BTRC has planned to launch a geosynchronous orbit (GSO) satellite. Its latest mission and vision is to fly a couple of hundreds million dollars kite at 35,000-kilometers up above. The regulator is now in search of a consultant “To find interested financers, launching company, manufacturer of satellite and potential subscribers of transponders, make correspondence visit and liaison with them.”
The US government’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) have made gloomy forecasts of global demand for commercial space launch services for the period 2009 to 2018. Kevin Reyes, Director of Business Development in Boeing Launch Services, is also pessimistic about the prospects of satellite industry. Slide #12 of his May 2009 presentation has nicely compiled the odds.
GSO satellites survive somewhat 12 to 15 years in the orbit. Telecoms minister thinks the space mission will cost up to $200 million. He is, however, clueless about recovering such investment within the satellite’s lifetime. Moreover, the regulator to run a commercial space program remains as mysterious as the ultimate frontier. Possibly an invisible fireworks of public funds in the black hole? Possibly.
During late 1990s a retired army chief turned ICT minister also wanted to launch a satellite. Today’s ruling party, Awami League, was in power at that time. To justify his misadventure the general had even named the satellite after the country’s founder – Bangabandhu 1. Then prime minister, who also heads the government today, scrapped that general’s stupid idea. Let’s see how she reacts this time.
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