# Blockchain-Embedded Strategic Options for Satellite Operators: Sell, SataS, or Dual?
## 4 Models Including Blockchain Technology  
As determined above, while a dual-channel strategy can benefit the SO the most, it is not always possible due to the launch and data transformation risks.  
However, with the help of BCT, these risks can be reduced. On the one hand, the choice of a blockchain-embedded launch platform for a satellite launch can reduce the error rate during the launch process to some extent. Through its distributed ledger, it ensures the traceability and immutable recording of critical launch-related information, such as specifications, testing results, and authorizations. This safeguards against unauthorized alterations and enhances data security. By automating and securing various aspects of the launch process, the potential for human error and technical mishaps is considerably diminished, ensuring a smoother and more reliable satellite deployment. For instance, IBM's transformation of blockchain into satellite launches involves creating a decentralized ledger that records every step of the launch process, from satellite construction to launch vehicle integration and ignition. Each phase of the launch is securely logged and verified, reducing the risk of launch failures and data discrepancies. This blockchain-embedded launch platform, as demonstrated by IBM, provides a high level of transparency and trust among all stakeholders involved. [[https://www.ibm.com/blog/space-tech-transforming-satellite-launches-with-blockchain/](https://www.ibm.com/blog/space-tech-transforming-satellite-launches-with-blockchain/)]([https://www.ibm.com/blog/space-tech-transforming-satellite-launches-with-blockchain/](https://www.ibm.com/blog/space-tech-transforming-satellite-launches-with-blockchain/))(accessed on 3 November 2023).  
On the other hand, the adoption of BCT within the satellite constellation network significantly enhances data security and reduces the risk of unauthorized access or exposure in the satellite network and transmission. Through robust authentication mechanisms, blockchain technology ensures that only authorized users can access and interact with satellite data, minimizing the potential for data breaches and security vulnerabilities. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [42] mentioned that a satellite can act as a secure node for data transmission. The private key is securely encoded into the satellite software, making it exceptionally resistant to encryption hacking attempts. These insights align with our research, emphasizing the pivotal role of BCT in reducing data risks in SataaS.  
Based on real-world observations, we introduce BCT in both the sell and SataaS channels. Through theoretical modeling, we analyze the market segmentation, the profit of the SO for different strategies, and the changes in consumer surplus.  
We assume that launching a satellite with the help of BCT can increase the probability of success by a factor denoted as \(b\). Thus, the consumer utility of purchasing satellites through the sell channel changes to  
\[U_{r}=b\times ev-p_{r} \tag{9}\]  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Strategy** & **ND vs. NS** & **ND vs. NR** \\ \hline \(\Delta\pi\) & \(\frac{(c_{r}-cs)^{2}}{4e(1-e)}>0\) & \(\frac{(c_{r}-e+1-s)^{2}}{4(1-e)}-C\) \\ \(\Delta CS\) & \(\frac{(c_{r}-cs)^{2}}{8e(1-e)}>0\) & \(\frac{(c_{r}-e+1-s)^{2}}{8(1-e)}>0\) \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 5: Optimal strategy without blockchain technology.  
For SataaS, since BCT can reduce the risk of data transmission between satellite networks, we introduce the resilience risk factor \(\beta\) (\(\beta\in[-1,0]\)) when modeling the utility of this subscriber segment. Thus, the consumer utility of the SataaS channel can be written as follows:  
\[U_{s}=v-p_{s}-\beta\times s \tag{10}\]  
All other settings in the case with BCT remain the same as in Section 3. We next explore the SO's payoff and the consumer surplus in the BR model, BS model, and BD model when blockchain is adopted.