Commercial communications satellites: A unique business model for space programs

Commercial communications spacecraft manufacturing remains a vibrant and successful business in an era of economic downturn. This is supported by the industry's ability to deliver innovative satellite capabilities on relatively short schedules, at low risk and with reliable technologies and performance. A unique set of business and technical processes enables the timely insertion of high-leverage technologies into a product line based mostly on evolutionary technologies and hardware building blocks. The processes help the satellite manufacturers, operators and insurers minimize their business risks while realizing the benefits of offering new, reliable and competitive satellite communications capabilities and services.