Manufacturers and commercial operators from both small and large companies, as well as European government operators were interviewed. The study revealed that since 2000, 157 satellites have been launched into geostationary orbit by both commercial operators for telecommunications and broadcasting services and government operators for telecommunications and meteorology. 31% of these satellites can be considered to be small satellites with a mass of 300 kg and less and a payload power of up to 3 kW.
The study also looked at both the demand and supply sides of the market and explains the rationale for both commercial and government operators to continue to purchase small satellites as well as and examines the future trend after 2010. It looks at some companies currently manufacturing small GEO satellites and different strategies associated with approaching the market. The study finishes with future competition and non-western operators as well as future entrants into the market.
The study revealed that although the market has tended to favour ever larger satellites, their large capital and operating expenditures are often prohibitively high. A small satellite platform can be very attractive to satellite operators entering the market or to established players, for many reasons, such as supplying a replacement to an existing satellite with similar or smaller capabilities. Furthermore, two-thirds of government launched satellites between 2000 and 2005 can be considered small, and this trend is expected to continue.
The results of this market study clear the way for an initiative supported by ESA Telecom for the development of the Small Geostationary Platform. This will be carried out by a consortium led by the German company OHB-System. A core team of companies will jointly develop and commercialise the platform and includes OHB-System and its Luxembourgish subsidiary LuxSpace, Swedish Space Corporation and Contraves Space from Switzerland. This team is already carrying out a feasibility study phase at the end of which a baseline concept for the platform will be available.
To download a copy of the 'Small GEO Satellite Platform Market Study' just click under documentation at the right of this page.
