SaaS for Satellite Operators: Reducing the Complexity of Mission Management and Data Commercialization

Getting a satellite into space is a complex endeavour. Not only that, but once the satellite is launched, how are you getting the data back to earth? Satellite operators are excellent hardware companies but it is costly to build and maintain the required ground infrastructure as well. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) is helping to simplify satellite mission management to help get your data to earth from space, and into the hands of users worldwide.

Satellite missions face an array of challenges to their ground operations, often due to complex and fragmented workflows. SaaS for ground infrastructure, provides solutions that can help to simplify operations such as tasking, monitoring and data retrieval. 

Traditionally satellite tasking involves complex communications between the customer and operator. SaaS platforms, such as Arlula’s Geostack, provide tools that automate these processes. From scheduling to order management and delivery, the hands-off approach enables more efficient operations and a better customer experience. 

Satellites are an invaluable tool when it comes to monitoring procedures. However, without sufficient processes in place, managing data streams from multiple satellites over an extended period of time can be a challenge. Many SaaS platforms offer satellite operators tools that help to consolidate the collection of data. These solutions make it easier to access and sort through satellite data through different features such as cataloging and indexing tools. 

Appropriate storage and organization of data is essential for timely decision making. For more efficient data retrieval, SaaS platforms leverage scalable cloud storage and single user interfaces for easy access to data from anywhere in the world. SaaS solutions help satellite operators to reduce operational complexities so they can dedicate more time to capturing high quality satellite data and pursuing new commercial opportunities.

With commercial opportunities arising for both new and established satellite operators alike, competition on the market is growing. Equipping your mission with the ground software tools to simplify commercialisation opportunities is essential. 

SaaS platforms provide the user facing ground infrastructure that is required to get your data into customer hands. By leveraging these existing platforms, it can provide quicker entry into the market than competitors building their own marketplace software. Working with companies that have an established marketplace and customer base will make your data available to a wider customer base expanding your reach and potential applications. 

The flexibility of SaaS infrastructure allows it to grow and shrink to meet your needs as different commercial opportunities come your way. Similarly, SaaS is easy to integrate into any existing applications and workflow that you might already have, through APIs. 

On the business side, SaaS can improve operational efficiency. From order processing to data analytics and reporting, these software programs can automate and manage essential functions while on the commercial market. 

The expenses of a business are typically categorized as a capital expense (CapEx) or an operational expense (OpEx). CapEx are large up-front investments that will benefit the business over time. This includes property, buildings, and technology. On the other hand, OpEx are the every-day expenses required to run the business. This includes salaries, office supplies, and equipment maintenance. Typically they are lower initial cost, when compared to CapEx, however they are recurring expenses. 

Traditionally, IT spending was categorized as a CapEx. Businesses had to invest in items such as servers and data centers to store and manage their infrastructure. However, as more businesses have adopted cloud-based services such as SaaS, the services provided have shifted to an OpEx. 

Overall, implementing SaaS into your satellite missions work flow could impact both OpEx and CapEx. By leveraging cloud-based software, satellite operators can reduce their expenditure on physical data storage infrastructure, significantly lowering the initial investment required. Additionally, SaaS providers are the ones that develop and maintain the marketplace software, saving satellite operators on operations expenses. Similarly, SaaS is a predictable, recurring expense that can be easily applied to budget processes. The flexibility of SaaS, allows your software to grow and change as your business does. 

Let’s take a look at an example of how SaaS has benefited satellite mission operations. A few years ago, ATLAS Space Operations launched their ground SaaS for satellite communications. ATLAS took a software-centric approach with a focus on the entire ground segment within satellite communications data. Users that leveraged this solution found that SaaS removed the engineering burden that their teams faced in developing the ground infrastructure that is essential to their operations. With a user friendly interface, the SaaS platform simplified complex tasks for clients such as tests and analysis. The automation of these processes, improved the capability of users to make decisions more efficiently and solve problems as they arise. The flexibility of the software enabled users to customize the functions to meet their individual needs. Finally, with an interface designed with satellite operators in mind, the challenges and costs of developing and maintaining ground infrastructure are mitigated. In turn, this creates more time and opportunities for satellite operators to continue focusing on what they do best: developing their hardware and product. 

Software-as-a-service is transforming the way that operators approach their satellite missions. By streamlining operations with ground software and creating new commercial opportunities, SaaS is helping to reduce both capital and operational expenses. As SaaS is adopted by satellite operators, it is not only an operational advantage but will be necessary to gain a competitive edge in the new space economy. 

Stay tuned for Part 4 of our satellite operator series!

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