Situation
The Satellite Applications Catapult wanted to know where space technology could meet real needs in rail. Rail stakeholders often saw satellite data as irrelevant or ‘ruinously expensive’, and the Catapult needed sector knowledge to target its efforts.
Action
Pragmatex mapped the rail financial ecosystem and freight market, reviewed Network Rail’s 55 R&D challenge statements and National Infrastructure Commission freight evidence, and interviewed stakeholders including the Rail Freight Group and Rail Delivery Group. Pragmatex then rated all 29 of the Catapult’s route-to-market reports for fit with rail.
Result
Pragmatex identified 20 Network Rail challenges – out of 55 – with high potential for satellite solutions and recommended prioritising fixed infrastructure, where locating, monitoring and connecting assets play to space technology’s strengths, giving the Catapult a focused rail engagement plan.
Insight: One size does not fit all – The default package for space data is to sell in 2d square area blocks – an inherently inefficient approach for a 1d customer (i.e. one long line of track). A potential way around this could be to look at adjacent land usage – e.g. farmers – a more collaborative approach to the buy/sell proposition or reselling could unlock space for all.
