The failure of the International Launch Services (ILS) Proton K-DM booster to place the Astra IK communications satellite into the correct orbit on 26 November may result in Lockheed Martin-led ILS switching customers to the uprated Proton with Breeze upper stage for future commercial launches.
The Alcatel Space-built SES Global Astra 1K was stranded in low-Earth orbit after the DM stage's engine failed to restart. Customers nervous about using any Proton can be switched to the Atlas V, says ILS.
The Block DM upper stage also flies as the third stage of the Boeing-led Sea Launch and, although there have been no DM failures on this vehicle, the company may be tempted to switch customers to the new Delta IV. The Sea Launch has flown only one commercial launch in 2002 against the six planned. Sea Launch has never flown at a profit and its customers will probably be offered the Delta IV. There are suggestions that, given the downturn in the space industry, the Sea Launch may even be grounded as it has not yet repaid its investment.
The Astra IK communications satellite was insured for $292 million and its loss will result in the largest space insurance claim this year.
In 2001, the space insurance industry lost $340 million, taking $490 million in premiums against $830 million paid out in claims. With premiums approaching $700 million this year, the industry had been hoping for a high surplus until the Astra 1K loss.
The Proton K has flown 24 ILS missions since 1996 and suffered one other failure caused by a DM stage malfunction.
Since February 2000, Proton K and Proton Breeze M vehicles have flown 26 consecutive national and commercial launches. One more Proton K is scheduled for launch this month - a national launch of a Glonass navigation satellite - while an ILS flight carrying Canada's Nimiq 2 will use a Proton M.
Meanwhile, US company Futron says Arianespace will be under more pressure now that new US boosters Delta IV and Atlas V have been flight-proven, and especially since one or both may become man-rated to carry an orbital spaceplane for the International Space Station, with higher reliability built in.
The Italian underwriting company Assicurazioni Generali has pulled out of the space insurance business. The company has been a leader in space insurance coverage for 40 years, but decided that the business sector could not see a viable income in view of the the space downturn.
Source: Flight International
