The Future of GEO Manufacturing: A Competitive Analysis.
The competition for commercial GEO communications satellites is heating up, with just three contracts announced as of late April. Airbus is hoping to capture as many as six of the 15 or so GEOs expected to be tendered in 2023, while Thales Alenia Space, Maxar, and Boeing are also hungry for more contracts this year. The rise of non-geostationary constellations and the COVID-19 pandemic have caused manufacturers to compete for a smaller pool of contracts for half a decade now. Supply chain issues stemming from the pandemic continue to delay satellite projects, making on-time delivery a key differentiator.