Any manmade body, including spacecraft, launched by rocket into space and put into orbit around the earth. The use of satellites for communications has been greatly extended and the aviation insurance industry has developed a range of policies to meet the risks. See SATELLITE/SPACE INSURANCE.

Consequential loss cover following physical loss or damage to a satellite. Media and telecoms companies rely upon satellite transmission on a daily basis and service interruptions are costly. Cover can be effected at any time during the lifespan of the satellite.

Covers liability for physical damage and bodily harm to third parties both on the ground and in space caused, for example, by satellites colliding or launch failures.

Cover for satellites is related to four phases of the satellite’s lifespan. The erection period is covered under erection all risks, the period from completion of assembly to launch is covered under pre-launch insurance, the launch itself is insured under launch insurance and during its working life it is covered under life insurance. Other insurances available are satellite consequential loss which can be effected during any phase, third party liability and extra expenses from delayed launch.

The Sale of Goods Act 1979 term whereby the seller promises that the goods are of satisfactory quality. This means reaching a standard that a reasonable person would regard as satisfactory, taking into account the price and any description. Aspects of quality include fitness for purpose, freedom from minor defects, appearance and finish, durability and safety. See FITNESS FOR PURPOSE; PRODUCT LIABILITY; UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS ACT 1977.