The report, the "Annual Projection of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Commercial Payload and Launch Markets, 1997-2006" contained twin scenarios for each phase of space business: a medium growth forecast and a high growth prediction. Its medium growth projection predicts four "Big LEO" satellite constellations and two "Little LEO" systems will be orbited by commercial firms during the decade from 1997 to 2006. This represents an increase of one "Big LEO" system projection above the 1996 forecast released a year ago. A "Big LEO" system is a satellite constellation which supports voice communications via hand-held telephones. "Little LEO" systems are those which support non-voice communications services from space such as paging, remote monitoring, and tracking of packages and vehicles.

In its high growth scenario, FAA predicts five Big LEOs, three Little LEOs. and a large broadband LEO space system will be deployed during the same period. A broadband LEO space system would support high speed data, video conferencing, and other more advanced technology communications from space. The 1997 prediction is an increase of one Big LEO over last year's forecast. It also marks the first time FAA has included broadband systems in its commercial space market projections.This addition results in a 57 percent increase in the total number of commercial satellite payloads projected to be orbited in space during the forecast period.

In the field of space launch, the FAA also sees growth opportunities. In its medium growth view, 96 to 130 small launches (under 10,000 pounds to LEO) and between 74 and 100 medium to large launches during the 1997-2006 time frame are predicted. In the high growth scenario, between 132 and 174 small launches are forecast. Between 120 and 156 medium to large booster flights are projected in the forecast period.

The studies are done by the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation, operating under the Associate FAA Administrator for Space Transportation. The studies have been done each year since 1994. Data is used by both government and industry to plan space policy, international business negotiations, and corporate market campaigns by industry.