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The article reports on developments in the satellite segment of the defense and space sectors as of December 2014. Topics include the emergence of additive manufacturing, electric propulsion, software configurability, laser communications and disaggregated platforms in the satellite market, and the developments' goals to reduce satellite and launch costs, increase spacecraft performance and launch flexibility, and enable new markets and services.

The article focuses on reductions in military satellite spending in 2012. It states the U.S. Air Force plans on ordering satellites in bulk to stabilize the satellite industry and reduce costs, pending Congressional approval. It mentions there is uncertainty if aerospace company Lockheed Martin's Global Positioning System III will survive anticipated military budget cuts. It comments on military-commercial partnerships where commercial operators host government payloads on their satellites.

The article focuses on the launch vehicle industry in 2012. It states that an expected reduction in satellite purchases and an increased number of launch vehicle operators could result in greater competition. It mentions the commercial market is dominated by the International Launch Services and Arianespace and comments on Space Exploration Technologies which is promising launches below current market rates. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reported there were 75 launches in 2010.

The article focuses on the commercial communications satellite industry in 2012. It states satellite service growth has been driven by digital television, high-definition video broadcast, broadband internet, and governments. It mentions some governments are purchasing capacity on in-orbit satellites or leasing satellites from commercial operators as a cost reduction method. It suggests the end of major fleet modernization programs by satellite operators may reduce the demand for new satellites.

The article discusses the growth of the artificial satellite market due to civil and military demand for broadband communications. Topics addressed include the December 2013 launch of satellite telecommunications firm Inmarsat's Global Xpress Ka-band spacecraft, the capacities of high-throughput satellites, and Intelsat's consideration of the aviation market for its planned fleet of EpicNG satellites. Satellites operated by other regional Ka-band service providers are also cited.

The article discusses possible changes in the launch-vehicle market resulting from the successful launch of the SES-8 commercial communications satellite by Space Exploration Technologies' (SpaceX) Falcon 9 v1.1 booster in December 2013. Topics addressed include the Falcon 9's competition for U.S. government launches under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, U.S. Air Force certification requirements for the launch vehicle, and EELV-class missions awarded to SpaceX.

The article discusses the satellite communications industry as of December 2012, focusing on an increasing demand for bandwidth from military groups seeking to operate surveillance and unmanned aerial vehicle equipment. Topics include the leasing of commercial satellite capacity, the European Defense Agency, and a program from the U.S. military that is designed to reduce the cost of commercial satellite services. The satellite manufacturers Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin are mentioned.

The article discusses the space-launch and launch-vehicle industry as of December 2012, presenting forecasts for 2013 that focus on competition from privately funded manufacturers and decreases in demand. Topics include the European Space Agency, the United Launch Alliance, and the private launch vehicle manufacturer Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Launch vehicles mentioned include the SpaceShipTwo passenger spacecraft, the Dragon cargo spacecraft, and the Ariane 5 satellite launcher.

The article examines the military use of artificial satellites, particularly for military telecommunication. A plan by the U.S. Department of Defense to create smaller and less technologically complex satellites which can be launched more quickly and are less costly than previous satellite designs whose development have encountered major problems is discussed.

The article offers business forecasting for 2011 for companies involved with the use of artificial satellites in telecommunication. Robust growth for firms which market artificial satellite services is predicted due to dramatic increases in demand for telecommunication, particularly broadband Internet service and the contracting out of satellite communication services by many armed forces.

The article offers business forecasting for the aerospace industries firms International Launch Services and Arianespace, which produce expendable launch vehicles (ELV) for astronautics such as the launching of artificial satellites. A modest improvement in the finances of these companies is predicted, along with increased competition from smaller firms to their dominant position in their industry.