Global commercial space industry indicators and trends

This paper will provide a description of the current size and production levels of space-related industries, based on a global survey of firms undertaken by Futron Corporation and the Satellite Industry Association. In addition, the paper provides a forecast of future space activity by commercial and government entities, focusing on commercial growth. The industry indicators included in the paper include revenue, employment, and production level associated with satellite manufacturing, launch services, and ground systems and revenue and employment associated with different types of satellite services. These data are based on a survey of more than 600 firms worldwide and represent primary research of a type not available from any other source. The forecast presented in the paper will be based on a proprietary Futron methodology that considers both underlying demand for satellite telecommunication services, by country or region, and the proposed supply of satellites currently known. The analysis assesses whether proposed satellite systems are likely, based on financing, satellite manufacturing and launch services contract status, and track record of the operator. The analysis then compares projected demand to likely supply, identifies over- or under-supply by region and application, and predicts the number of satellites that will be required to meet demand. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.