The “Total loss” of a satellite like Intelsat 29e, just 3 years into its 15-year life, has 2 significant implications: the sunk cost of the satellite, in addition to over 12 years of potential revenues and 6,552 kg of uncooperative debris roaming uncontrolled in geostationary orbit.
NSR’s In-Orbit Servicing Markets, 2nd Edition (IoSM2) report, released today, forecasts $4.5 billion in cumulative revenues from In-Orbit Satellite Services by 2028.
NSR’s In-Orbit Servicing Markets’ report quoted in SatelliteProME.Com article – In January this year, market research firm Northern Sky Research concluded in its ‘In-Orbit Servicing Markets’ report that by 2028 the market will be worth $3bn, with life extension driving much of this revenue.
As the technological prowess of satellite component and prime manufacturers has developed over the past half century, satellites have increased not only in capabilities but in longevity. A satellite launched in the 1990s was designed to operate for an average 12 years, a life expectancy that by the 2000s increased to 15 years. Many continue.
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.