U.S. Growing Dependent On Russia For Satellite Propulsion Systems (From Forbes)

There was a time when America was the dominant global provider of thrusters for maneuvering satellites in space.  That time is long gone.  Other nations have subsidized their industry to catch up, and Russia seems to have established a clear lead in the marketplace.  That’s especially true in the use of so-called electric propulsion for moving commercial geostationary satcoms.  It seems ironic that Russia is taking market share among U.S. satellite makers at the same time Congress is insisting the military stop relying on Russian rocket engines to loft payloads into orbit.  Maybe it’s more than ironic — maybe it’s dangerous.  I have written a commentary for Forbes here.