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Boeing shrunk a 3,750-kilogram satellite to 1,900 kilograms dry mass by moving from 4,500 components and nearly 1,300 radio-frequency cables to 348 components and 64 cables. No more traveling wave tube amplifiers (no relationship to the Traveling Wilburys!)spacenews.com/boeing-unveils…
In traditional satellite manufacturing the process took place in a "high bay." Bunny suited assemblers scampered around as if it was a giant religious icon, assembling each one manually. The assumption of the manufacturers was that lower satellite prices wouldn't increase demand. 
"Orders for new GEO satellites have plummeted: less than ten were ordered last year and no more than about ten are expected this year." thespacereview.com/article/3570/1 This has significantly reduced the need for commercial rocket launches. SpaceX launches will be flat or down in 2019.
You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (end of the line)
Waiting for someone to buy your giant satellite thing (end of the line)
Sit around and wonder what sales jingle to sing (end of the line)
What will tomorrow bring?
The Travelling Wave Tube Blues by the GEOs
Waiting for someone to buy your giant satellite thing (end of the line)
Sit around and wonder what sales jingle to sing (end of the line)
What will tomorrow bring?
The Travelling Wave Tube Blues by the GEOs
