Satellites Market
Satellites Market by Mass (1-1200 kg, 1201-2000 kg, >2000 kg), Application (Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation), Subsystem (Satellite Bus, Solar Panels, Payloads, Satellite Antenna), Frequency, Propulsion, and Region -Global Forecast to 2031
OVERVIEW
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
The satellites market is projected to grow from USD 15.68 billion in 2025 to USD 46.79 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 16.9%. In terms of volume, the market is expected to reach 5,110 units by 2031, from 2,942 units in 2025. The growth is driven by expanding satellite networks, increasing demand for communication and Earth observation services, rising commercial involvement, and ongoing government and defense investments in space infrastructure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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By RegionAsia Pacific accounted for a 39.3% revenue share in 2025.
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By MassThe small satellites segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 23.8% during the forecast period.
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By ApplicationCommunication satellites are expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period.
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Competitive LandscapeSpaceX, Thales Alenia Space, and Lockheed Martin Corporation were identified as the star players in the satellites market, given their substantial market share and product footprint.
The satellites market is growing steadily as communication, earth observation, navigation, and defense activities increasingly depend on space-based systems. Improved payloads, onboard processing, and propulsion are enhancing satellite performance and mission efficiency. Meanwhile, more commercial players are entering the market, and satellite constellations are expanding, supporting overall market growth.
TRENDS & DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMERS' CUSTOMERS
The impact on customers’ customers in the satellites market comes from the increasing need for reliable connectivity, real-time Earth observation, and secure space-based services for both commercial and government clients. More satellite launches, software-defined payloads, and AI-based onboard processing are encouraging end users to adopt more flexible and data-driven operations. There is also a stronger emphasis on high-capacity communication, faster data access, and resilient space infrastructure, which is transforming service delivery and boosting demand for advanced satellites, subsystems, and launch solutions.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
MARKET DYNAMICS
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Rapid deployment of LEO constellations

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Rising demand for Earth observation data
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Spectrum allocation and regulatory approvals
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Limited availability of space-qualified components
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Data-as-a-service business models
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Software-defined and reconfigurable satellites
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Orbital congestion and collision risk
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Long-term constellation economics
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Driver: Rapid deployment of LEO constellations
Large-scale LEO constellation deployments are cutting deployment time and lowering satellite costs through standardized manufacturing and rideshare launches. This enables operators to expand coverage more quickly and support latency-sensitive applications like broadband, IoT backhaul, and mobility services. Faster constellation rollouts result in earlier revenue and also boost launch activity and satellite production volumes.
Restraint: Spectrum allocation and regulatory approvals
Limited access to coordinated spectrum and slow licensing processes in many countries are delaying satellite network rollouts. Operators must handle ITU filings, local approvals, and coordination with terrestrial networks, which increases time to market. Regulatory uncertainty can delay constellation expansion plans and limit service availability in key regions.
Opportunity: Data-as-a-service business models
Satellite operators are increasingly shifting toward monetizing data directly instead of just selling raw capacity, especially in Earth observation and analytics-driven applications. Offering processed insights such as change detection, monitoring alerts, and predictive analysis enhances margins and generates steady recurring revenue. This transition appeals to enterprise and government users who prefer actionable information over owning satellite assets.
Challenge: Orbital congestion and collision risk
Higher satellite density in crowded LEO orbits leads to more close approach events and complicates operations. Operators must invest in collision avoidance tools, maneuver systems, and space situational awareness services. This congestion also raises regulatory checks and concerns about the long-term sustainability of future satellite launches.
SATELLITES MARKET: COMMERCIAL USE CASES ACROSS INDUSTRIES
| COMPANY | USE CASE DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS |
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Airlines, maritime operators, remote enterprises, and government agencies need dependable, high-bandwidth connectivity in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unavailable, including rural, maritime, and aeronautical environments. | Provides reliable high-speed broadband coverage, supports mission-critical communications, boosts operational efficiency, and enables digital services for aircraft, vessels, and remote users without depending on ground-based networks. |
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Government and civil authorities require timely, high-resolution Earth observation data to respond to natural disasters, monitor environmental changes, and manage land and infrastructure assets, especially where traditional monitoring systems lack coverage and revisit frequency. | Provides quick-access, high-resolution imagery with frequent revisits, enhances situational awareness, supports faster decision-making during emergencies, and enables long-term environmental monitoring and asset management. |
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Critical sectors such as aviation, maritime transport, telecommunications, finance, and defense rely on precise, continuous, and globally accessible positioning and timing services to ensure safe operations and system synchronization. | Enables precise global navigation and timing, enhances safety and reliability, supports civilian and military uses, and underpins vital infrastructure like transportation, communications, financial networks, and defense systems. |
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET ECOSYSTEM
The satellites market ecosystem includes major platform manufacturers and solution providers such as SpaceX, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, Planet, and Lockheed Martin, along with specialized satellite and subsystem companies like Sierra Nevada Corporation, Surrey Satellite Technology, GomSpace, and AAC Clyde Space. These companies typically combine satellite buses, payloads, launch support, and downstream services to deliver comprehensive space solutions rather than standalone hardware. Close collaboration with end users like the European Space Agency and NASA helps enhance satellite capabilities in communication, Earth observation, and scientific missions while supporting the rising needs of commercial and government sectors in space.
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET SEGMENTS
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Satellites Market, By Mass
Large satellites are expected to dominate the mass segment, mainly because they can carry larger payloads, operate for longer periods, and perform mission-critical roles. These satellites are commonly used for high-throughput communication, navigation, weather monitoring, and defense-related missions.
Satellites Market, By Application
Communication satellites are expected to be the leading application segment due to the high demand for broadband connectivity, broadcasting, and secure data links. These satellites are extensively used for telecom backhaul, aviation, maritime connectivity, and enterprise networks.
Satellites Market, By Customer Type
The commercial segment is expected to hold the largest market share, supported by increased investments from private satellite operators and service providers. Commercial satellites are increasingly used for connectivity, data services, and analytics-focused applications. Faster deployment cycles and scalable business models are further accelerating adoption within this segment.
Satellites Market, By Frequency
The Ku-band is expected to dominate the frequency segment due to its widespread use in satellite communication services. It provides a good balance of coverage and capacity, making it ideal for broadcasting, broadband, and mobility applications. A well-established network of ground terminals and service providers continues to support consistent demand.
REGION
Asia Pacific to be fastest-growing region during forecast period
Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing satellite market during the forecast period, driven by expanding national space programs, rising satellite launches, and increasing demand for communication and earth observation services. Higher investment in defense and civil space missions, along with strong government support in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, is boosting satellite deployments across the region. Faster commercialization of space activities and the growing need for regional connectivity are also contributing to this momentum.

SATELLITES MARKET: COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX
SpaceX (Star) leads with a strong market share and a broad product footprint, supported by its large-scale LEO constellations and vertically integrated satellite manufacturing and launch capabilities. Planet Labs (Emerging Leader) is strengthening its position through high-frequency Earth observation constellations and data-driven analytics platforms serving both commercial and government customers. While SpaceX maintains dominance through scale, launch integration, and global broadband reach, Planet Labs shows significant potential to move toward the leaders’ quadrant as demand grows for real-time geospatial intelligence and recurring satellite data services across civil and enterprise sectors.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY MARKET PLAYERS
- SpaceX (US)
- Lockheed Martin Corporation (US)
- Airbus (Netherlands)
- Northrop Grumman (US)
- Thales Alenia Space (France)
- L3Harris Technologies (US)
- MDA Space (Canada)
- Planet Labs (US)
- Sierra Nevada Corporation (US)
- Lantheus Space Systems (US)
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan)
- RTX Corporation (US)
- OHB SE (Germany)
- Boeing (US)
- York Space Systems (US)
- Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK)
MARKET SCOPE
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2024 (Value) | USD 14.17 BN |
| Market Forecast in 2031 (Value) | USD 46.79 BN |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 16.9% from 2025–2031 |
| Years Considered | 2021–2031 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025–2031 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD MN/BN), Volume (Units) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments Covered |
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| Regions Covered | North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Rest of the World |
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU: SATELLITES MARKET REPORT CONTENT GUIDE

DELIVERED CUSTOMIZATIONS
We have successfully delivered the following deep-dive customizations:
| CLIENT REQUEST | CUSTOMIZATION DELIVERED | VALUE ADDS |
|---|---|---|
| Leading Manufacturer | Additional segment breakdown for countries | Additional country-level market sizing tables for segments/sub-segments covered at regional/global level to gain understanding of market potential by each country |
| Emerging Leader | Additional company profiles | Competitive information on targeted players to gain granular insights on direct competition |
| Regional Market Leader | Additional country market estimates | Additional country-level deep dive for more targeted understanding of total addressable market |
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- May 2025 : CNH Industrial N.V. entered a partnership with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, to integrate satellite-based broadband connectivity across its agricultural equipment portfolio. This partnership enabled low-latency, high-speed connectivity for precision agriculture, real-time machine monitoring, fleet management, and AI-enabled digital platforms.
- December 2025 : The US Space Force confirmed the deployment of the MILNET satellite communications constellation in partnership with SpaceX, comprising approximately 480 LEO small satellites. The program is funded by the Space Force and administered through the National Reconnaissance Office using the existing Starshield contract framework.
- December 2025 : Lockheed Martin Corporation secured a contract from the Space Development Agency to deliver 18 satellites for Tranche 3 of the Tracking Layer under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The LEO small satellites will provide missile warning, tracking, and fire control quality data to support global missile defense, including hypersonic threat detection.
Table of Contents
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Methodology
The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the Satellites Market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the satellites market, its adjacent markets, and its parent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Demand-side analysis was conducted to estimate the overall market size. After that, market breakdown and data triangulation procedures were employed to estimate the sizes of various segments and subsegments within the satellites market.
Secondary Research
During the secondary research process, various sources were consulted to identify and collect information for this study. The secondary sources included government sources, such as SIPRI; corporate filings, including annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations from companies; white papers, journals, and certified publications; and articles from recognized authors, directories, and databases.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted after acquiring information regarding the satellites market scenario through secondary research. Several primary interviews were conducted with market experts from the demand and supply sides across major countries of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Rest of the world. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews.
The following is a breakdown of the primary respondents:
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Market Size Estimation
The top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the satellites market. The research methodology used to estimate the size of the market included the following details:
- Key players in the satellites market were identified through secondary research, and their market shares were determined through a combination of primary and secondary research. This included a study of the annual and financial reports of the top market players, as well as extensive interviews with leaders, including directors, engineers, marketing executives, and other key stakeholders of leading companies operating in the market.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
- All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data on the satellites market. This data was consolidated, enhanced with detailed inputs, analyzed by MarketsandMarkets, and presented in this report.
Satellites Market Size: Bottom-up & Top-down Approaches

Data Triangulation
After determining the overall market size, the total market was divided into several segments and subsegments. The data triangulation and market breakdown procedures explained below were implemented, wherever applicable, to complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the estimated market numbers for the market segments and subsegments. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from the demand and supply sides. Additionally, the market size was validated using top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
A satellite is an artificial object placed in orbit around a planet or celestial body to perform specific functions, such as communication, Earth observation, navigation, or scientific research. It collects and transmits data to the Earth, enabling various studies and research. Depending on mass, satellites can be categorized as small, medium, or large. They leverage advancements in the miniaturization of technology. Satellites are launched independently or as secondary payloads, allowing cost-effective access to space and opportunities for high-frequency mission updates and constellation deployment.
Key Stakeholders
- Satellite Operators and Constellation Owners
- Satellite Manufacturers and Prime Contractors
- Payload and Mission Equipment Providers
- Component and Subsystem Suppliers
- Ground Segment and Network Infrastructure Providers
- Launch and Mission Support Providers
- Service and Data Providers
- Regulatory, Standards, and Certification Bodies
- Defense, Government, and Commercial End Users
- Research and Technology Institutions
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, segment, and forecast the size of the satellites market based on mass, application, customer type, subsystem, frequency, propulsion technology, and region
- To forecast the size of market segments with respect to five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Rest of the World, along with major countries in each region
- To identify and analyze key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing market growth
- To analyze micro markets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying key market trends
- To profile key market players and comprehensively analyze their market shares and core competencies
- To analyze the degree of competition in the market by identifying key growth strategies, such as acquisitions, agreements, contracts, joint ventures, and partnerships, adopted by key market players
- To identify detailed financial positions, key products, and unique selling points of leading companies in the market
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the market, along with market share analysis and revenue analysis of key players
Available customizations:
MarketsandMarkets offers the following customizations for this market report:
- Additional country-level analysis of the satellites market
- Profiling of other market players (up to five)
Product Analysis
- Product matrix, which provides a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company in the satellites market
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Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Satellites Market