Analysis of the Commercial Satellite Industry

This paper summarizes the 2015 version of an annual study conducted by The Tauri Group for the Satellite Industry Association: the State of the Satellite Industry Report. The 2015 version is the 18th edition of the study. The purpose of the study is to provide objective measures of the satellite industry to aid communications with policy makers, regulators, legislators, investors, and other industry stakeholders. The Tauri Group conducted a survey of over 80 companies, including all members of the Satellite Industry Association, and supplemented this data with unique data sets, in-depth public information, and independent analysis. The result is the most accurate available assessment of the global satellite industry and trends. The study results show revenues from satellite companies across the value chain, including satellite services, satellite manufacturing, launch industry, and ground equipment. Within each of these elements, the study analyzes overall revenue, growth, growth within markets, and geographic distribution, and discusses trends. This paper covers data from 2009 through 2014 and shows changes over this period. Key figures include charts and tables depicting annual results and changes from year to year for each industry segment. The study revealed satellite industry revenue of $203 billion in 2014 and overall industry growth of 4 percent worldwide. Growth increased from 3 percent in 2013. All four satellite industry segments posted growth: satellite services grew by 4 percent, satellite manufacturing grew by 1 percent, launch industry grew by 9 percent, and ground equipment grew by 5 percent. Case studies of key issues include: satellite broadband, Earth observation services, very small satellites, and the market for satellite navigation equipment.