7 to GTO? The average comm sat is way below. 5? Arianespace has no problem finding two sats for a total of less than 10.Analyst
The average is more than 5. The commercial Atlas, Proton and Zenit have the heavier spacecraft
It's interesting to note that the bulk of the heavier GEO spacecraft launched are flown on vehicles with reliabilities only around 90%. Atlas V is more reliable so far, but doesn't get most of the global heavy commercial GEO business. People talk about how launch costs don't matter, and only reliability does, but I think the launch statistics kind of belies that simplistic analysis...
People talk about how launch costs don't matter, and only reliability does, but I think the launch statistics kind of belies that simplistic analysis...
Quote from: jongoff on 02/03/2009 03:28 pmIt's interesting to note that the bulk of the heavier GEO spacecraft launched are flown on vehicles with reliabilities only around 90%. Atlas V is more reliable so far, but doesn't get most of the global heavy commercial GEO business. People talk about how launch costs don't matter, and only reliability does, but I think the launch statistics kind of belies that simplistic analysis...I would bet that the lower launch costs of Proton and Zenits even with the higher insurance costs are still cheaper than the Atlas with higher launch costs and lower insurance
Quote from: mlorrey on 02/03/2009 03:41 amBut keep in mind that the oil boom in Russia has significantly improved the Russian economy, its not the same Russia we recall from a decade ago, when nuclear scientists were available to the highest bidder and Mig's could be bought for 100k US. Moscow is now the most expensive city to live in in the world, and professional salaries are far improved. Thus, Russian labor costs are climbing significantly of late, and their prices for launch services are also climbing. Oil's not at $130 a barrel any more. From what I hear, the Russians are hurting again.
But keep in mind that the oil boom in Russia has significantly improved the Russian economy, its not the same Russia we recall from a decade ago, when nuclear scientists were available to the highest bidder and Mig's could be bought for 100k US. Moscow is now the most expensive city to live in in the world, and professional salaries are far improved. Thus, Russian labor costs are climbing significantly of late, and their prices for launch services are also climbing.