Servicing satellites in geosynchronous orbit is a “nascent industry” with significant future potential. Companies are weighing “service-or-replace trade-offs.” In an uncertain business climate, satellite manufacturers and operators are looking for new ways to manage their fleets, and might find life-extension services a compelling option. NSR in January published the industry’s first study on the in-orbit.
Following the launch of the Gaofen 6 satellite last weekend, China matched – and three days later surpassed – its 2017 launch rate a mere 5 months into the year. If China achieves its planned cadence to exceed 40 launches in 2018, it would more than double last year’s total and quadruple the rate of.
Satellite capacity prices have dropped by 35 to 60 percent over the past two years, according to Northern Sky Research, with high-throughput satellites contributing to the decline.
According to Northern Sky Research’s (NSR) Aeronautical Satcom Markets, 6th Edition report, In-flight connectivity revenue will be driven primarily by new HTS services and greater penetration in all regions of the world. NSR projects that demand will reach almost 295 Gbps of high-throughput satellite (HTS) capacity and more than 92 transponders of FSS Ku-band demand.
Forecasters at Northern Sky Research (NSR) said they expect to see a near-doubling of inflight-connectivity (IFC) revenue and 50% more aircraft with IFC capabilities this year. Moreover, IFC will generate $37 billion in cumulative revenue by 2027, the consultants said as part of unveiling the latest, sixth edition of its Aeronautical Satcom Market report. NSR.