The report, Communications Components for Satellites -- 1998-2007 Market Review and Forecast, projects that demand for satellite RF payload components, including subassemblies and modules, will accelerate from $1.4 in 1997 billion to $4 billion in 2001, a compound annual growth rate of 29%.

RF semiconductor shipments for satellites will grow at an even stronger rate of 42% annually through 2001, reaching $450 million. Much of this growth will be driven by Ka-band and Ku-band active array systems using gallium arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs). Demand for silicon RF components will increase as second-generation intelligent mobile satellite systems with increased signal processing requirements are launched between 2000 and 2005.

Major satellite operators have made significant strides recently in their efforts to build extensive new space infrastructure that will provide a variety of new mobile and fixed satellite services. Commercial services launched a record 80 satellites in 1997. The Iridium global mobile personal communications system (GMPCS) 66-satellite phone constellation is now fully deployed, and Iridium service is on schedule to begin in September 1998.

Globalstar, also a GMPCS constellation, has launched 8 satellites as of August 1998, and plans to have its full 48-satellite constellation in orbit and operational by the end of 1999. The progress of these efforts and others bodes well for the 288-satellite Teledesic project. The recent decision of Iridium creator Motorola to invest in Teledesic and act as prime contractor gives the project greater credibility.

Further developments in satellite technology will create a range of new opportunities for RF/microwave component and semiconductor suppliers. New active antenna designs include larger percentages of solid-state active components, printed circuit boards and other high-volume components. Companies with proven production capabilities in these areas should benefit as demand grows and as satellite manufacturers increasingly seek outside sources of supply.

The market study provides an in-depth analysis of satellite service and manufacturing trends in five market segments and 17 applications. Demand for RF, microwave and millimeter-wave components, and semiconductors is forecast based on the applications analysis, a detailed satellite launch forecast and a review of numerous different satellite communications payload architectures. The study profiles 11 major satellite suppliers and includes system details on 22 major proposed constellations.

Communications Components for Satellites -- 1998-2007 Market Review and Forecast includes over 173 illustrations and 195 tables and is available for $4,750.