US: In its latest report, Technavio has listed the top five leading vendors of the global remote sensing satellite market. In this report, Technavio has also listed five other prominent vendors that are expected to make an impact during the forecast period.
The global market of remote sensing satellite is highly competitive; therefore, to survive it is crucial to provide cost-effective, high-quality satellite systems, with latest technology and materials. The report says, Lockheed Martin and Mitsubishi Electric are the two leading vendors in the market. Their focus is primarily on the implementation of lightweight materials, more of electric technologies, and robust systems. “Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for a number of major US military satellite programs. Mitsubishi Electric ranks second due to the development of both the IGS and the Quasi-Zenith spacecraft,” says Abhay Singh, a lead analyst at Technavio for space sector.
Top five remote sensing satellite market vendors
Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space was founded in 2014 after the restructuring of its parent company, the Airbus Group. It is headquartered in Toulouse, France. The company had 38,000 employees as of December 2014. It reported net revenue of USD 16.9 billion in FY2014.
The company engages in the design, development, and operating space systems ranging from launchers to the in-orbit delivery of satellites, planetary, deep-space missions, and activities in International Space Station's capabilities enhancement programs. The company designs and manufactures space systems and satellite communications products that are used by various governments and institutions.
Ball Aerospace & Technologies
Ball Aerospace & Technologies was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The company designs, develops, and manufactures aerospace systems. The company operates as a subsidiary of Ball Corporation. The company serves defense and civilian government agencies and commercial customers.
Ball Aerospace has been offering high-resolution imagery data gathering capability in collaboration with a US-based space imagery and geospatial content provider, DigitalGlobe since the mid-90s. It has integrated a fleet of remote sensing satellites that are used for advanced geospatial solutions and commercial earth observation.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, US. The company engages in the R&D, production, and supply of advanced technology systems, products, and services to global defense and aerospace industries.
The company, through its space segment, engages in the design, development, and production of satellites and transportation systems. It collaborates with various governments, military organizations, and commercial customers for developing an extensive array of remote sensing, meteorological, navigation, and communication satellites.
Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company engages in the manufacture and sale of electrical and electronic systems and products across the globe.
Since 1960, the company has been associated with space technology development programs in Japan. It has participated in various payloads and bus components development programs across the globe. It has supplied the TURKSAT 4B satellite to the International Launch Services (a US-Russian joint venture) and eventually the satellite was launched into orbit on October 18, 2015.
Thales Alenia Space
Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67% share) and Italy-based aerospace company, Finmeccanica (33%). The company engages in the development of space telecommunication, earth observation, and navigation products, as well as orbital infrastructures. The company has an operation in over eight countries.
Thales Alenia Space designs, develops, and manufactures a comprehensive space system that is used for both commercial and government applications across the world. It provides remote sensing systems such as satellites, platforms, and payloads for defense, civilian, and dual-use applications.
