• Low Earth Orbit satellites are transforming global connectivity, offering high-speed internet and new investment opportunities.
• The satellite-edge backbone creates investment value in both satellites and essential ground station infrastructure.
• Surging demand for satellite networks is driven by 5G backhaul, the Internet of Things, and autonomous systems.
• Satellite infrastructure represents a fundamental shift in global communications, offering investors long-term growth potential.

Why Space Might Be the Most Grounded Investment You Make

Let’s be honest, the word ‘space’ immediately conjures up images of billionaires in cowboy hats, rockets exploding spectacularly, and sci-fi fantasies. It all feels a bit… much. As an investor, I’m usually more interested in things I can actually understand, like a company that makes exceptionally good biscuits or reliable plumbing supplies. Yet, I find myself looking to the stars, not for inspiration, but for what could be a surprisingly down-to-earth opportunity.

The new space race isn’t about planting flags on Mars. It’s about something far more practical, and potentially far more profitable. It’s about wrapping our planet in a blanket of tiny satellites to deliver internet everywhere.

The Not-So-Glamorous Space Race

For years, satellite internet was a joke. It relied on enormous satellites parked 22,000 miles away in what’s called geostationary orbit. Using it felt like having a conversation with someone on the other side of the world with a three-second delay. It was a last resort for people living up a mountain with only sheep for company.

Now, the game has changed. Companies are launching swarms of Low Earth Orbit, or LEO, satellites. These little gadgets zip around just a few hundred miles up. The difference is staggering. The shorter distance means data travels much faster, eliminating that infuriating lag. Suddenly, satellite internet can compete with the fibre optic cable running under your street. This isn't just about faster video streaming for remote cabins, though. This network is becoming the essential backbone for everything from remote 5G towers to the connected tractors tilling our fields.

It's All About the Plumbing

Here’s the part that I think most people miss. The satellites are the flashy, exciting part of the equation, but they are useless on their own. The real, unglamorous work happens back on solid ground. Think of it like your home’s water supply. You can have the fanciest, gold-plated tap in the world, but it’s worthless without the pipes connecting it to the mains.

In this analogy, the ground stations are the pipes. These are sprawling facilities filled with antennas and servers that catch the data raining down from orbit and feed it into the internet we all use. Companies building this infrastructure are placing themselves at a critical chokepoint. Every single bit of data has to pass through their systems. To me, that sounds like a rather sensible place to be, a bit like owning all the toll booths on a motorway.

More Than Just Connecting Your Laptop

The real growth here might not even come from connecting homes. The bigger opportunity could lie in the things most of us never see. Think of autonomous cars that need constant, reliable connectivity to avoid bumping into each other. Or industrial sites in the middle of nowhere that need to monitor equipment. The so-called Internet of Things, with its billions of sensors, needs a network that can reach anywhere, and satellites are the only answer.

This is where the sector gets interesting. It’s not one single bet. You have companies operating the satellites themselves, like Iridium. You have others, like Planet Labs, using their fleet to take pictures of the Earth, providing data that’s vital for agriculture and logistics. It’s a whole ecosystem. For those of us who see the potential but don’t fancy betting the farm on a single rocket launch, looking at a collection of these businesses makes sense. A diversified approach, such as the one offered by The Satellite-Edge Backbone, could provide exposure to the entire value chain, from the hardware to the data services. It’s a way to invest in the theme, not just a single company. Of course, as with any investment, there are no guarantees and capital is at risk.

Deep Dive

Market & Opportunity

• The global satellite internet market is projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2030, an increase from $4.4 billion in 2022.
• This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 20%.
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites operate at an altitude of 300 to 1,200 miles, enabling faster data speeds compared to traditional satellites.

Key Companies

• Globalstar Inc. (GSAT): Operates a LEO satellite constellation providing mobile voice and data communications and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
• Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM): Runs a global satellite communications network for government and commercial markets, specializing in real-time data and voice services for remote and maritime applications.
• Planet Labs PBC (PL): Operates the world's largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, providing geospatial data and insights for sectors like agriculture and urban planning.

Primary Risk Factors

• Launch failures can destroy expensive satellites and cause service delays.
• Technical issues with in-orbit hardware are difficult and costly to repair.
• Intensifying competition may lead to overcapacity and pressure on pricing.
• High capital requirements create a barrier to entry for smaller companies.
• Potential for adverse regulatory changes related to spectrum allocation, orbital debris, and trade policies.
• Rapid technological evolution could render current satellite systems obsolete.

Growth Catalysts

• Growing demand for broadband in rural areas and for 5G network backhaul connections.
• Satellites provide cost-effective backhaul for 5G towers in remote regions where fiber is not feasible.
• Government initiatives promoting universal broadband access.
• Increasing adoption in enterprise applications, including autonomous vehicles and remote industrial operations.
• Expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), which requires connectivity for billions of devices.
• Growing need for global connectivity in the maritime and aviation industries.
• Use by emergency services when terrestrial networks are down.
• Supportive regulatory environments, including streamlined approval processes for new constellations.

Investment Access

• The Satellite-Edge Backbone investment theme is available on the Nemo platform.
• Nemo is an ADGM-regulated platform.
• Offers commission-free investing and AI-driven research.
• Provides access through fractional shares starting from $1.