Payload Research: Constellation Startups Declining as Industry Matures

As the satellite industry matures, the number of new constellation businesses forming is on the decline, Payload Research said Wednesday. It said 2024 saw seven constellation businesses launch -- those being satcom, earth observation or in-orbit servicing -- compared with 14 in 2023 and 16 in 2022. It said the peak in constellation business formation was 50 in 2015. "Seeing the graveyard of bankrupt competitors and the dominance of entrenched players, new entrepreneurs will then refrain from entering the market" unless they have a differentiated niche.