Space startups set to showcase innovation at Global MilSatCom 2024

Learn how a host of innovative SMEs will be showcasing their work at the Global MilSatCom 2024 conference.

In 2023, global investments in space startups experienced a resurgence, reaching $17.9 billion, with $4.6 billion invested in the fourth quarter alone, marking a 31 percent increase from previous quarters. This uptick follows a two-year downturn due to high interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Advancements in technologies like scalable and cost-efficient satellites, reusable rockets and space data utilisation are making entry into the new space sector easier than ever. This has resulted in a host of space startups finding success by capitalising on new opportunities that have arisen from cost reduction, demand for high quality Earth observation data and increasing government support which creates a favourable regulatory environment for investment in space startups.

Startups are finding their way into a range of emerging markets in the space sector with increasing demand for development and deployment of small satellites, data and analytics, launch services, space manufacturing and in-orbit services or debris removal.

Innovation is rife in the new space age, with many startups pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With this in mind, the Global MilSatCom 2024 conference will feature a new addition, the SME Innovation Stage and Expo, providing startups with a platform to showcase the innovative work being done in the final frontier.

Meet same of the startups showcasing their work at the SME Innovation Stage

Oxford Dynamics

Edward Jackson, Director and Co-founder at Oxford Dynamics:

“Oxford Dynamics is split into probably 50 percent AI and 50 percent robotics. On the AI side, we are developing an AI-based software to allow for better searching and interrogation of complex multimodal data. Defence collects all of this data from different kinds of sensors and vehicles and they just can't use it. They don't always have the technical expertise to process and understand that data. We are developing a tool called AVIS to do that processing, to do that understanding so you can get this extremely complex information to non-technical users who are not experts in the field.“

According to Mike Lawton, Director and Co-founder of Oxford Dynamics, the business is also making significant strides in its work with robotics.

Mike Lawton, Director and Co-founder at Oxford Dynamics:

“We have secured a ￡1 million development contract with DSTL to develop an intelligent robot for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents on UK mainland. We are developing a robot that can go into unstructured environments carry out reconnaissance and collect samples, and then the robot can actually carry out remedial action like decontamination as well.”

“[At Global MilSatCom 2024 we will be demonstrating] some of the capabilities of our AVIS platform and allowing folks to interact with some of the AI technology and carry out some quite unique, complex data interrogation and comparison tasks. Because we are working with Methera Global, the idea is to have this variant for space domain awareness. Methera will be introducing their constellation concept, and we will be explaining how Oxford Dynamics is working with Methera to take a lot of that complex data they are collecting in orbit and allowing a fairly unique space domain awareness platform to be realised by our AVIS technology.”

“The most important part of the event is obviously meeting potential customers and making sure we are absolutely getting product market fit correct. Very few people have heard of Oxford Dynamics, so by meeting those people, it is raising the profile of the technology that we are developing. As ever, when developing technology, you want some of brightest people at the top of their game. If you are a relatively unknown entity, recruitment is an eternal challenge. The fact that we are on the hunt for some exceptional talent is also a great byproduct of doing these sorts of things.”

Space Impulse

Robin Sie-Verbruggen, Director at Space Impulse:

“At Space Impulse, we are at the forefront of providing commercial data and market intelligence in the space industry, including military satellite communications.?With the largest database of space-related entities and a team with deep expertise in space tech, business development and data analytics, we work with private, public and military clients to support their strategic needs such as supply chain analysis, procurement support, corporate strategy / M&A and business development.?“

“Attendees visiting the Space Impulse stand can expect to experience live demonstrations of our Space Market Intelligence platform. They will see firsthand how our comprehensive dataset can be filtered for critical commercial details like vendors, partners and investments. Additionally, our team of experts will be available to discuss customised data and market intelligence solutions to meet specific strategic needs, making it a valuable stop for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge in the space industry.”

“We are most looking forward to the opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders at Global MilSatCom 2024. This long-standing conference is a hub of unique insights from keynote speakers, exhibitors and attendees. It provides an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with existing partners, forge new relationships and showcase our latest innovations. We are excited to discuss how our data-driven solutions can support strategic decision-making and growth in the rapidly evolving space industry.”

Anywaves

Anne-Lise Vo Thanh, Sales Manager at Anywaves:

“At Anywaves, we specialise in space antennas. After establishing ourselves as the leading antenna provider by winning key Space Development Agency accounts?like Maxar and Airbus, we are looking to expand our market share to other defence programs worldwide."

"Antennas are an indispensable element of space missions and the choice of the right product and provider is crucial. We’re eager to explain how, at Anywaves, we craft our antennas?with the highest degree of reliability in mind and how we put them through a demanding qualification process to withstand the harsh space environment."

"We will have our COTS antennas on display [at Global MilSatCom 2024] and we will answer any questions regarding the performance, use cases, lead times, product roadmap and how our antennas can be used for all vertical space markets, including surveillance and defence fields.”

“We are eager to showcase our current success and technology, our manufacturing agility and high-performance antennas. We are also looking to develop our brand image as the key antenna provider in the industry, internationally."

Reflex Aerospace

Dennis Moore, VP of Sales & Business Development at Reflex Aerospace

“[At Reflex Aerospace] we are currently anticipating the launch of our first satellite, SIGI. The mission has effectively?demonstrated our capacity to deliver high-performance, tailored satellite platforms rapidly and?cost-effectively. We have broken records by becoming the quickest company to achieve flight?readiness with an ESPA-Class satellite. Delegates at Global MilSatCom will also gain insights into?our advancements in responsive space technology, such as our work on the state-funded SmartSat SpaceLink?project.”

“Visitors to the Reflex Aerospace stand will understand why we are well-positioned to tackle dual-use, responsive space missions with competitive performance much faster than our competitors. “

“We will be sharing details about our upcoming mission, MIRI —?poised for a Q1 2025 launch — which will feature a sophisticated satellite platform designed to?meet exact pointing and stability parameters. This platform will significantly enhance very high-resolution Earth observation imaging capabilities for Marble Imaging, demonstrating?our commitment to pushing the boundaries of satellite technology and delivering in ambitious?timeframes.”?

“I am excited about the networking prospects at Global MilSatCom. Engaging with other? industry professionals and witnessing state-of-the-art advancements keeps me up-to-date?regarding upcoming trends in military satellite communications. These connections are?invaluable for Reflex as we continue to expand our capabilities and are planning to establish ourselves in the US market in 2025.”

Space startups present at the SME Zone will also include Methera Global, Infostellar, Aerospacelabs, 3S Northumbria and QQ Technology. To find out more and to book your ticket to Global MilSatCom click here.

?

?