Anxiety frames smallsat launch amid questions about vehicle count and costs

摘要

Doubts about smallsat launch are intensifying as the number of vehicles in development or consideration continues to rise, while the costs of existing vehicles are seen as too high to support smallsat startups. The oudook is generally dismal - and grew more ominous for independent smallsat launch providers in late 2019, when Arianespace and SpaceX announced smallsat launch services, though their customers are likely to have a different opinion. Yet some contend the doom and gloom might be excessive amid the soaring number of smallsats to be launched. And dedicated smallsat launch sectors offer advantages that others cannot, including the decision when to launch and other custom requirements.