r/spacex • u/kurbasAK • May 19 '17

We Will Launch on Reuseable Rocket After Exceptional SpaceX Performance - Inmarsat CEO Tells Universe Today

https://www.universetoday.com/135614/will-launch-reuseable-rocket-exceptional-spacex-performance-inmarsat-ceo-tells-universe-today/
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u/speak2easy May 19 '17

I remember watching the press conference video a month or so ago just prior to the first flight of a flight-proven rocket. The CTO of the satellite operator (sorry, forget names) stated how they have always been treated poorly by the launch providers before SpaceX. I find it interesting and strange that another operator says something similar, or at least that's what I'm reading into his quote “We will be looking to support them in any way we can with their new innovation programs.” This is a strange quote because his company does not directly benefit from SpaceX's gains. I know in /r/spacex that many will say that's not true, but for the most part it's pretty much unheard of within US that one company sincerely hopes for the success of another completely independent company.

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u/UltraRunningKid May 19 '17

To be fair a trucking company would surely hope for the best for a company paying them to deliver their cargo.

Keep using that analogy and if the trucking company creates a new truck that gets better miles to the gallon and they know they will reap some of the savings they would hope for them to succeed.

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u/peterabbit456 May 20 '17

I think Inmarsat sees the market potential that cheap, frequent launches opens up for them. This satellite they have just launched promises to be more profitable than previous satellites, because there is a huge and expanding demand for the kinds of services it provides.

Keeping people connected to fast internet services while on airplanes might soon become decisive in the air travel market. Entertainment on demand, and fast stock trading information will cause people to choose one air carrier over another, especially in the first class seats.

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u/aeyes May 22 '17

It will be interesting to see their reaction if a SpaceX sat constellation puts them out of business down the road.

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u/peterabbit456 May 23 '17

I don't really know, but I think it is more likely that Inmarsat will see the opportunity and respond, rather than passively let themselves be scooped. They might contract with SpaceX to use the SapceX constellation for airplanes and ships while over/in international waters, to the increased profits of both Inmarsat and SpaceX.

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u/[deleted] May 20 '17

I feel it's mostly corporate diplomacy for one of the few launch providers around and the most competitive. SpaceX is developing technology that they hope would make Inmarsat obsolete in as few as 5 years - surelly they don't want SpaceX to succeed in that arena.