The question of how many satellites and objects are in space could be in the thousands , according to Merski . He said that somewhere between active and decommissioned objects , the number is large and growing daily , although he said he didn ’ t have a comprehensive number . “ The use , and rates of use have gone up year-over-year ,” he said , and added , “ The reach and viewpoint that space provides will continue to be more useful ; humans are information starved and want to have different views of the world faster via imagery , communications , and understanding where they are .”
Merski — who studied engineering , was a product of ROTC and then the Air Force before entering private industry — sees a big change in the utilization of space . Merski said that he can see the federal government continuing to invest in space and said , “ I ’ ve lived on both sides of the fence ; we wouldn ’ t be here without their investment into bringing technology along .”
But then he added that he sees the U . S . Government playing more of a big picture role , “ They have the ability to stand back and ask , ‘ what do we do ?’ and ‘ what does commercial do ?’ within space exploration and investment .”
To understand the need for satellite manufacturing , it helps to know how artificial , man-made satellite constellations are driving new innovations . Rider is a part of the start-up LeoStella to respond to the need for satellites for the BlackSky and other constellations . The artificial constellation is a resource for private industry and government to collect and broadcast data .
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE NO . 17 39