Express tried letting a big distributor (which Pham won't identify) manage its component inventory on-site but eventually dropped the service because it figured it could manage on its own.

FORBES: Stuck in the Middle

Even if it's not, Egan warns that the economy cannot sustain that pace as the inventory cycle normalizes without a stronger consumer component.

FORBES: Markets Brief

International companies cannot access an inventory of vital American satellite components and place orders as the need develops because each component must run the gauntlet of export controls.

ECONOMIST: Space technology

Inventory hurts not just because it has to be financed, but because it erodes in value as component prices decline.

FORBES: Growing pains