as attitude and orbit control, orbital transfers, and responsible end-of-life deorbiting strategies.
The miniaturization of power electronics has been particularly beneficial for CubeSats, enhancing their performance and reliability. Concurrently, the burgeoning NewSpace industry is embracing modularization, with components like miniaturized radiation-hardened MOSFETs, gate drivers, DC-DC converters, and solid-state relays becoming standard, reflecting a trend toward more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective satellite designs.
For instance, in January 2023, Airbus signed a contract with the Belgian Ministry of Defense to provide tactical satellite communications services to the armed forces for 15 years. Airbus plans to launch a new ultra-high frequency (UHF) communications service by 2024 for the armed forces of other European nations and NATO allies. Developments such as these are driving the growth of the market.
Asia-Pacific is Expected to Register the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period
The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a significant evolution in the space industry, particularly in space power electronics. Key trends include the increasing recognition of space as a vital part of national security, the rise of small private commercial space startups, and a shift in focus toward exploiting space resources. Countries like China, India, and Japan are leading the way with ambitious space programs to establish their presence in space by developing technologies for lunar exploration and asteroid mining.
The satellite communication equipment market in the region is experiencing growth due to the rising demand for high-speed internet connectivity. This growth is supported by major satellite operators such as Singtel and Thaicom, which contribute to the more than 100 million active pay satellite TV subscribers in Asia. For instance, in December 2023, China announced that it would be building its version of StarLink, a satellite internet constellation using low-Earth orbit, with plans to launch around 26,000 satellites to cover the entire world, led by state-run companies.
Thus, the advancements in space power electronics are crucial for these developments, as they enable the creation of more efficient and reliable systems for power management in satellites, which is essential for long-term missions and deep space exploration.
