SIA Releases 22nd Annual State of the the Satellite Industry Report
Washington, D.C., May 8, 2019 – The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) released the 2019 State of the Satellite Industry Report at an industry briefing as part of the SIA-organized Government and Military Forum at the SATELLITE 2019 conference and exhibition in Washington, DC. SIA’s 22nd annual industry report, produced by Bryce Space and Technology, LLC, is derived from proprietary surveys of satellite companies, in-depth public information, and independent analysis which are combined to assess the performance of key satellite industry sectors including satellite services, manufacturing, ground equipment and launch services.
The number of operational satellites on orbit grew by over 20 percent to 2100 with over 300 satellites being launched in 2018. Remote sensing satellites made up 39 percent of the total while commercial communications satellites made up 22 percent. In 2018, overall global satellite industry revenue grew by three percent compared with the previous year, led by satellite manufacturing revenues which increased by 26 percent over 2017 and launch services revenues which increased by 34 percent over the previous year. Satellite consumer broadband revenues also increased by 12 percent over the previous 12 months.
“Much of the excitement surrounding the ‘new space age’ is centered on recent innovations and growth seen in the commercial satellite industry,” said Tom Stroup, President of the Satellite Industry Association. Proposed new constellations and satellites, which are now being designed and tested, may be driving much of the excitement about the near future, but technological achievements in high throughput satellite (HTS), small satellite and cubesat technology are already increasing satellite broadband, manufacturing and launch services revenues as we see in the new report. If America is to lead and fully capitalize on the opportunity that the new space age represents, it is imperative that lawmakers and government leaders continue to recognize the importance of satellites plus the need to protect the satellite spectrum resources which are critical for the industry to thrive. Only then can the commercial satellite industry deliver the vital high speed, highly reliable, ubiquitous communications, broadband, broadcast, radio, navigation, tracking, weather data, imaging and remote sensing services demanded by Americans at home and around the globe.”
The 2019 State of the Satellite Industry Report highlights include the following results:
- Satellite Manufacturing revenues increased by 26%; several high value intelligence and military satellites launched in the U.S. and abroad (satellite manufacturing revenues recognized in the year of launch)
- Satellite Services revenues remained as the largest industry segment in 2018; growth in value-added markets (broadband 12%; radio 7%; managed networks 7%; and mobile 3%); 1.7% overall decrease, reflecting satellite TV and transponder leasing markets
- Ground Equipment 2018 revenues increased by 5%; growth in network equipment and GNSS markets, flat or somewhat decreasing consumer equipment revenues
- Satellite Launch Services Industry revenues increased by 34%; record number of launches (revenues recognized in the year of launch)
To view a summary of this year’s SIA State of the Satellite Industry Report, please click HERE. To purchase a copy of the complete report or for more information please contact SIA via email at info@sia.org or via telephone at 202.503.1560.
