Monica Jackson
Rob Zitz, senior vice president and chief strategy officer of SSL‘s government systems business, has noted some technological innovations that he believes will drive the satellite and space industry in the coming years.
“I believe we will see much more 3D printing to enable geometries and large structures that were not possible before,” Zitz said in an article published by SatMagazine.
He added that miniature electronics, modern antenna designs and power systems will work to support small spacecraft while robotics can facilitate on-orbit satellite servicing efforts.
According to Zitz, industry offers technologies meant to aid sustainable energy, connectivity, environmental science and medical programs on Earth.
The SSL executive noted he envisions future constellations of smaller satellites equipped with autonomous onboard processing systems.
