Despite the hard times that occasionally afflict the U.S. airline industry, satellite companies are still finding new business there.
That’s because a number of major carriers, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Continental Airlines, are introducing new broadband wireless Internet access on all or part of their domestic fleets, according to
The New York Times. The company the airlines are hiring to provide this new service is Aircell, a satellite network provider that uses a combination of ground-based cellular technology and satellite technology to deliver this cost-effective solution. Aircell plans to use Iridium Satellite LLC, a satellite operator, to introduce similar service globally in the near future. Aircell, Iridium, and the telecom satellite maker all stand to benefit from the increased demand.
In a nutshell, that is how the satellite industry works.
A corporation interested in setting up a new corporate satellite data network to connect new offices around the world, for example, would contact a satellite network service provider. They, in turn, would turn to a satellite operator, who owns and operates the satellites in space. Then, demand flows to the satellite manufacturers, who produce and deliver both new satellites and the satellite components for use with them.
Commercial satellite manufacturers meet the following challenges to deliver new satellites to their customers:
- The satellite maker must design, test and build the satellite to the exact specifications necessary to deliver the required services.
- The satellite must be rigorous enough to withstand the harsh conditions in space and during launch aboard a rocket.
- They deliver the satellite to the launch provider.
- Finally, satellite suppliers place the satellite in orbit, completely operational and ready for use.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Let commercial satellite manufacturers supply your network in space
Communication satellite manufacturers provide the satellites for global communications, including voice, data and video for applications such as regional or global corporate satellite data networks. Space science, weather, military and government uses are also common.
I recommend: Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems advertises itself as the world’s leading manufacturer of geostationary satellites.
Orbital designs and builds satellites for science purposes, among others. They partner with agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). For satellite radio manufacturers and satellite TV, look no further than
Loral Space & Communications.
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a telecommunications satellite manufacturer, and contracts with the U.S. government, military and NASA. A good place to learn more is
JSAT International Inc., a satellite operator who provides general information to market their satellite network capabilities.
Satellite receiver manufacturers provide satellite earth stations and necessary components
Satellite antenna manufacturers provide the hardware on earth to connect to the satellites in space. Applications include satellite news gathering (SNG) and satellite communications and broadcast reception in the air, on the seas, and on the ground.
I recommend: Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a telecom satellite maker, including satellite earth stations. One specialty, through the
Radyne division, is satellite news gathering (SNG).
Comtech Antenna Systems, Inc. produces satellite antennas for customers around the world.
Datron Advanced Technologies Inc. manufactures high bandwidth-capable ground stations, antennas, and imaging system products for air, ship and ground use.
Satellite dish manufacturers provide quality satellite TV capabilities
Satellite dish manufacturers provide the satellite TV companies with their dishes. They also supply dealers for free-to-air (FTA) satellite television.
I recommend: HomeVision (Digiwave) Technology Inc. manufactures Digiwave satellite dishes for free-to-air (FTA) satellite TV.
Wistron NeWeb Corporation (WNC) is a Taiwan-based satellite dish manufacturer that supplies
DIRECTV, Inc. with high-definition (HD) dishes, providing the following
DIRECTV HD service.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Satellite manufacturers provide each satellite with a "footprint," or coverage area over parts of the earth. Geostationary orbits provide continuous coverage over one section of the globe, while low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites would require an integrated network to do the same. Compare different footprints available for exactly what you need.
The official source of Satellite Manufacturers is
the Satellite Manufacturers page at Business.com
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