Geostationary satellite orders in the first half of the year almost equalled the total 1999 orderbook, suggesting that the recent 10% per year market expansion is set to continue.
Sustained geostationary market growth reflects a lack of confidence in low-earth orbit systems following Iridium's demise, and is likely to be further fuelled by multimedia sector demand.
A study from Paris-based analysts Euroconsult shows that 24 satellites had been ordered by mid-year, against 25 in 1999, reflecting "a renewal of fleets by the largest operators", including Inmarsat (three), Intelsat (four), Echostar (three) and GE Americom (three). But it adds that the second half may see "no more than five or six more".
Last year was the busiest since 1995's record 47 orders, although in a January report Euroconsult reported "distinct signs of a slowdown". It now says this year's sales show "steady" expansion, in line with a four-year trend of growth at 10% a year. At least 213 geostationary satellites are expected to be launched over the next ten years.
First-half sales were dominated by Loral (eight), Astrium (six) and Alcatel Space (five), with Lockheed Martin and Hughes winning three and two respectively.
The boom in geostationary satellites, in part linked to the Iridium debacle, will be further boosted by interest in high-power Ku-band multimedia satellites.
Source: Flight International
