1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PROJECTED S ATELLITE DEMAND

Based on the information provided in this report, the Federal Aviation Administration’s

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST) has developed two

scenarios describing LEO satellite and launch services demand in the 1997 to 2006 time frame: a

“modest growth” scenario and a “high growth” scenario. This approach is similar to the one used

to prepare the 1996 LEO Commercial Market Projections report. The modest growth scenario is

based on relatively conservative assumptions regarding market demand and is considered to be

more likely than the high growth scenario.

• Modest Growth: AST projects that four big LEO (including MEO) and two little LEO

systems will be deployed from 1997 to 2006.

• High Growth: AST projects that five big LEO systems, one broadband LEO (formerly

referred to as a “mega” LEO), and three little LEOs will be deployed from 1997 to 2006.

It appears that demand in the commercial remote sensing market will be capable of supporting as

many as four of the proposed ventures to provide commercial high-resolution imagery

(containing between one and four satellites each). Thus, commercial remote sensing ventures —

along with a steady requirement for commercial launch of scientific and microgravity payloads —

could represent a secondary source of demand for LEO satellites and launches.

PROJECTED LAUNCH DEMAND

Based on AST’s satellite demand projections, the demand for commercial launches to LEO for

the “modest growth” scenario should be 9 to 14 annual medium-to-large-class launches (payloads

greater than 10,000 lbs.) through the year 2000, decreasing to 2 to 4 launches per year from 2001

to 2002, surging to 11 to 14 per year in 2003 to 2004, and dropping to 4 to 6 per year for the

remainder of the forecast period. Demand for small launches (payloads of 10,000 lbs. or less)

will vary between 9 and 14 annual launches, except for a surge in demand to between 13 and 17

launches from 2001 to 2002. The deployment of a broadband LEO constellation –– the primary

demand driver for AST’s “high growth” scenario –– will increase demand for medium-to-large

commercial launches to between 14 and 24 annual launches from 2001 to 2004.

IMPLICATIONS OF ADDITIONAL GROWTH IN DEMAND

AST also considered the implications of extremely dramatic growth in the market for LEO

satellite services by analyzing a “what if” case. This case, comprised of six big LEO systems,

two broadband LEO systems, and six little LEO constellations, represents a boundary condition

based on very optimistic assumptions regarding market demand. As such, the “what if” case is

considered to be even less likely than the high growth scenario. Analysis of this case indicates

that aggregate demand for launch services could peak at between 18 and 24 medium-to-heavyclass launches from 2003 to 2004 and between 28 and 32 small launches from 2005 to 2006.
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 1

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Associate Administrator for Commercial Space

Transportation (AST) has prepared projections of the low Earth orbit (LEO) commercial

payload and launch markets for the period between 1997 and 2006. This assessment includes

market projections for all commercial systems in orbits other than geostationary Earth orbit

(GEO), including systems planned for LEO, medium Earth orbits (MEO) and elliptical orbits

(ELI).1 This report was developed based on AST research and discussions with industry,

including satellite service providers, satellite manufacturers, launch service providers, and

independent analysts.

This assessment represents an update of prior AST studies of the LEO market conducted in

March 1994, May 1995, and April 1996. These studies have facilitated a variety of

Administration efforts, including Interagency Working Groups reviewing U.S. space

transportation issues. The study results do not indicate FAA support or preference for any

particular proposal or system. Rather, the information provided reflects an AST assessment of

overall trends in the LEO commercial satellite markets, with the ultimate purpose of projecting

future space transportation needs to LEO. The LEO system characteristics critical to making

such projections (such as the number of payloads and launch schedule) are representative of

systems that are in development or that have been proposed by the satellite services industry.

II. PROPOSED LEO SYSTEMS

To assess the size of the overall LEO commercial market, it is first necessary to understand the

range of proposed LEO satellite constellations. These multi-satellite systems –– dedicated

primarily to serving telecommunications markets –– will produce the highest level of demand for

LEO satellites and launch services during the forecast period.

Figure 1 lists the publicly announced proposals for LEO communications systems currently

under development in each of three market categories:

• “Big” LEO systems typically operate in the 1 to 2 GHz range and provide voice and data

communications, particularly mobile telephony. Big LEO systems will compete with GEO

and ground-based providers of mobile telephony services.

• “Little” LEO systems will operate at frequencies below 1 GHz and provide data

communications such as e-mail, two-way paging, and messaging, typically in locations that

are difficult to serve through terrestrial data systems (e.g., rural settings).

• Broadband LEO systems will provide high-bandwidth data communications, including

videoconferencing, voice, and high-speed data services. Broadband LEO systems will

compete with GEO-based data relay systems, primarily using the Ka-band frequency range.

 

1 Circular LEO orbits generally have altitudes up to 1250 miles; circular MEO orbits have altitudes ranging from 1250 miles to 22,264

miles (the altitude of geostationary orbit). ELI orbits vary in altitude, with a perigee (lowest part of the orbit) no lower than 100 miles,

and an apogee (highest point in the orbit) as high as 100,000 miles.
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 2

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

SYSTEM OPERATOR MANUFACTURER OPERATIONAL SATELLITES

PLUS ON-ORBIT SPARES

PER SATELLITE

MASS (lbs.) ORBIT (1) FIRSTLAUNCH STATUS

BROADBAND LEO

Celestri Motorola TBD 63+7 7000 LEO (2) 2001 FCC application submitted

Skybridge Alcatel Espace TBD 64+4 1770 LEO 2002 FCC application submitted

Teledesic Teledesic Corp. TBD 288+12 2850 LEO 2001 Licensed; in planning

BIG LEO

Constellation Constellation

Communications

Matra Marconi 47+7 775 LEO 2000 2nd round FCC license

approved

Ellipso Mobile Comm.

Holdings Inc.

Spectrum Astro 18+4 1550 LEO & ELI 2000 2nd round FCC license

approved

Globalstar Loral Qualcomm Alenia Spazio 48+8 985 LEO 1997 Licensed; development and

launch contracts signed

ICO ICO Global

Communications

Hughes 10+2 6050 MEO 1998 Development and launch

contracts signed

Iridium Motorola Lockheed Martin 66+6 1500 LEO 1997 Licensed; launching

Odyssey TRW TRW 12+0 4880 MEO 2000 Licensed; in planning

LITTLE LEO

E-Sat E-Sat, Inc. TBD 6+0 250 LEO 2000 2nd Round Little LEO

applicant

Faisat Final Analysis

Communications

Final Analysis, Inc. 26+0 332 LEO 1999 (3) 2nd Round Little LEO

applicant

GEMNet CTA Space Systems CTA Space Systems 38+TBD 100 LEO 2000 2nd Round Little LEO

applicant

Gonets D Smolsat (Russia) NPO-PM 36+0 500-550 LEO 1997 Launching

IRIS SAIT-Systems

(Belgium)

OHB-Systems 2+0 144 LEO 1998 In development

LEO One USA LEO One USA TBD 40+0 275 LEO 2000 2nd Round Little LEO

applicant

Orbcomm Orbital

Communications

Orbital Sciences 28+0 95 LEO 1995 (4) Licensed; in development

SAFIR OHB Teledata

(Germany)

OHB -Systems 6+0 132 LEO 1997 In development

Starsys GE/Starsys Alcatel 24+TBD 165 LEO 1999 Licensed; in planning

Temisat Telespazio (Italy) Kayser-Threde 7+0 88 LEO 1997 In development

Vitasat Volunteers in Tech.

Assistance

Final Analysis, Inc. 2+0 198 LEO 1999 (5) Licensed; in planning

(1) Low Earth Orbit (LEO); Medium Earth Orbit (MEO); Elliptical Orbit (ELI).

(2) CELESTRI application includes integration with Motorola’s GEO broadband data system.

(3) FAISAT is currently operating one satellite under an experimental license, a second experimental satellite is scheduled for launch in 1997.

(4) ORBCOMM launched two demonstration satellites in 1995; their full constellation is scheduled to begin deployment in 1997.

(5) VITASAT is currently leasing transponder space on FAISAT’s experimental satellite.

Figure 1: Summary of LEO/MEO Communications Systems Under Development
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 3

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

Several of the LEO constellations listed in Figure 1 have been proposed by non-U.S. companies

that do not require licensing by the FCC. Many of these non-U.S. systems have reached

relatively advanced stages of development and can be expected to launch during the forecast

period. In most cases, these systems consist of a small number of lightweight satellites designed

for deployment as secondary payloads. They do not represent a significant driver of demand for

U.S. commercial launch services.

In addition to these systems, there are many proposals for LEO constellations that remain at

comparatively early stages of authorization, financing, and development. These systems are

listed in Figure 2.

SYSTEM OPERATOR MANUFACTURER OPERATIONAL

SATELLITES

PER SATELLITE

MASS (lbs.) ORBIT FIRSTLAUNCH STATUS

BROADBAND LEO

M-Star Motorola (U.S.) TBD 72 3000 LEO TBD In Planning

WEST/MEO Matra Marconi

(France)

Matra Marconi 9 8800 MEO (1) 2003 In Planning

BIG LEO

AMSC AMSC Subsidiary

(U.S.)

TBD 12 5500 MEO TBD In Planning

Gonets R

(Mobile radio)

Smolsat (Russia) NPO-PM 48 2200 LEO 1998 Unknown

Marathon/Mayak Inforkosmos(Russia) NPO-PM 10 5533 ELI 1998 Unknown

Signal KOSS Consortium

(Russia)

NPO Energia 48 680 LEO TBD Delayed

LITTLE LEO

Courier/Convert ELAS Courier

Complex (Russia)

Moscow Institute of

Thermotechnics

12 1107 LEO 2000 Unknown

Elekon NPO-PM/Elbe Space

(Russia/Germany)

NPO-PM 7 TBD LEO TBD Unknown

KITComm KITComm Pty.

(Australia)

Aero Astro 8 TBD LEO 1998 In Planning

LEO One

Panamerica

LEO One Panamerica

(Mexico)

CTA Space Systems 24 330 LEO TBD In Planning

(1) System will also include GEO satellites.

Figure 2: Proposed LEO/MEO Communications Systems Not Yet Under Development

While communications satellites will be the primary driver of demand for commercial launch

services to LEO, the aerospace industry has produced a variety of proposals for commercial

remote sensing2 systems that will contribute to demand, particularly for small launch vehicles.

Several proposed commercial remote sensing systems are listed in Figure 3. In addition to these

payloads, international research organizations generate a low but steady level of demand for

commercial launches of payloads to conduct scientific research, including microgravity and life

sciences investigations.

 

2

The term “remote sensing” encompasses a range of passive and active space-based techniques for observing the Earth. Passive

systems collect energy reflected or emitted from the Earth, while active systems such as radar illuminate targets on Earth and collect

reflected energy. While pioneered by government space programs for national security, scientific and meteorological applications,

remote sensing images are increasingly available in the commercial marketplace. Proposed commercial remote sensing systems

will gather information on conditions on Earth, including its oceans, atmosphere, land, vegetation, and human artifacts.
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 4

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

SYSTEM OPERATOR MANUFACTURER OPERATIONAL

SATELLITES

PER SATELLITE

MASS (lbs.)

FIRST

LAUNCH STATUS

CRSS/SIS Space Imaging

EOSAT

Lockheed Martin

Corporation

2 1800 1997 Scheduled for 12/97

launch

EarlyBird EarthWatch, Inc. CTA Space Systems 3 686 1997 First satellite delivered

for launch

EROS Core Technologies/

Israel Aircraft

Industries (U.S./Israel)

IAI 8 598 1998 First two spacecraft

are in development

QuickBird EarthWatch, Inc. Ball Aerospace 2 2000 1998 Satellite development

underway

OrbView Orbimage Orbital Sciences

Corporation

3 607 1995 OrbView 1 (Microlab)

in operation

Resource-21 Resource-21 TBD 5 TBD 1999 In planning

Figure 3: Commercial Remote Sensing Systems

III. MARKET DEMAND S CENARIOS

Assessment Criteria

The AST forecast of demand for commercial launch services began with an assessment of the key

drivers that affect the size and timing of LEO satellite development. AST assessed potential

demand in each LEO market based on:

• the projected customer demand for target services (e.g., mobile telephony, data

communications, remote sensing imagery)

• the potential effect of various competing technologies (e.g., cellular phones, GEO-based

broadband data systems, aircraft-based remote sensing systems) on customer demand

• the government authorization/licensing process, and (as appropriate) the availability of

frequency spectrum necessary for the operation of LEO systems

• potential limitations on the availability of capital for space-based systems

• the status of contracting for satellite development/production and launches.

Key Findings

AST research generated a series of key findings regarding each market segment (summarized

below).

Big LEO –– Since the release of the 1996 LEO Commercial Market Projections report, significant

progress has been made by the first-round Federal Communications Commission (FCC) big LEO

licensees3 in terms of technical development, contracting, and financing. At the time of this

forecast, several of the first-round big LEO licensees either have begun, or are about to begin,

deployment of satellite constellations. Further, the second-round applicants have considerably

strengthened their applications and, in late June 1997, both were granted licenses by the FCC.

Based on this progress, AST has revised its projections to reflect the deployment and operation

 

3

The FCC has accepted two rounds of applications for licenses to build and operate big LEO and little LEO systems. First-round big

LEO licenses were granted to the operators of the Globalstar, Iridium, and Odyssey systems in early 1995. Second-round big LEO

licenses were granted to the operators of the Constellation and Ellipso systems in late June 1997. First-round little LEO licenses were

granted in late 1995 to the operators of the Orbcomm, Starsys and Vitasat systems. Second-round little LEO applicants include the

operators of the Faisat, GEMnet, E-Sat, and LEO One USA systems.
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 5

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

of four big LEO constellations during the forecast period in its modest growth scenario. AST’s

high growth scenario is based on the deployment of five big LEO constellations as well as an

additional broadband LEO constellation (discussed below).

While the proposers of big LEO systems face many challenges in preparing for system

deployment, the critical issues for this class of satellite are the long-term sustainability and

profitability of each system in its chosen market segment. Most of the big LEO systems seek to

position themselves in the potentially lucrative mobile telephony market, as well as the emerging

market for providing fixed phone services to locations that are currently unserved or underserved

by terrestrial systems (e.g., rural villages in the developing world). In pursuing this market, the

big LEO operators face competition from regional GEO providers of mobile telephone services

(e.g., Satphone and the Asia Cellular Satellite (ACeS) consortium), as well as ongoing buildout of

terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure. This forecast assumes that the big LEO providers

are able to compete effectively in their selected markets, sustaining operations and replenishing

their satellite constellations prior to the end of their scheduled service periods.

In addition to the big LEO systems currently under development, a number of the proposed

systems listed in Figure 2 may also be deployed during the forecast period. Several of these

systems (e.g., those being developed by Russian consortia) will probably not use U.S.

commercial launch services.

Broadband LEO –– Since the 1996 assessment, leading competitors for the broadband LEO

market have made considerable progress in development, licensing, and financing. While these

systems face unusual management and technical challenges, they are emerging as potential

competition for GEO-based broadband data services. In this forecast, AST’s high growth

scenario projects the launch of one large broadband LEO system in addition to the big LEO

systems discussed above.

Little LEO –– As described in the 1996 forecast, spectrum availability, "market timing," and

concerns about alternative terrestrial and space-based services continue to be critical issues facing

the proposers of little LEO systems. To date, only one of the first-round licensees has

proceeded with development of its proposed system (a second is proceeding by leasing

transponder space, rather than by developing a dedicated satellite system). A variety of secondround little LEO applicants await FCC licensing decisions before proceeding with system

financing and development. Due to the limited spectrum availability, the success of the secondround applicants depends on their ability to develop a viable spectrum sharing plan, not only

with each other, but also with the first round of licensees. Given the limited progress in the last

year for most of the little LEO proposers, AST projects deployment of two little LEO

constellations for its “modest growth” scenario, and three little LEO constellations for its “high

growth” scenario. This projection is unchanged from the 1996 AST LEO Commercial Market

Projections.

With regard to non-U.S. LEO systems, it is likely that some of the proposed little LEO systems

listed in Figures 1 and 2 will be partially deployed during the forecast period. As previously
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 6

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

discussed, many of these systems are planned for launch as secondary payloads and are not

significant drivers of demand for U.S. commercial launch services.

Remote Sensing / International Scientific & Microgravity –– AST reviewed both publicly

available and proprietary sources of information to assess the status of the international remote

sensing market. Based on this research, it appears that a number of proposed commercial

providers of remote sensing have the resources to deploy initial systems. In addition, industry

assertions that such ventures will be able to sustain operations throughout the 1997 to 2006 time

frame appear to be credible, assuming demand increases as the price for high-resolution imagery

falls. Thus, commercial remote sensing ventures could represent a secondary source of demand

for small LEO satellites and launch services.

In addition to these remote sensing payloads, international research organizations will continue to

demand commercial launches of payloads to conduct scientific research in LEO, including

payloads for microgravity and life sciences investigations. An assessment of the demand for

these commercial launches has also been incorporated into the projections in this report.

Market Scenarios

Figures 4 and 5 present AST projections of LEO payloads under the two different scenarios,

with four market segments identified for each: big LEO communications systems, little LEO

communications systems, broadband LEO communications systems, and the more general

segment of remote sensing, international scientific, and microgravity payloads. In addition,

Figures 4 and 5 separately identify the number of payloads required to support operations and

maintenance (O&M) (e.g., failure replacement) for each scenario. The deployment approaches

presented for big and little LEO systems in the two scenarios are representative of the

constellation characteristics described in current industry plans and are not intended to signify

AST support for any individual system or proposal.

The modest growth scenario (Figure 4) projects the deployment of four big LEO systems and

two little LEO systems. The 512 total payloads included in this year’s modest growth scenario

is nearly identical to the 518 total payloads projected in the modest growth scenario in last year’s

version of the Commercial Market Projections. This scenario, based on relatively conservative

assumptions regarding market demand, is considered more likely than the high growth scenario

described below.

MARKET SEGMENT 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Broadband LEO N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Big LEO 46 73 16 12 6 0 38 43 36 12

Little LEO 8 20 6 6 6 14 20 0 0 6

Remote Sensing / International

Scientific & Microgravity 7 10 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7

LEO "O&M" Support 0 0 3 12 15 13 7 2 10 12

TOTAL 61 103 31 36 33 34 72 52 53 37

Figure 4: Projected Annual Payloads – Modest Growth Scenario
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 7

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

The high growth scenario (Figure 5) projects the deployment of five big LEO systems, three little

LEO systems, and one broadband LEO system. The 980 total payloads projected represent net

growth of over 60% over last year’s high growth forecast, nearly all of which is attributable to

the inclusion of the broadband LEO constellation in this year’s high growth scenario.

MARKET SEGMENT 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Broadband LEO 0 0 0 0 64 128 108 0 0 0

Big LEO 46 73 16 18 12 18 50 55 42 18

Little LEO 8 20 6 12 6 14 20 0 6 6

Remote Sensing / International

Scientific & Microgravity 7 10 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7

LEO "O&M" Support 0 0 3 12 15 14 7 23 44 46

TOTAL 61 103 31 48 103 181 192 85 99 77

Figure 5: Projected Annual Payloads – High Growth Scenario

Both scenarios assume ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) of each constellation of

satellites that is launched. AST’s assessment of O&M includes representative failure rates

associated with satellite launch, “turn on”, and end-of-life. Each proposed system possesses

somewhat different failure recovery capabilities, relying on constellation redundancy, on-orbit

sparing, and ground spares to ensure that service characteristics remain largely unchanged. For

the purpose of this forecast, AST modeled O&M launches separately, based on representative

failure-recovery plans defined by the various system developers.

AST also assumed in both scenarios that all of the systems deployed during the forecast period

will undergo a full block replacement at the end of system design life, using the same number of

satellites and a similar deployment scheme (hence the apparent “cyclical” variation in the number

of satellites projected during the 10-year forecast period). Due to the rapid evolution of satellite

technology, it is likely that second-generation LEO systems may have substantially different

satellite characteristics. As a result, out-year LEO satellite demand could be quite different from

what is currently projected.

Finally, as described above, the market for LEO satellite services is clearly entering a phase of

fierce competition. Research on the demand for communications services suggests that satellitebased systems provide unique attributes (e.g., “bandwidth on demand”) that will allow them to

compete effectively with terrestrial service providers. However, the outcome of the competition

among LEO systems and between LEO- and GEO-based services remains less clear. This

competition will ultimately be resolved on the basis of price, quality and flexibility of service,

market timing, and relative business strategies. Following initial system deployment, it is likely

that some of the proposed LEO systems will consolidate or that second-generation systems will

be reshaped to focus on particular market niches. Again, the outcome of this competition may

significantly alter out-year demand projections.
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 8

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

IV. LAUNCH DEMAND

An assessment of the launch approaches planned for the various LEO constellations indicates

that most big LEO proposers currently plan to deploy their satellites initially on medium,

intermediate, and heavy-lift commercial vehicles.4 For failure replacements, big LEO system

developers generally plan on using a mix of small and medium launch vehicles, usually launching

clusters of two or three satellites (at most) during operations and maintenance.

Little LEO proposers currently intend to conduct both initial deployment and failure replacement

launches on small launch vehicles due to the relatively small size of these payloads (typically

between 100 and 350 lbs. per satellite). Also, most organizations planning remote sensing,

international scientific, and microgravity payloads are planning to use single- or dual-manifested

small launch vehicles.

Launch approaches for deployment and operation of proposed broadband LEO constellations

remain less clear. The primary competitors in this market have publicly discussed using a mix of

medium, intermediate, and even heavy-lift launch vehicles to deploy their constellations. For the

purpose of this forecast, AST has created a model broadband LEO constellation and deployment

scenario based on available information.

Based on this information, the demand for commercial launches to LEO for the modest growth

scenario (Figure 6) is estimated to average:

• 9 annual medium-to-large launches, with a peak of between 11 and 14 annual launches in

1997-1998 and 2003-2004, and a low of 2 to 4 annual launches in 2001-2002.

• 11 annual small launches, with a peak of between 13 and 17 annual launches in 2001-2002,

and a low of 8 to 11 annual launches in 1999-2000 and 2003-2004.

Year-to-year variability in the demand for commercial launch services is driven largely by AST’s

assumption that there will be sufficient demand for satellite services to support the operations,

maintenance, and eventual replacement of all systems.

MODEST GROWTH SCENARIO

VEHICLE SIZE 1997-1998 1999-2000 2001-2002 2003-2004 2005-2006

SMALL

LAUNCHES

9 to 12

per year

8 to 11

per year

13 to 17

per year

8 to 11

per year

10 to 14

per year

MEDIUM-TO-LARGE

LAUNCHES

11 to 14

per year

9 to 12

per year

2 to 4

per year

11 to 14

per year

4 to 6

per year

PROJECTED TOTAL

LAUNCHES

40 to 52 34 to 46 30 to 42 38 to 50 28 to 40

Figure 6: Projected Demand for LEO Launch Services – Modest Growth Scenario

 

4

For the purpose of this forecast, AST defines “small” launch vehicles as those capable of lifting payloads of 10,000 lb. or less to LEO.

“Medium to large” launch vehicles are those capable of lifting payloads greater than 10,000 lb. to LEO. This definition is the same as

that used to prepare the 1996 LEO Commercial Market Projections Report.
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 9

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

The demand for commercial launches to LEO for the high growth scenario (Figure 7) is estimated

to average:

• 13 annual medium-to-large-class launches, with peaks of between 14 to 18 annual launches in

2001-2002 and between 18 to 24 annual launches in 2003-2004.

• 15 annual small launches, with a low of 9 to 12 annual launches in 1999-2000, growing to

between 19 to 25 launches per year at the end of the forecast period.

HIGH GROWTH SCENARIO

VEHICLE SIZE 1997-1998 1999-2000 2001-2002 2003-2004 2005-2006

SMALL

LAUNCHES

9 to 12

per year

9 to 12

per year

16 to 21

per year

13 to 17

per year

19 to 25

per year

MEDIUM-TO-LARGE

LAUNCHES

11 to 14

per year

10 to 13

per year

14 to 18

per year

18 to 24

per year

7 to 9

per year

PROJECTED TOTAL

LAUNCHES

40 to 52 38 to 50 60 to 78 62 to 82 52 to 68

Figure 7: Projected Demand for LEO Launch Services – High Growth Scenario

Based on available information, the competitions for forecasted LEO launches should, in most

cases, be open to bids from all international commercial launch service providers.

The substantial increase in demand for commercial launch services in the high growth scenario is

driven primarily by the requirements for deployment of the broadband LEO systems proposed

by industry. Note that the inclusion of a single broadband LEO constellation in the high growth

scenario is responsible for 63% of the increase in projected launches over the modest growth

scenario. Should such systems fail to reach the deployment phase, demand for launch services in

the high growth scenario would remain constant at around 10 to 15 medium-to-heavy launches

per year from 2001 through 2004.

V. GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR LAUNCH SERVICES IN EXCESS OF THE HIGH GROWTH S CENARIO

AST’s high growth scenario represents a substantial increase in the number of projected satellites

and launches over high growth scenarios from previous reports, largely due to the inclusion of a

large broadband LEO constellation. Given the growing demand for launch services by providers

of GEO-based satellite services, it is likely that some increase in commercial launch capacity will

be necessary to support continued growth in both the LEO and GEO markets. Of particular

interest to the U.S. Government and industry is the question of whether sufficient launch

capacity exists to support growth in the number of satellite systems deployed during the forecast

period beyond the high growth scenario.

Figure 8, below, presents the potential payload demand based on a “what if” exercise to assess

the upper limits of demand for satellite services. This attempt to establish “boundary

conditions” is based on the successful launch and deployment of six big LEO, six little LEO, and
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PAGE 10

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

two broadband LEO constellations, as well as an ongoing level of commercial remote sensing,

international scientific, and microgravity missions.

MARKET SEGMENT 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Broadband LEO 0 0 0 18 98 144 108 0 0 0

Big LEO 46 73 16 29 18 21 52 55 53 24

Little LEO 8 20 18 62 38 22 28 12 56 38

Remote Sensing / International

Scientific & Microgravity 7 10 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7

LEO "O&M" Support 0 0 3 12 15 17 16 35 50 52

TOTAL 61 103 43 127 175 211 211 109 166 121

Figure 8: Projected Annual Payloads – “Boundary Condition” Exercise

This exercise assumes that all of the LEO communications systems currently under development

will successfully launch their satellite constellations and maintain/replenish these systems (recall

that these systems are listed in Figure 1). As such, this case is considered highly unlikely and is

included only to explore the limits of demand for launch services.

The inclusion of these LEO communications systems increases the total number of payloads in

the “what if” exercise by 35% over the high growth scenario (Figure 9).

0

50

100

150

200

250

1997199819992000200120022003200420052006

Annual LEO Payloads

Modest Growth

High Growth

Boundary Condition

Figure 9: Projected Annual Payloads – Comparison of Forecasts
1997 LEO COMMERCIAL MARKET PROJECTIONS

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Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

The resulting total demand for small launches increases 31% (Figure 10) over the high growth

scenario, and increases 14% for medium-to-heavy launch services (Figure 11).

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

1997-

1998

1999-

2000

2001-

2002

2003-

2004

2005-

2006

Annual Launches

Modest Growth

High Growth

Boundary Condition

Figure 10: Projected Annual Demand for Small Launches – Comparison of Forecasts

0

5

10

15

20

25

1997-

1998

1999-

2000

2001-

2002

2003-

2004

2005-

2006

Annual Launches

Modest Growth

High Growth

Boundary Condition

Figure 11: Projected Annual Demand for Medium-to-Large Launches – Comparison of Forecasts