Slingshot Aerospace, an El Segundo, CA-based provider of AI-powered solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and... Read More

Slingshot Aerospace, Inc., the leader in AI-powered solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and simulation, today announced it has worked with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to successfully create a new artificial intelligence (AI) system, called Agatha, that identifies anomalous spacecraft within large satellite constellations.

Slingshot Aerospace, Inc., today released its inaugural State of Satellite Deployments & Orbital Operations report which examines the evolution of the satellite market through the lens of the satellite lifecycles from launch to end of life. (Graphic: Business Wire)Slingshot Aerospace, Inc., today released its inaugural State of Satellite Deployments & Orbital Operations report which examines the evolution of the satellite market through the lens of the satellite lifecycles from launch to end of life. (Graphic: Business Wire)EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Slingshot Aerospace, Inc., the leader in AI-powered solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and simulation, today released its inaugural State of Satellite Deployments & Orbital Operations report which examines the evolution of the satellite market through the lens of the satellite lifecycles from launch to end of life. The report was compiled based on data from the Slingshot Seradata satellite and launch database, and analysis was conducted by Slingshot Seradata analysts and the Slingshot Aerospace science team.“The industry has been saying space is becoming more congested for years, but now reality is setting in and the pressure is on to address the increasing risk in orbit,” said Melissa Quinn, General Manager, Slingshot Aerospace Ltd. “We need to come together as an industry to make meaningful progress to coordinate the safe and sustainable use of space.”Among the key trends highlighted in the report:Increased space activity: Spacecraft in orbit: 12,597 spacecraft in orbit, including 3,356 inactive satellites as of December 31, 2023 Orbital launches: 223 orbital launches in 2023, a 19.9% increase from 2022 Satellites deployed: 2,877 satellites deployed in 2023, a 14.6% increase from 2022 Growth in commercial sector satellites : Dominating over both civil and military satellites, commercial satellites represent 89% of all satellites in space, there has been an 18.4% growth in commercial sector satellites since 2022 Growth in communication satellites: 2,285 communication satellites were deployed in 2023, resulting in a dominance of 79% of all deployed spacecraft in 2023Record losses for the space insurance market: there were $995 million in total losses paid out across the space industry in 2023 yet space insurers only collected approximately $557 million in premiums in the same yearthere were $995 million in total losses paid out across the space industry in 2023 yet space insurers only collected approximately $557 million in premiums in the same year End-of-life satellite disposal: 508 Geosynchronous (GEO) satellites are in a graveyard orbit; of the 29 GEO satellites that were retired in 2023, 25 were retired to a graveyard orbit508 Geosynchronous (GEO) satellites are in a graveyard orbit; of the 29 GEO satellites that were retired in 2023, 25 were retired to a graveyard orbit GEO orbit continues to become more crowded: the average distance between satellites in GEO orbit decreased ~33% since 2010, and is predicted to continue decreasing as new spacecraft continue to be deployedFurther details on these key trends include:Increased space activity: 19.9% increase in orbital launches, and 12.4% increase in satellite deployments; 12,597 active and inactive satellites in orbitThe consistent success of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy family contributes to the industry's stability and growth. There were 223 orbital launches in 2023, a 19.9% increase from 2022.Further, the report reveals a significant surge in satellite deployments, fueled by constellations like Starlink, the satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, as well as other increased LEO activity