But when you have the kind of backlog that OrbImage has, it's pretty encouraging. Then there are the extras. OrbImage plans to set itself apart by selling more advanced imagery products than its competitors offer. Potential non-military uses include environmental monitoring, mineral exploration and farming. Radar can see objects in the dark and isn't hindered by clouds.
Rye expects to be in the black a year after the launch of the first satellite.
John Copple, CEO of chief competitor Space Imaging, predictably downplays the advantages cited by Rye. They'll have to focus on what part of the market they want to excel in. We all can't be everything to everybody. The price increases for enhancements. The privately owned company says it is seeing lots of demand for imagery products, but it is not releasing any financial data.