β
A forecast from SpaceWorks in 2019 further predicted 2,000β2,800 nano or microsatellites will launch in over the next five years between the military, commercial, and civil sectors. This segment of satellites already increased in launch and production by 25 percent from 2017 to 2018; in 2018, 253 of the planned 262 nanosatellites actually launched, reflecting βGreater launch consistency and better execution on the part of small satellite operators.β5 Factors like the Internet of Things (IoT), demand for communications data, and increased need for Earth observation are all helping to drive this market.
β
β
Robert C. Jacobson (Space Is Open for Business: The Industry That Can Transform Humanity)