Commercial satellite launches are expected to tumble over the next few years as satellite funding difficulties and a market slump take their toll, according to estimates from the USA.
An average of 32 commercial satellite launches a year are forecast through to the end of 2010, says the Federal Aviation Administration and the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee.
The forecasts are 22% down on estimates presented by the two reports last year, reflecting the downturn in the industry as a result of the near-collapse of the projected low Earth orbit communications satellite business and funding difficulties worldwide.
A breakdown of annual projections shows 24 flights of medium and heavy launch vehicles with geostationary orbiting (GEO) satellites and just over six for flights of craft into lower orbits.
Projections for the 4,000-6,000kg (8,800-13,200lb) satellite market continue to grow, mainly for specific market segments such as broadband and mobile communications services. A trend towards smaller 1,800kg-class satellites has emerged to fill specific frequency allocations where fewer transponders are required.
Source: Flight International
