Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO, Thales Alenia Space

 

Via Satellite: What role can satellites and satellite technology play in the mobile TV market?

Sourisse: The role we see for satellite players is really to take part in this huge market. The mobile TV solution we support is based on a hybrid system combining satellite broadcasting together with terrestrial broadcasting. Satellite broadcasting will enable operators to have universal coverage while terrestrial broadcasting will be used in dense areas. So it is a question of adequately combining the use of terrestrial networks with the use of satellite-based solutions. Satellite operators play quite a big role in this market, but they will not be the only ones. Mobile operators and media players such as content providers will also be largely involved. This is a big opportunity for the future.

Via Satellite: Do the difficulties in the launch market directly impact a satellite manufacturer?

Sourisse: It does not directly impact us. We are seeing a very active market in terms of satellite investments. We are benefiting from it. We believe that in the future we will compete to have an excellent position on the market. We believe the demand will continue. Even if there are constraints today on the launch market I am sure the various launch service providers will do what is needed to make sure their vehicles are reliable and meet the demands of customers.

Via Satellite: Will impact will long-term launch deal have on the market?

Sourisse: I consider it quite natural that operators want to secure access to launchers. They have large investment plans for satellites. They need to make sure they have launchers available. We have long-term partnerships with some suppliers, so in that sense, what SES has done is not unusual.
I am sure what customers are looking for is to have reliable launchers when they need it. So as soon a launch service provider can demonstrate that they have a reliable solution and that they are ready to offer this solution at competitive prices, there will be room in the market for them. Demand is exceeding supply for the time being.

Via Satellite: Do you expect to see increased spending in the military market?

Sourisse: There is a growing awareness in a number of countries concerning the importance of satellites to master information on an end-to-end basis. This approach of linking an adequate mastering of information with space technologies is one of the key elements of the space strategy of the U.S. France is also having a similar type of approach. Other countries also have the same type of understanding like Italy, the U.K., and countries that are starting to deploy defense systems like Germany and Spain.

Via Satellite: What role do you see the company playing on the satellite landscape in Europe?

Sourisse: We see a lot of opportunities in the institutional markets with programs like Galileo, GMES, space exploration and future ones that need to be confirmed during the next ESA Ministerial conference at the end of 2008. In addition to that, we are working on future programs for defense users. We are quite optimistic that there will be a strong need for space solutions, and ministries of defense will confirm new programs to maintain the systems they have in operations such as in telecoms and Earth observation.
In the field of defense, there are more cooperations between countries. Initially, programs in the defense field were developed purely on a national basis, but now there is a trend in Europe in favour of cooperation between different countries. It is the case between France and Italy, which are cooperating more and more. This could be extended to other countries. This could create some interesting opportunities for us.

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