MEV-2 is also not moving its satellite to a different orbit like MEV-1 did; instead it will act as a new engine and fuel tank to extend the spacecraft’s life. Demand for GEO life extension missions will grow to 75 satellites by 2030, according to a recent Northern Sky Research (NSR) forecast, representing a $3.2.
SpaceX is seeking regulatory permission to connect moving vehicles to its rapidly expanding Starlink constellation, branching the broadband network out of fixed homes and offices towards satellite mobility operators. Satellite operators Inmarsat, SES and Intelsat are among those likely to feel the most disruption in the land-mobile market, [NSR] said. Depending on the exact form.
Last month, Spaceflight Inc. launched 16 payloads on board its Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), Sherpa-FX-1 on a SpaceX rocket to deliver them to a precise orbits, a first in LEO SSO orbit. And soon, a 2nd MEV from Northrop Grumman will latch on the Intelsat 10-02, solidifying the In-Orbit Servicing Market for Life Extension missions.
It is no longer news that the global satcom industry is stuck in a period of stunted growth, revenue declines and uneven investor appetite. When it appeared 2020 might be a sigh of relief following industry-resetting M&As of the 2016-19 era, COVID-19 emerged, further exacerbating an already distressed industry. However, the “hard reset” in 2020.
NSR’s Satellite Industry Financial Analysis, 10th Edition report, released today, finds an industry enduring stunted growth with bankruptcies and revenue declines across the satellite operator and service provider segments.