Satellite Manufacturing Sector To Experience Steady Growth in the New Decade

The regional satellite demand is influenced by a complex set of parameters, according tothe report. For example, in a country like Japan where advanced terrestrial networks provide majority of communication needs, the commercial markets for communication are not very lucrative. However, applications such as earth observation are key to sustaining the need for information for disaster management, meteorology, oceanography and even reconnaissance. Low-cost production capabilities of countries such as India and China challenge the future satellite manufacturing market share of developed countries, however, the lack of proven space heritage means that it will only be in the long-term that this seriously threatens the established participants. Public Private Partnerships will benefit the space industry with innovative and cost efficient activities, which will provide a continuing momentum for new space missions.

Future Trends

By 2013 the industry will bounce back, and is forecasted to close the decade with approximately 10-15 percent more satellites launched (927) in comparison to the last decade. Communications accounts for almost 44 percent of the total satellites launched in the forecast period (2009-2018), closely followed by Earth Observation and Reconnaissance at about 40 percent, and the remaining made of Navigation and research and development (16 percent).

In the wake of the Copenhagen Summit and the growing environmental resources concerns, the role of Earth Observation satellites is increasingly viewed as critical in mapping and controlling the changing dynamics. Government (Civil and Military) projects will continue to drive demand (68 percent), however commercial satellites is forecasted to increase its share by about 5 percent. In the forecast period, orbit optimisation is driving the satellites (especially the communication satellites) towards heavier and more efficient platforms. However, fleet rationalization may lead to a significant increase in medium sized satellites.