Space launch should recover soon from its long slump, according to a new report from Forecast Associates. Revenues have already risen 60%—from $3.7 billion in 2002 to $5.5 billion in 2003—and the upward trend should continue, the company predicts. Driving factors include revival in the sluggish commercial communications satellite market—17 new satellites were ordered in 2003, compared with three in 2002—and new government programs. Altogether, Forecast predicts that just under 750 expendable launch vehicles will be built and launched between now and 2013.
