Inmarsat Wants More Launch Providers

The head of satellite services provider Inmarsat says he would like to see additional established launch service providers in the market, and hopes that new and returning players such as Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Sea Launch will help foster more choice and competition. But he also says too many can become a crowd. With Delta/Atlas manufacturer United Launch Alliance “essentially out of the market for commercial launches,” companies looking for geostationary launch providers with long track records of success essentially have a choice between Arianespace and International Launch Services (ILS), according to Rupert Pearce, CEO of London-based Inmarsat ...