Little LEO, small GEO

European satcom demonstrator Orbcomm is expected to promote OHB System into big leagues. European Space Agency's Artes telecom technology program called Small GEO is intended to meet the market for reliable but affordable telecom satellites in the 1.2-metric-ton, 3-kw-class. This demonstrator is scheduled to be launched in the year 2010. Small GEO bus is heavily supported by Germany, which sees it as a way to keep domestic suppliers such as OHB competitive in the satellite business. OHB is vying to industrialize the micro- and mini-satellite segment, long dominated by Surrey Satellite Technology and institutional suppliers. It is also moving to secure a position in the reawakening market for small telecommunications constellations.