Their ability to warn of impending disasters has saved countless lives. They may even be used to help save the planet. Satellites could be used to generate solar power that could reduce our reliance on harmful fossil fuels, a 2007 study commissioned by the US Department of Defense concluded.

Our insatiable appetite for new technology is driving demand for a new generation of bigger, more complex satellites. But even after 50 years' experience, launching and operating satellites remains a risky business and there are new perils on the horizon.

The new-generation satellites cost as much as $350m - two or three times as much as traditional satellites - and with the Ariane 5 rocket able to deliver two satellites into space in one mission, a problem during launch could be catastrophic and wipe out much of the available insurance capacity.

Once in orbit, if a new 'processed payload' satellite suffered even a relatively minor loss of power, a number of its transponders (which carry the communication signals) may have to be shut down to allow its power-thirsty digital processor to remain running.

This may reduce the satellite's capacity to such an extent that it is rendered largely ineffective, years before the end of its projected lifespan. It may take only a 30% loss in power for it to become an effective insurance write-off, says David Wade, space underwriter at the Atrium Space Insurance Consortium.

Heavy Solar Weather Ahead
Just as property underwriters fret about how changes in sea surface temperatures and wind shear can create more hurricanes, satellite underwriters worry about variations in the sun that can create catastrophic weather in space.

The Sun's intense atmosphere causes solar flares, proton flares and the solar wind, all of which can wreak immense damage on spacecraft and satellites.

Their impact and frequency increase as the sun reaches its peak during an 11-year solar cycle. The next 'solar maximum' is predicted to be in May 2013, according to a recent panel of experts.

Underwriters will consider whether to reduce their aggregate exposures as the solar maximum nears, bringing with it an increased threat of damage to satellites, says Simon Clapham, Head of the Marine Division at Liberty Syndicates.

Lloyd's insurers are prepared for a welter of claims resulting from a large proton flare from the sun that would affect every satellite in orbit, creating a loss of power that would lead to a 5% financial loss on each of the 160 or so insured satellites.

Although the solar maximum is expected to be milder than in previous cycles there may still be 'bad' space weather to come. The 1859 geomagnetic storm, set off by a powerful solar flare that created an enormous electric charge that hit earth, was in a similar solar cycle to the one we are now experiencing.

If the 1859 storm were to be repeated today it could cause $1trn - $2trn of damage to our hi-tech infrastructure, according to a study by the US National Academy of Sciences. By contrast, Hurricane Katrina - the costliest disaster in history - cost insurers around $40bn.

Space Junk
Given our reliance on satellites for communications, navigation and earth observation, the risk of them hitting one of the many piece of space debris that litter orbit is an increasing concern to satellite operators.

Around 18,000 pieces of space debris are tracked by the Space Surveillance Network, but it is estimated that there are up to 1 million items of orbital junk that are too small to be able to be followed by radar. These items range from flakes of paint to camera lens caps, and when moving at around 25,000 kph they can cause immense damage to a satellite.

February saw the first known orbital collision, involving an Iridium satellite and a defunct Russian Cosmos satellite. With an estimated 6,000 satellites launched since the Soviet Union's Sputnik in 1957, only half of which are still operational, such an incident has been regarded as increasingly inevitable.

Satellites that are in low-earth orbit, where much of the debris lies, are having to be manoeuvred more regularly to avoid debris and other satellites. But doing so uses up their valuable fuel, which in turn reduces the satellites' lifespans.

Other challenges confronting the space industry in the future include the imminent retirement of many of the original space pioneers and experts, whose departure may deprive the industry of decades of knowledge and experience that younger generations simply don't possess. Also, increasing consolidation among suppliers to satellite manufacturers may increase the risk of generic defects being found in components used widely across the industry.

The December 7 unveiling of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShip Two has brought the prospect of mass sub-orbital spaceflight a step closer, bringing its own mixture of new opportunities and hazards.

"Space tourism is definitely an area to keep an eye on," says Wade. "Although I think the market for it will be relatively small; a much bigger potential market will be for companies who want to complete experiments in weightlessness using sub-orbital spaceships."

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