Research and Markets announced the release of its "State of the Space Industry 2005" report on Nov. 7.

Designed to provide industry, government, and financiers with an independent assessment of the trends and issues affecting the industry, "State of the Space Industry 2005" offers quantitative and qualitative analysis and commentary on developments in the space industry by providing a top-level overview of the industry overall, sector-by-sector reviews and consensus revenue estimates and forecasts.

The report states that "whether one’s focus is on military, civil government, or commercial activities, there are numerous opportunities" in the space/satellite industry, but warns that the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) represents "the industry’s most serious issue," adding "what initially was a nuisance to businesses has evolved into a serious problem for U.S. industry."

Among other issues and items of note:

• More than $18 billion is spent annually on the development of space systems.
• World turnover generated from commercial and government contracts reached $103 billion in 2004, and is forecast to exceed $158 billion in 2010.
• U.S. defense spending on space has grown from approximately $15 billion in 2000 to more than $22 billion today, and is forecast to reach $28 billion by 2010.
• India and China have joined the U.S., Europe, Russia, and Japan as having fully independent capabilities.
• Satellite-to-consumer television has become a $40 billion market worldwide.
• Markets for satellite radio and GPS positioning and tracking are being validated with growth measured in the billions.
• Successful growth since 2005 for new satellite broadband services in the U.S. and Canada could improve the market for commercial infrastructure.
• Development of a substantial space tourism market would have a positive but disruptive influence on the industry, though is unlikely to happen before 2010.