Press Release
Contact: John S. Edwards, Space Systems Editor
Phone: (203) 426-0800
Fax: (203) 426-4262
Web site: www.forecastinternational.com
E-mail: john.edwards@forecast1.com
Forecast International, Inc.
22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT 06470 USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite Market Stabilizing
NEWTOWN, Conn. [May 24, 2006] — In a new study, “The Market
for Civil & Commercial Remote Sensing Satellites,” Forecast International
is projecting deliveries of approximately 139 imaging satellites worth $16.3
billion over the next 10 years. The first half of the period will be more
active than the second, with 97 spacecraft slated for production within the
next five years. Despite the ever-growing list of remote sensing spacecraft
destined for orbit during the next 10 years, very few new players are expected
to enter the commercial operator market.
The U.S. commercial remote sensing market is headed toward a
period of stability thanks to the acquisition of Space Imaging by Orbimage, now
known as GeoEye. “The narrowing of the field from three down to two should
take a burden off the U.S. government, as ensuring adequate support to all
three U.S. players had been problematic,” said John Edwards, Forecast
International Space Systems Editor. “Leaning on this government support, U.S. remote
sensing operators now seem content to court government business almost
exclusively, as there is much less emphasis on development of the commercial
base,” said Edwards. “A rebound toward the commercial side is anticipated but it’s
not expected for at least another five years or more,” he added.
Through 2009 production lines will remain very active, turning
out an average of 19 spacecraft per year. The overwhelming majority will be
low-Earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites, with 19 such systems planned for 2006,
followed by 23 in 2007 and 25 in 2008. The value of annual LEO satellite
production during the first half of the forecast period will range between $848
million at the low end and $3.2 billion at the high end. Production of the
eight geostationary Earth-orbiting (GEO) spacecraft planned for the forecast
period is valued at approximately $1.4 billion.
The top unit producer in the LEO remote sensing satellite
market is expected to be the Indian Space Research Organization, which is
forecast to supply 14 satellites over the next 10 years. “India’s production
plans for remote sensing satellites are ambitious and unrivaled,” said Edwards.
“Of course, he added, “the United States has a handful of large satellites in
the pipeline to serve individual companies like DigitalGlobe and GeoEye, but
again, these serve individual companies, whereas the ISRO and Antrix drive the
plans for Indian production.” This centralized approach has led to one of the
most powerful and cohesive satellite fleets in orbit. India currently owns and
operates a fleet of six remote sensing satellites.
Over the next 10 years, as the shared aims for
satellite-based imagery are realized, international cooperation on civil
programs will become more mainstream. The markets for the data are myriad,
starting with serving governments during wartime, engineers during
development, and farmers during the growing season. Lately, trends have been
leaning toward applications in urban planning and development and search-and-rescue
operations. Comparative satellite imagery could also be used to track
endangered species and to help protect the Earth’s natural resources. Competition
to sell these products is fierce, and Forecast International expects this
competition to spur another round of limited consolidation during the forecast
period.
Forecast International, Inc., is a leading provider of
Market Intelligence and Analyses in the areas of aerospace, defense, power
systems and military electronics. Based in Newtown, Conn., USA, Forecast
International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and innovative
marketing presentations, including regular 10-year forecasts. To arrange an
interview with Forecast International’s editors, please contact Monty Nebinger
(203-426-0800, monty.nebinger@forecast1.com).