Tech Trends 2019 l Deloitte Insights

Tech Trends 2019 Space industry perspectiveSpace technologies have a long history with disruption. The last decade has seen widespread change—for example, governments and other public entities historically played a driving role in space research and services, yet tomorrow’s disruptive space technologies increasingly will be driven by commercial forces. And the future will bring additional disruption in the areas of human spaceflight, in-space manufacturing, and next-generation communications.

The combination of emerging technologies, new operating models, and other innovative concepts can accelerate the diffusion of space technologies across multiple economies and sectors: intelligent interfaces that integrate launch-range data into the National Airspace System; blockchain applications that validate remote sensing data; AI and machine learning applied to space science missions. These and other advances can help produce substantial value that extends beyond any one organization.

In the face of the changes ahead, it is not enough to simply plan for digital transformation and assume that success will follow.

Organizations should look beyond the digital frontier—toward a future state in which transformation occurs across all mission portfolios and operating organizations.

As industry and government leaders work to reshape their organizations, acquisition processes, and missions to take advantage of new digital capabilities, they will require fresh, focused, sector-relevant insights. Begin here, with this report that provides a timely perspective on Deloitte’s Technology Trends 2019: Beyond the digital frontier, focused specifically on the trends affecting the operators and users of space systems.

Macro technology forces at workNine technology forces (cloud, analytics, experience, blockchain, cognitive, digital reality, core modernization, cyber, and the business of technology) are the backbone of innovation past and present. Combining them compounds the effects of purposeful, transformational change and can enhance mission resiliency, lower operational costs, or service more markets.

Getting started • Learn from history. This is not the first

time satellite constellations, low-cost space access, or remote sensing products have been tried. This time, they look to become the new normal.

• Embrace technology at the core. New tools will affect the entire space mission, but only if acquisition and development embrace them faster.

• Keep your eye on the horizon. New technologies, applied to current mission types, could have a profound effect on how we utilize space.

Trends in action Organizations in the space industry are making more progress by integrating multiple pioneering new technologies than by piloting new tools one at a time. AI streamlines licensing and regulatory filing for satellite and launch operators. Blockchain enhances secure supply chains. Digital reality enhances mission assurance. Cloud provides a resilient backbone for space-based capabilities.

AI-fueled organizationsTo harness AI’s full potential: find AI’s place in the mission, rethink talent, focus on human and machine interaction in environment, and deploy machine learning across core business processes and operations.

Getting started • Decide what AI means to you.

Applications can vary by mission, hardware, and operator need.

• Strive to become an “AI-fueled” organization. AI is not about replacing mission operators. It’s about improving efficiency for the entire organization.

• Make AI part of acquisition decisions. Determine where AI could reduce procurement/operational costs—applicable in weather, remote sensing, or data-heavy missions.

• Look beyond your organization. “AI-fueled” organizations require AI experts and best practices from multiple industries.

NoOps in a serverless worldCloud providers have doggedly automated routine administrative tasks to improve their “as a service” capabilities. Providers are looking to provide ground stations and other space applications services. Use the shift to create agile operations focused on higher-order (and higher-value) mission activities.

Getting started • Shift administration to an engineering

footing. Apply a systems engineering mindset to standardize, modernize, and synthesize infrastructure and systems.

• Have a strategy for your data and go cloud native. Pilot and pursue technologies that don’t involve managing physical servers and legacy hardware systems.

• Transform your processes. Make processes automatable and repeatable without human intervention.

Connectivity of tomorrowAdvanced networking offers a continuum of connectivity that can drive development of new products and services. From edge computing to 5G to low Earth orbit satellites, organizations are rethinking advanced connectivity options to design tomorrow’s networks.

Getting started • Plan for the upcoming explosion of

bandwidth and spectrum congestion. A wirelessly connected world brings new demands and opportunities that will constrain the spectrum.

• Learn from history. This isn’t the first time bandwidth demand has exploded. Given commercial demand, can government users secure enough satcom bandwidth?

• Button down the status quo. Millions of new devices require new methods for interconnectivity—new ground stations, improved connected car antennas, or spectrum modulation, for example.

Trends in action Mega-constellations, some more than 4,000 satellites, are being planned. Commercial satellite operators are building in-space edge routing and other networking platforms, mirroring terrestrial applications. Miniaturization trends extend to satellites across all orbits, providing new connectivity methods for areas not served by fiber or 5G. Advanced global connectivity can extend AI, image/facial recognition, and other tools into the field.

Trends in action Organizations are already using AI to ingest weather and remote sensing data to provide real-time forecasts and insights. Use AI to turn mass-produced cube-sats into a highly customized platform for remote sensing and deep space exploration missions with self-healing and autonomous constellations.

Trends in action Traditional “as a service” providers are continuing to climb the stack, all the way through ground station antennas providing full turnkey services for customers. Organizations using new cloud computing models could increase utilization of space data. Address stovepipes between data stores and mission ops to enable “pay by the drink” solutions.

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Intelligent interfacesWorking in concert, techniques and capabilities such as computer vision, conversational voice, auditory analytics, and advanced augmented reality and virtual reality can transform the ways we engage with machines, data, and each other.

Getting started • See beyond the long-established

standards. Imagine new methods of delivering data to a user—real-time, high-fidelity weather data from multiple space and terrestrial sources to a pilot, for example.

• Rethink mission assurance and risk. Take advantage of new ways to continuously monitor or remotely assess via sensors and human interaction that could reduce time and cost.

Trends in action With tablet-based AR, technicians can move from one system or mission to another efficiently, minimizing training needs. Specialists can use image recognition/speech capture to reduce time and cost of mission assurance. Technicians and/or astronauts can learn to repair machines virtually. New interfaces lay the groundwork for on-orbit servicing and other disruptive in-space supply chain concepts.

Beyond marketing: Experience reimaginedToday’s astute customers expect highly personalized, contextualized experiences. Users of space data crave dynamic, relatable engagements and insights. They want the cars in lots counted and the weather forecast, not to do the work themselves.

Getting started • Look beyond traditional approaches.

Space data providers should rethink the ways customers interact with them.

• Create connections. For downstream space applications, use new tools like AI to improve customer experience with data.

• Go all-in on data. Collect and manage information from customers to understand use cases and improve their experience.

DevSecOps and the cyber imperativeForward-thinking organizations are embedding security, privacy, policy, and controls into their engineering and IT delivery models. This mindset changes the cyber design paradigm across the space, launch, and ground segments, treating it more like an engineering and risk management exercise.

Getting started • Pick bold goals. Cyber resiliency built into

the satellite. New modulation methods of protected tactical waveforms. Propel the design culture forward.

• Integrate security. Don’t test it in at the end—build it in throughout the system.

• Expand your security culture. Compliance is important, but focus on proactive risk management. Design and procure space systems with cyber in mind.

Beyond the digital frontier: Mapping your futureDigital transformation has become a rallying cry for business and technology strategists. Look to the digital transformation pioneers to develop a systematic approach. Keeping up with what’s new prepares you to invent what’s next.

Getting started • Breakdown silos. Start with the end in mind;

don’t let current designs or limitations drive decision making. Software-defined systems are redefining communications.

• Procure prototypes and acquire capabilities. Others’ solutions should be your prototypes. Don’t be constrained by “Not Invented Here” thinking.

• Learn the landscape. Use multiple technology trends to create massive scalable and highly available functions to support the mission and operations.

Trends in action Technologies such as AI and blockchain are helping industry leaders manage and secure tsunamis of data. The US Air Force’s use of the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) provides a new, faster way to procure prototypes and capabilities with nontraditional partners. The creation of a portfolio architect for space acquisition and systems development represents a new approach to transformation.

Trends in action “Data middlemen”—who exploit, analyze, or disseminate data—represent areas ripe for disruption by macro technology trends. Combining AI with terrestrial and space-based weather sensors has already improved weather forecasting and accuracy; better user understanding has introduced this data into smartphones and mobile apps.

Trends in action The US Air Force is currently using defensive cyber operations (DCO) to protect, detect, and respond to attacks on operational ground systems. Massive next generation satellite constellations provide resiliency, as well as targets. As such, constellations require attention to cyber security just like large-scale terrestrial networks. Secure the supply chain by leveraging trusted foundries, subsystem manufacturers and sensor suppliers.

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This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms, or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte Network) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte Network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

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AuthorFor questions regarding the Tech Trends 2019 space industry perspective, please contact:

Scott BuchholzGovernment and Public Services CTODeloitte Consulting LLP+1 571 814 7110sbuchholz@deloitte.com

Scott Buchholz

Brett LoubertPrincipal and Space LeaderDeloitte Consulting LLP+1 213 593 4694bloubert@deloitte.com

ContributorsJamie Johnson Megan Doern

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@DeloitteOnTech

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Jeff MatthewsSpecialist Leader, Space Deloitte Consulting LLP+1 213 593 3771jematthews@deloitte.com