More than 1,800 new satellites will be ordered and launched over the next 10 years, generating $300 billion across global markets, according to a report from Northern Sky Research (NSR).
These satellites, ranging from so-called mini-satellites weighing more than 50 kilograms, up to giant telecommunications satellites weighing around 6 tonnes, include entirely new operators. There will be a lot of customers. Among the newcomers are companies such as Google and the Richard Branson, planning to put a fleet of satellites in low Earth orbit.
Strong 2013 market performance continued through 2014, with 116 satellites launched globally and 149 ordered. Commercial procurements overtook government and military orders for the first time since 2010 that was the result of cuts of budgetary financing for space programs and a small growth of satellites in the orbit. The growth witnessed in 2014 across multiple segments is expected to continue into 2015, said NSR.
While traditional GEO communications will continue to be the most valuable commercial segment for the manufacturing and launch industry, satellite services are gradually addressing a broader user base.