Mega-Constellation: State of Affairs, Opportunities, and Impacts
Keywords:
Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite,, Mega-Constellation,, Digital Infrastructure DevelopmentAbstract
With the rapid development of related technologies and the explosion in global demand for connection, Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) mega-constellation industry is on the verge to overcome the cost and time consumption which was its Achilles’ heels in the past, the business is feasible now. Twenty to thirty thousand of LEO satellites are scheduled to be launched within this decade alone. Those mega-constellation plans give Thailand an opportunity to improve our digital infrastructure, especially efficiently and greatly in remote and previously inaccessible areas. However, the race of mega-constellation deployment of a few globally dominant firms from a couple of large economies could pose great economic and political risks as well as challenges to local oligopoly market characteristics. This article aims to provide an overview of the past, present, and future of the mega-constellation industry. The article also seeks to sketch how its progress could benefit Thailand’s digital infrastructure development and the risks that might lurk in the near future. In addition, an analysis of mega-constellations LEO’s progress trajectory addresses key issues for promoting a competitive LEO market and national security concerns.
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