How Data Mining and Mini Satellites Could Be India’s Winning Bet in Outer Space?

While there are heavy launches in the world of outer space like SpaceX, there is great scope to crunch data and launch smaller satellites much more cheaply. The launch market’s stake is approximately $14.5 billion by 2031, and a related data services market pegged at $45 billion by 2030. AK Bhatt, director of the Indian Space Association says that the world has gone from satellites the size of a Boeing plane to the size of a laptop. India has a huge advantage to win in this sector, not by challenging the big guns but by leveraging its historical advantage in data mining and interpretation.

Since February 2024, India has opened its space sector to private players and has been able to create a $10 billion venture fund to support space startups. This initiative can help empower smaller communities and encourage the hidden talent in our country to forge through the field.

What are the Challenges faced by the Indian Space Sector?

Countries such as Japan and China have advanced space industries and designs on cheap launches. So, for India, with the lack of resources and infrastructure, it is an uphill fight.  It isn’t news that the Spaceflight itself is extremely difficult, and the startup landscape is filled with failed designs and missions.

While the tech availability is plentiful, the space is tricky and extremely competitive, private companies still need to look for proof of concept, says Namrata Goswami, a space policy expert at Arizona State University. She added that private companies need an anchor customer and that can be none other than our government.

Before we get into the recent developments and the Government’s push in the sector, let’s take a look at the roles played by data mining and mini satellites in Outer space.

What is the Role of Data Mining in Outer Space?

Data mining plays a crucial role in space exploration by enabling the extraction of valuable insights from vast amounts of data generated during missions. Data mining allows

• scientists to make informed decisions based on the patterns observed in the data.
• researchers to identify anomalies and gain insights into the underlying processes that govern the universe.
• Us to understand how temperature variations affect satellite performance and can lead to better mission planning and execution.

Data mining techniques such as classification, clustering, and association are indispensable tools in the field of space exploration. They enable researchers to make sense of the vast amounts of data generated during missions, leading to enhanced scientific discovery and innovation. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of advanced data mining techniques will further enhance our capabilities in exploring the cosmos.

What is the Role of Small Satellites in Outer Space?

In recent years, small satellites have opened new possibilities for the space industry. Ranging from the size of a refrigerator to a shoebox, these nimble spacecrafts are much smaller than traditional ones. This allows small satellites to leverage benefits like lower development and launch costs, rapid deployment, and operation in large constellations. Countless missions, including navigation, research, and remote sensing, rely on these compact devices. The shrinking of spacecraft has brought in numerous attractive scientific and business possibilities, and the space sector may already reap the benefits of this more sustainable and democratic approach.

Small satellites are transforming the space industry as more economically viable and environmentally friendly alternatives and supplements for older space technologies.

An example of a small satellite designed with sustainability in mind is the EOS SAT-1, with its energy efficiency and non-toxic components. Thanks to its enhanced resolution and agri-focused spectral bands, EOS SAT-1 is ideally suited for sustainability activities such as creating carbon sequestration models and aiding conservation initiatives.

Recent Developments and Investments in Small Satellites in India

With the boost in investment in the private sector, several companies in India such as Bellatrix Aerospace, Pixxel, Agnikul, Cosmos, Dhruva Space and others have successfully built or have launched mini satellites or components of satellites.

ISRO, last month completed the third and final developmental flight for its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. The design will then be handed to private companies.
Some significant developments include-

Bengaluru-based deep tech, decision intelligence company SatSure, has been providing real-time satellite data to the Airports Authority of India to enhance air traffic management and safety, helping planes avoid weather hazards. The project is expected to save 37.5 billion rupees ($446 million) in fuel costs for airlines annually by 2025 and result in a roughly 70% reduction in airport process planning timelines, the authority said.

Similarly, “Earth observation satellites, orbiting cameras and sensors can help save in similar areas. EO satellites are already solving problems across various regions and sectors including utilities, navigation, trading, industries, helping save millions of dollars” SatSure’s chief executive Pradeep Basu said.

The Government’s Push

Companies big and small including IT giants like Infosys have jumped in to invest in satellite imaging company GalaxEye Space Solutions, Google is backing Pixxel signing contracts with NASA, Baring and Promus has backed SatSure while they take on clients like HDFC Bank and Syngenta.

The government has handed a permit to Dhruva Space to operate satellite communication centres on earth, making Dhruva Space the first ever company to be permitted after ISRO.

The Future

The consultancy Euroconsult forecasts that between 2023 and 2032, about 26,104 small satellites – weighing less than 500 kilogrammes (1,100 lb) – will be put in orbit, averaging 1.5 tons of daily launch mass. The firm expects the overall small satellite industry to be worth $110.5 billion in the next decade.
Indian space companies have already seen an influx of funding – $126 million in 2023, a 7% increase from the $118 million raised in 2022 and an increase of 235% from the $37.6 million raised in 2021, according to Tracxn data.

However, India has only about 2% of market share in commercial space activities, demand is still largely dependent on global clients, and well-established U.S., Russian and Chinese companies are formidable rivals.
“To truly make a dent, (Indian) solutions have to scale to the rest of south Asia and then to the rest of the world,” said Pixxel founder and CEO Awais Ahmed.