Digital Lifescapes

Satellite communications is now driven by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks. From once niche technology serving remote outposts, LEO satellites are becoming mainstream — delivering high-speed, low-latency broadband everywhere from city centers to far-flung islands. According to Gartner's latest market study, global spending on LEO satellite communications services will reach $14.8 billion in 2026, marking a 24.5 percent jump in just a single year. LEO Satellites Market Development Unlike traditional geostationary satellites positioned tens of thousands of kilometers above the Earth, LEO satellites orbit at much lower altitudes — typically between 500 and 2,000km. This proximity yields two key advantages for modern communications: 1) Lower latency: Data can travel from ground station to satellite and back much faster, unlocking real-time internet use and interactive applications. 2) Broader coverage and capacity: Large, multiplying constellations can tile the planet, reaching regions w...

The commercial aviation industry has been at the forefront of innovation, constantly pushing the creative boundaries of what's possible in aircraft design and manufacturing. However, with this pursuit of advancement comes an unwavering responsibility for safety. Recent events have cast a spotlight on the importance of rigorous adherence to aircraft assembly, testing, and maintenance procedures -- serving as a stark reminder of the critical role technology plays in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew alike. Aerospace Digitalization Market Development The dramatic images of a hole appearing in a Boeing aircraft operated by Alaskan Airlines sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, highlighting the potentially catastrophic consequences of even the slightest deviation from established quality-control protocols. In the wake of this incident, aerospace manufacturers have been galvanized into action, recognizing the urgent need to embrace appropriate technologies that can enha...

Applications for the Internet of Things (IoT) in the aviation industry have evolved, as new use cases are identified. According to the latest worldwide market study by Berg Insight, the global installed base of active airport asset tracking systems was over 0.2 million units in 2019. This includes all airport asset tracking systems deployed for various motorized ground support equipment (GSE), non-motorized equipment (NME) as well as other applicable mobile airport assets such as on-road vehicles used in airport environments. Airport Asset Tracking Market Development Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4 percent, the active installed base of airport asset tracking systems is estimated to reach close to 0.5 million units worldwide in 2024. That said, the current crisis in the aviation industry that's due to the COVID-19 pandemic will likely also slow down the airport asset tracking market in the short-term. Berg Insight nevertheless anticipates increasing...