Nanosatellites: The future of Earth monitoring

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• May 4, 2022

Insight summary

The rise of nanosatellites, small yet capable devices operating in low Earth orbits, is reshaping the space industry by making space exploration and services more accessible and affordable. This trend has enabled smaller countries and companies to invest in space programs, delivering new services and fostering planetwide connectivity, especially in the developing world. However, challenges such as low orbit congestion, potential collisions, and the need for new regulations and sustainable practices are emerging, requiring careful management and consideration for the future.

Nanosatellites context

A nanosatellite is a satellite that weighs between one and 10 kilograms and has capabilities similar to regular satellites. These smaller satellites are often employed for specific tasks such as Earth observation, telecommunications, and meteorology. However, they seldom undertake interstellar missions. Accordingly, nanosatellites typically operate in low Earth orbits at altitudes ranging from 400 to 1,000 kilometers.

According to AZO Nano, nanosatellites' capability to influence the planet is not restricted by their size, which in fact can be a strength when leveraged in a satellite constellation (i.e., large groupings of satellites operating together as a network). Similar to the PlanetScope constellation, nanosatellite constellations can provide information for data analysis. They also offer their owners and clients high-resolution photographs and information to investigate natural and manmade assets on landmasses, inland water routes, and oceans.

The increasing use of nanosatellites has contributed to the democratization of the space and aerospace industries. Once the reserve of the world's most industrialized countries or multinational enterprises, nanosatellites can be deployed by smaller organizations and companies to support their businesses and offer the public new services strategically. These services include internet access anywhere in the world, weather and pollution monitoring, search and rescue and surveillance services, as well as geo-intelligence for the insurance industry to devise policies and assess client claims. 

Disruptive impact

Due to their small size, nanosatellites offer significant advantages, such as easier project financing, low insurance risk, and substantially reduced launch and manufacturing costs. For instance, the cost difference between launching a traditional satellite and a nanosatellite can be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This financial efficiency allows for more frequent and diverse missions, enabling governments to optimize operations and cost bases, and even allowing private companies to enter the space industry.

However, the increased use of nanosatellites is not without challenges. The growing number of launches planned by various companies is leading to congestion within the low orbit environment. Collisions between satellites are becoming a real concern, posing risks to crewed missions and leading to an increase in space debris. This debris can damage other satellites and systems orbiting the Earth, creating a complex problem that needs to be managed. Governments and space agencies may need to develop new regulations and technologies to track and mitigate these risks.

In addition to the financial and operational benefits, the use of nanosatellites has the potential to enhance our understanding of weather patterns. With increased accuracy in tracing weather, they can act as an early warning system for both private companies and the public. This could lead to better preparedness for natural disasters, more efficient agricultural planning, and even influence energy management. The savings from the reduced costs of nanosatellites could be deployed for other vital purposes, such as environmental protection or education.

Implications of nanosatellites

Wider implications of nanosatellites may include:

• Allowing smaller countries and companies to afford to invest in space programs, leading to the delivery of new public and private services such as enhanced communication, disaster management, and scientific research.


• The onset of a new era in planetwide connectivity, leading to significant internet-driven commerce opportunities in the developing world, thus bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.


• A reduction in the cost of weather monitoring and prediction, leading to more accurate and timely information that can benefit various sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and emergency response.


• The democratization of space exploration and research, leading to increased collaboration and knowledge sharing among nations, educational institutions, and private entities.


• International space bodies devising new regulations that oversee the operations of low orbit space assets and mandating the number of devices that one company or country can launch over a given period, leading to potential limitations and bureaucracy in space exploration.


• An increase in low orbit congestion and space debris, leading to potential collisions and hazards that may require significant investments in tracking and mitigation technologies.


• Potential misuse of nanosatellites for unauthorized surveillance or espionage, leading to privacy concerns and international tensions.


• A shift in the labor market towards specialized skills in nanosatellite technology and regulation.


• The potential environmental impact of increased satellite production and launches, leading to a need for sustainable materials and practices in manufacturing and disposal.


• The emergence of new business models focusing on small-scale, cost-effective space missions, leading to increased competition and potentially disrupting traditional space industry players.

Questions to consider

• What steps should governments take to deal with the growing problem of space debris?


• How can nanosatellites change the global telecommunications industry?