Major Satellite Operators Team Up to Increase Launch Options
Four communications satellite operators have formed a coalition in an effort to increase commercial launch options, because the launch industry has seen large-scale consolidation in recent years, the group said on Wednesday. The group, named the Coalition for Competitive Launches, includes EchoStar, Intelsat, SES and Telesat.
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The coalition hired former Sen. John Warner, now at Hogan and Hartson, to convince the Defense and State Departments that more worldwide competition is needed in the commercial launch industry, which is “led today by Russian and French companies,” the coalition said in a statement. The group wants to “increase launch vehicle options that could ultimately lower costs for users of communications satellites, while addressing the concerns of the U.S. Government regarding the potential transfer of sensitive satellite technology,” Warner said.
“We just want to level the playing field,” Warner said in interview. “Hopefully we can develop some domestic capability.” Warner said he has been working with the coalition for the last three months and will be focused only on the executive branch. A lawyer from Holland and Knight will be working with Congress, he said.
In particular, the group wants United Launch Alliance, which largely launches U.S. government satellites, to launch more commercial satellites. ULA now controls two formerly competitive launch vehicles, the Delta and the Atlas, reducing the options for commercial launches, the group said. The group is also pushing for International Traffic in Arms Regulation reform so satellite companies could use launchers made in China. ITAR restricts the movement of technology and information to other nations.
While the four companies are members of the Satellite Industry Association and are generally represented by it on ITAR issues, SIA said it would not comment on the coalition as not all its members are aligned on the launch issue. - Tim Warren