Scaling Interoperability for the Future of Space Communications
Why the satellite industry should prioritize practices that ensure deep interoperability across multiple technology layers.
June 25, 2024
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Throughout history, transformative infrastructure projects such as electrical grids, rail networks, and telecommunications networks, such as the internet, have often been catalyzed by a small group of pioneers. Companies like Westinghouse, Siemens, General Electric and AT&T propelled industrial progress through rapid scale-up and capital investment concentrated in key areas of the value chain.
Much of this progress was made through vertically integrated services and supply chains, which, while initially necessary, would eventually evolve into more decentralized systems that needed to standardize and interoperable in order to scale.
Just as the early development of telephone networks required switchboard stations, or the electrification of the industrialized world required orchestrating complicated grids between and inside cities, or the growth of aviation required setting up ever larger air traffic control systems, we are now entering a new era of infrastructure with space communications.
Aalyria, a startup recently spun out from Google, aims to serve as the air traffic controller of this new domain, orchestrating communication networks in the satellite age. Building global telephone, electrical, or air traffic control networks required agreeing on a common language to interconnect and interoperate – otherwise, we’d still be stuck in a world where your T-Mobile phone couldn’t roam on Vodafone networks.
In the age of space communications, one of the first such efforts to develop a common language is the Federation API, currently being shepherded by the Outernet Council, a neutral non-profit that seeks to create a connected, secure, sustainable and resilient network of communications satellites provisioned by a diverse ecosystem of operators across multiple countries. The Outernet Council’s efforts at promoting interoperability and sustainability is part of a larger global effort at creating consensus in space, led by the Earth & Space Sustainability Initiative, whose mission is to enhance and develop the benefits of space for all life and future generations.
These efforts are timely as vertically integrated systems, while initially necessary, have often led to stifled innovation due to reduced competition, monopolistic practices, inefficient resource allocation, and complex regulatory environments. The solution is to prioritize practices that ensure deep interoperability across multiple technology layers, which will yield significant benefits across the ecosystem:
Fostering Innovation: While initial vertical integration might jump-start industry development, sustained innovation often relies on competitive pressures that only interoperability can provide. Interoperable systems encourage a competitive market where multiple entities can contribute improvements and new technologies; driving continuous advancement.
Ensuring Fair Access and Competition: Interoperability prevents any single entity from monopolizing access to essential services. This ensures that new entrants, including those from emerging economies, can compete on a level playing field, enhancing global access to and benefits from space technologies.
Simplifying Regulatory Oversight: Vertically integrated networks often necessitate complex regulatory frameworks to manage and mitigate abuses of monopoly power. Interoperability, by encouraging a landscape populated by multiple stakeholders, can lighten the regulatory burden while ensuring fair and efficient market operations.
Improving Service Quality and Coverage: In a competitive, interoperable environment, service providers are motivated to continuously enhance their offerings to retain and grow their market share. This dynamic is crucial in space communications where technology improvements can significantly enhance the reliability and security of global communications infrastructures.
Sustainable Development: Sustainable practices are paramount in space operations. Interoperability can facilitate the integration of global sustainability standards into space communications technologies, promoting responsible practices like debris management and resource conservation.
We need to ensure that space communications are developed with an interoperable framework is essential to avoid the pitfalls associated with prolonged vertical integration. Investing in interoperability early in the lifecycle of space communications infrastructure is a strategic imperative that can mitigate risks, promote a healthy competitive market, spur ongoing innovation, and ensure equitable benefits from space technologies globally. This balanced approach maximizes both initial progress and long-term public good, ensuring that space remains a valuable and accessible frontier for all of humanity.
Prescriptions for Regulators and Industry
These are a series of recommendations for regulators and the industry to encourage and scale interoperability.
For Regulators:
Develop and Enforce Standards for Interoperability: Regulators should focus on establishing and enforcing standards that ensure systems are interoperable across different platforms and operators. This would require collaboration with international bodies, industry stakeholders, and technical experts to create a comprehensive framework that supports seamless communication between different space-based assets.
Encourage Competition and Prevent Monopolies: To foster innovation and ensure fair access to space communications, regulators need to implement policies that prevent monopolistic practices and promote a competitive marketplace. This could include measures to support new entrants and small players, ensuring they have equal opportunities to compete with established corporations.
Simplify Regulatory Processes: With the adoption of interoperable systems, the complexity of regulatory oversight can be reduced. Regulators should work towards streamlining processes to facilitate easier compliance, reducing the administrative burden on companies while maintaining high standards for safety and reliability.
Promote Sustainable Practices: Regulators must prioritize sustainability in space communications. This involves setting guidelines for debris management, resource conservation, and the use of environmentally friendly technologies. Collaborative efforts with international environmental groups and industry leaders can help integrate sustainability into all aspects of space infrastructure.
Invest in Research and Development: Supporting R&D in space technologies can lead to advancements in interoperability and sustainability. Regulators could facilitate partnerships between academia, industry, and government bodies to drive innovation and develop new technologies that enhance the efficiency and security of space communications.
Educate and Engage Stakeholders: Education initiatives aimed at industry players and the public about the benefits and necessities of interoperability and sustainable practices in space communications are essential. Workshops, seminars, and collaborative forums can help build a common understanding and commitment to these principles.
Monitor and Adapt Regulatory Frameworks: As space technology evolves, so must the regulatory frameworks. Continuous monitoring of the space communications sector and periodic updates to regulations will ensure they remain relevant and effective in promoting a healthy, competitive, and sustainable space communication environment.
For Industry:
Adopt and Contribute to Interoperability Standards: Companies should actively participate in the development and adoption of industry-wide interoperability standards, like the Earth & Space Sustainability Initiative. Engaging in these efforts not only facilitates easier integration among diverse systems but also positions companies as leaders in setting global standards.
Engage in Collaborative Partnerships: Building strategic partnerships with other industry players, including startups, established firms, and academic institutions, can help companies leverage diverse expertise and innovate more effectively. These partnerships could focus on technology development, standard-setting, and solving complex industry-wide challenges.
Invest in Innovation and Diversification: Companies should continuously invest in R&D to drive innovation within their products and services. This includes exploring new technologies, improving existing offerings, and considering how to diversify into new areas of the space industry to stay competitive and relevant.
Promote Transparency and Fair Competition: By advocating for and practicing transparency in operations, companies can build trust with regulators, customers, and partners. Furthermore, supporting policies that ensure a level playing field can help maintain a healthy competitive environment in the industry.
Implement Sustainable Practices: Companies should integrate sustainability into their operational and business strategies. This includes adopting best practices for debris management, resource conservation, and reducing the environmental impact of their operations. Proactive measures in sustainability can not only meet regulatory expectations but also appeal to increasingly environmentally conscious stakeholders.
Focus on Quality and Reliability Improvements: In an industry where reliability is critical, companies should focus on enhancing the quality and dependability of their services. Regular testing, upgrades, and maintenance of space communications infrastructure are essential to ensuring high service standards and customer satisfaction. VS
Joanne Wheeler is the Managing Director of Alden Legal