Good time seen for satellite makers

The recent downturn in the worldwide satellite market is over, according to an industry report released last month.

Global government and commercial satellite sales should reach $158 billion by 2010, up 53 percent from the $103 billion in 2004, according to the report "2005 State of the Space Industry."

"Now is a good time to be involved in the space and satellite industry," said the annual report, issued by the International Space Business Council. "Government funding for space is on the rise, commercial orders for satellites and launches have rebounded and stabilized, new exploration initiatives are being pursued, and entrepreneurial efforts related to radio, broadband and space tourism are generating excitement."

Other factors behind the market's reemerging strength were the $40 billion satellite-to-consumer television market, strong and growing demand for satellite radio and Global Positioning Satellite and tracking capabilities, it said. In addition, U.S. defense spending on space increased from $15 billion in 2000 to $22 billion in 2004. The report predicted that this amount would grow to $28 billion by 2010.