[Satellite Today 09-08-08] Eutelsat Communications CEO Giuliano Berretta admits one of the key challenges facing the company is gaining access to space. Eutelsat has signed a number of launch contracts in recent months, but Berretta remains concerned about a potential increase in launch costs as well as gaining access to launchers.
    “One of the main challenges is on the launch side, with access to space a huge issue right now,” Berretta told Satellite Today. “The military effort in the [United States] is absorbing American launchers. There is huge pressure on Arianespace, high launch costs and not sufficient choice and flexibility for operators. Even for our company, which has planned well ahead, access to space at a reasonable price in the future is a big concern.”

The complete contents of this feature are available to our premium subscribers. To get the latest, inside news on the satellite industry, subscribe to Satellite News. For more information, visit www.satellitetoday.com/VIP