While satellite and aerospace manufacturer Orbital Sciences exceeded its financial expectations by reporting a strong 2011 third quarter, Chairman and CEO David Thompson forecasted a satellite slowdown in 2012 while speaking to reporters and analysts during an Oct. 20 conference call.

   Thompson predicted that Orbital would see flat 2012 satellite revenues following two years of double-digit growth.

   “Demand for small commercial GEO satellites is expected to approximate five to seven satellites, down from seven to nine satellites in the recent past. Likewise, our National Security Satellite business is prepared to face increasingly difficult budget headwinds,” said Thompson. “However, we remain well-positioned to acquire a large portion of those budget-conscious awards due to our cost-effective satellite systems.”

   Thompson also spoke of caution on its Taurus 2 rocket, as reserves for the NASA COTS program have dwindled to “the single-digit millions,” however, “About 96 percent of Taurus 2 developmental expenditures are now complete and the launch pad should be completed soon with certification by January 2012,” said Thompson.