Aerospace
Brit Insurance has been a leading insurer in the satellite and launch vehicle sector for more than 15 years. Our team is one of the most comprehensive and experienced group of Space Insurance specialists in the world.
The highly technical nature of the insured risk requires a considerable breadth of experience and technical knowledge. The Space team works together with one of the world's largest satellite operators, Telesat, who provide valuable technical expertise in this challenging sector.
In-Orbit
In-orbit insurance is the natural extension to the launch policy to cover the initial testing of the satellite upon arrival in orbit and the remainder of the life of the satellite. Once the satellite has separated from the launcher it undergoes a period of in-orbit testing.
This typically takes thirty to sixty days, depending on the complexity of the satellite. At the end of this period the satellite enters service to perform its intended mission.
A typical geostationary communications satellite could be expected to provide its communication services for up to fifteen years.
Coverage is for loss of, damage to or failure of the satellite to operate as intended. Such risks include: loss of transponder capacity; loss of on board fuel or electrical power or the physical damage that could be caused by a debris strike.
Brit Insurance typically offers a single insurance policy that covers the satellite from the commencement of the launch, through the in-orbit test phase and up to one year after the launch date. After this date, we offer stand alone in-orbit coverage on annually renewable policies for the duration of the satellite's design lifetime.
Launch
Launch insurance is available to cover loss of, damage to or failure of the satellite during the launch phase. Launch coverage generally commences at intentional ignition of the launch vehicle's engines or lift-off i.e. as the launch vehicle physically separates from the launch pad.
During the launch phase the satellite experiences high levels of acceleration, vibration and acoustic noise. The launch phase ceases at the point that the satellite is separated from the launch vehicle, which depending on the specific launch vehicle can be from around twenty minutes to ten hours after launch commencement.
Pre-launch insurance
Pre-launch insurance is available to cover a satellite, or its parts, whilst in transit from the manufacturers plant to the launch site. Coverage also includes work undertaken at the launch site, including fuelling and integration with the launcher.
Coverage will include physical loss of or damage to the satellite, or parts thereof. Under a pre-launch policy, coverage will cease at the moment of launch, typically either intentional ignition of the launcher’s engines, or at lift-off. 