New Space, New Solutions — Optimising Design for Speed, Scalability and Affordability

The past five years have seen a radical shift in the space industry, driven by the emergence of large-scale LEO satellite constellations. This transformation has disrupted traditional GEO-focused development models, replacing long-cycle, high-reliability systems with scalable, cost-efficient, and rapidly deployable solutions. In this paper, we present BBB’s approach to this new paradigm through two technical case studies. First, we detail the development of high-power mm-wave SSPAs operating above 40GHz, using advanced combining techniques to overcome solid-state limitations. Second, we describe modular, COTS-based K/Ka and Q/V-band transceiver payloads developed under an ESA Artes program, optimized for manufacturability and future scalability.