One of humanity's greatest minds sadly passed away earlier today as it was announced that Stephen Hawking died at the age of 76. He lived an incredible life after only being given a few years to live at the age of 22.
His wheelchair and robotic voice were always a big part of his image, but it was his work on black holes and relativity that made him one of the world's greatest scientists.
In honour of Stephen Hawking's work, I thought I'd make an article about two of the ASX's leading space-related businesses.
SKY and Space Global Ltd (ASX: SAS)
SKY and Space Global is an Israel-based nano-satellite communications company. The business says that it is the first company to plan, build and operate a telecommunication commercial network using nano satellites.
The space company says that the low mass and high capabilities makes the nano satellites the preferable choice for constellations and applications in the 'New Space' industry.
It has successfully launched its first three satellites and now plans to launch up to 200, providing equatorial coverage.
The satellites are about 80% cheaper than regular ones. It aims to have its satellites in space by 2020 and provide affordable mobile services to places that don't have access – theoretically for billions of people. The company has projected revenue of around US$500 million per annum, but the company will have to deliver on this target to justify its current valuation.
Speedcast International Limited (ASX: SDA)
Speedcast describes itself as the largest provider of remote communications and IT services in the world. Its fully managed service is delivered via a global, multi-access-technology, multi-brand and multi-orbit of 70+ satellites and an interconnecting global terrestrial network, bolstered by extensive on-the-ground local support from 40+ countries.
It has some very large clients including Royal Caribbean and the NBN. It regularly reveals new contract wins and it is a popular share in some investment circles.
Demand for high-speed and reliable data is only going to increase, so I believe Speedcast can expect continued good growth.
Space X
As a bonus mention, Elon Musk's space company is doing a wonderful job of reducing costs for Space trips, which should see big space missions become more attainable and affordable. Some readers may have seen the video of the return of Space X's booster rockets when it launched a Tesla car into space, which makes launching something into space much cheaper.
Space X has a goal of reaching Mars some day and I'm sure it will get there.
Foolish takeaway
The world is an intellectually poorer place without Stephen Hawking, but there are a number of people and companies taking up the baton to further humanity's presence in space, such as Speedcast and SKY and Global.
