Competition among satellite insurers is heating up in a boost for operators looking to reduce capex burdens, as it squeezes an already strained insurance market. The return of a major underwriter is also increasing activity in a diminishing pool of placements.

Delayed satellite launches as a result of...

More satellite exposure from businesses outside the historically government-backed industry is key to the market’s long-term viability, particularly as it seeks a wider slice of connectivity revenues in the 5G era. With Microsoft expanding its cloud-based satellite data processing platform to compete with Amazon Web Services, the industry is closer to being woven into the fabric of general connectivity.

Microsoft’s Azure Orbital is...