The launch-plus-one insurance placements for the first all-electric satellites are set to hit the market imminently, according to sources.
The Boeing-built ABS-3A and Satmex-7 satellites are expected to be placed as a single deal by Aon/ISB.
The rate…
The launch-plus-one insurance placements for the first all-electric satellites are set to hit the market imminently, according to sources.
The Boeing-built ABS-3A and Satmex-7 satellites are expected to be placed as a single deal by Aon/ISB.
The rate that the operators will need to pay for coverage has been the subject of much conjecture in the insurance community given both the platform and the launcher. While the Boeing 702SP satellites consist of components that have in-flight heritage, they have not been tested together. In addition, the satellites are to be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will be using a new version of the Merlin engine and a new fairing to support its dual launch capability.
One space underwriter pointed to the potential impact of the six month timeframe that the satellites will need to propel themselves to geosynchronous orbit.
He argued, “From an insurance perspective the questions being asked are firstly, will the technology work? Electronic power has been proven for station keeping but this is the first deliberate plan to fly a commercial satellite via electric propulsion.
“And secondly, will the typical launch-plus-one coverage be enough? The six month time lag means the satellite won’t see much commercial operation during the coverage period. So it is possible that the broker may seek to cover more than the first year.”
