Undaunted by the high failure rate, the fourth one, the London-based Inmarsat, plans to sell a substantial portion of its shares to the public next year.

FORBES: Down To Earth

Whether it's Gogo's exclusive air to ground and ATG-4 technologies, SES's Ku-band satellites or, Inmarsat's Global Xpress Ka-band satellite technologies, we plan to offer a full range of connectivity solutions for any aircraft mission.

ENGADGET: Gogo spreads its in-flight WiFi wings further with SES satellite deal

In March, Inmarsat bought Rydex Industries of Canada, a provider of wireless e-mail and data communications systems for the maritime industry.

FORBES: Down To Earth