# Blockchain-Embedded Strategic Options for Satellite Operators: Sell, SataS, or Dual?
## 1 Introduction  
### Importance of the Topic  
Satellite-as-a-service (SataaS) presents a novel development within the satellite industry, departing from the traditional framework of satellite ownership and operation. This emerging paradigm entails subscribing to satellite services as needed, capitalizing on contemporary satellite technologies like miniaturization, constellation deployments, and cloud-based infrastructure. The mechanism of SataaS is illustrated in Figure 1.  
SataaS is distinguished by its potential advantages, including heightened accessibility to satellite data and services, financial efficiency through reduced upfront investments, and adaptability to evolving requirements. Nevertheless, it introduces its own set of challenges, encompassing concerns pertaining to data security and service continuity, specifically in the context of potential satellite system failures or service interruptions. In practice, several SOs have embraced this transformative approach, with notable instances encompassingorganizations such as Eutelsat [[https://www.eutelsat.com/en/blog/satellite-as-a-service-the-future-of-satellite-network-communications.html](https://www.eutelsat.com/en/blog/satellite-as-a-service-the-future-of-satellite-network-communications.html)]([https://www.eutelsat.com/en/blog/satellite-as-a-service-the-future-of-satellite-network-communications.html](https://www.eutelsat.com/en/blog/satellite-as-a-service-the-future-of-satellite-network-communications.html)) (accessed on 3 November 2023)), Ellipsis [[https://ellipsis-drive.com/blog/satellite-as-a-service/](https://ellipsis-drive.com/blog/satellite-as-a-service/)]([https://ellipsis-drive.com/blog/satellite-as-a-service/](https://ellipsis-drive.com/blog/satellite-as-a-service/)) (accessed on 3 November 2023), Xplore [[https://www.xplore.com/services/satellite-as-a-service.html](https://www.xplore.com/services/satellite-as-a-service.html)]([https://www.xplore.com/services/satellite-as-a-service.html](https://www.xplore.com/services/satellite-as-a-service.html)) (accessed on 3 November 2023), and Spacety [[https://en.spacety.com/index.php/satellite-as-a-service-sataas-2/](https://en.spacety.com/index.php/satellite-as-a-service-sataas-2/)]([https://en.spacety.com/index.php/satellite-as-a-service-sataas-2/](https://en.spacety.com/index.php/satellite-as-a-service-sataas-2/)) (accessed on 3 November 2023). Traditionally, satellite operations have adhered to the \"selling satellites\" strategy, characterized by significant upfront costs and attendant risks, wherein customers procure, launch, and maintain their own satellites. In stark contrast, SataaS introduces a subscription-based framework that substantially lowers initial financial thresholds while introducing its own nuances of data transmission risk. However, the emergence of disruptive technologies, most notably blockchain, has provided ideas for reducing two types of risks. Blockchain technology introduces a layer of security, transparency, and trust that significantly mitigates some of the inherent risks associated with launching and data transmission. Firstly, it plays a crucial role in enhancing the security and integrity of data transmission between satellites and ground stations. The decentralized and tamper-resistant nature of blockchain ensures that data remain unaltered during transmission, reducing the likelihood of data breaches or unauthorized access. Secondly, blockchain technology offers a novel approach to managing launch risks. Through the use of smart contracts, satellite operators can establish contingency plans that trigger automatically in the event of launch failures or other critical incidents. These smart contracts can facilitate swift responses, thereby minimizing disruptions and maintaining service continuity.