KSaRo – Small Satellite Roadmap 2030

Small satellites – a success story of the "New Space"

The increased use of small satellites is one of the key features of applications in commercialized space travel, which is often referred to as "New Space". Small satellites are increasingly being used in areas such as satellite communications and earth observation. Although the idea of a miniaturized satellite is not new, it has gained considerable momentum, especially in the last decade. Due to the reduced size and weight (<500 kilograms) and the associated relatively low costs for the construction and launch of small satellites, they have significant advantages over conventional large satellites. This means that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups can participate in space missions with a manageable financial risk and demonstrate new technological advances.  In the course of the increasing commercialization of space travel, further rapid growth is predicted for small, mass-produced satellites. Current estimates assume that over 90 percent of satellites launched will be small satellites by 2030.

The small satellite roadmap as an instrument for identifying funding prorities

German companies also want to benefit from this growth market and are trying to assert themselves in the international New Space market with their expertise in the field of small satellite technology. Ideally, they would be able to cover the entire value chain, i.e. all stages from development to production and operation of the satellite or satellite constellation. However, this would require SMEs and start-ups in particular to be able to develop and mass-produce internationally competitive small satellites and the associated subsystems and components.

Against this backdrop, the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) launched the twelve-month "KSaRo" project at the end of 2022 to create the first version of a technology roadmap for relevant small satellite technologies up to 2030. The overarching aim of the project was to strengthen Germany's capabilities in the field of small satellites by using the roadmap to identify good funding priorities. The project was carried out by Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE, Fraunhofer INT and Fraunhofer EMI. Together, the partners contributed the necessary technical know-how regarding small satellites as well as the methodological know-how for roadmapping.

The starting point for the project was the implementation of a Germany-wide survey investigating the status quo of the national small satellite landscape regarding the key players (including universities, non-university research institutions, suppliers and integrators). By approaching the players directly, it was ensured that up-to-date data on the performance of their technologies, products and services was available and summarized in a database. A subsequent analysis of international scientific publications, patents, public funding activities and relevant market studies made it possible to compare national activities with international efforts.  From this holistic view, it was ultimately possible to draw

conclusions about future (technological) development requirements. These were separately prepared for each of the main subsystems relevant for small satellites. By presenting the status quo as well as the expected development over the next few years, the space agency will be able to close gaps in technological development and extend its technological lead in selected areas.

The project partners also developed a concept for updating the roadmap by maintaining the underlying database. This will enable the German Space Agency to monitor progress in this highly dynamicsector at regular intervals.