Europe Small Satellite Market

The Europe small satellite market is projected to grow from USD 1.33 billion in 2025 to USD 2.81 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 16.1%. Governments and commercial operators are shifting to small satellites as they are built and launched much faster than conventional spacecraft. The lower costs of these satellites make them suitable for missions and constellation-based deployments. At the same time, the demand for Earth observation data is increasing across Europe, particularly for applications such as environmental monitoring, climate assessment, maritime domain awareness, and border management. Small satellites support frequent revisit rates and regular data updates, which improve coverage and enable more timely decision-making across civilian, commercial, and security-focused use cases.

To know about the assumptions considered for the study download the pdf brochure

Key players in the Europe small satellite market include Airbus Defence and Space, Thales, Gomspace, OHB, and BAE Systems. These companies have established their position over time by consistently delivering satellite programs for institutional, commercial, and defense customers. Their presence in the market continues to grow through ongoing contracts, collaborations, and acquisitions that strengthen their capabilities. At the same time, they are investing in next-generation small satellite platforms and constellation-focused solutions to keep pace with the rising demand. Many of these companies are also extending their reach beyond domestic markets, supporting customers across Europe and nearby regions, and offering a wider range of small satellite solutions for different mission needs.

Airbus Defense and Space is a European aerospace and defense company that makes satellite systems, space infrastructure, and related services. It helps in rapid satellite deployment by providing standardized platforms and constellation-capable designs. The company focuses on scalable manufacturing and advanced payload integration. This approach helps reduce program risk, improve delivery timelines, and support high-volume small satellite missions across Europe.

Thales is a European space manufacturer specializing in satellite platforms, payloads, and integrated space systems. The company supports commercial, civil, and defense satellite programs across Europe. In the small satellite market, Thales focuses on flexible platform architectures and modular designs suited for Earth observation and communication missions. The company contributes to constellation development and next-generation small satellite solutions. Its focus on digital payloads and system integration helps improve mission performance while controlling costs. This strengthens its position across European institutional and commercial markets.

Gomspace manufactures tiny spacecraft and elements that serve as the foundation for the manufacturing of small satellites, including CubeSats and their satellite platforms. The company collaborates with commercial agencies, governmental bodies, and academic research universities to develop solutions to all forms of missions, including but not limited to Earth observation and satellite communications, testing new technologies, and conducting scientific research. Using modular designs and scalable manufacturing capabilities, Gomspace's designs empower customers to adapt to any type of mission utilizing tiny spacecraft. By providing integrated systems (including power supply, onboard computers, radios, and command/control systems), GOMSPACE enables customers to implement their missions quickly, more cost-effectively, and with the capacity to launch a single satellite or deploy multiple satellites in a faster constellation.

OHB SE is a German aerospace company with expertise in satellite manufacturing and space systems engineering. The company is actively involved in the European Space Agency and national space programs. OHB develops small and medium satellites for Earth observation, science, and security-related missions. It supports the Europe small satellite market through customized platforms and mission-specific solutions. The company focuses on cost control, mission reliability, and long-term program execution. This allows OHB to support both single satellite missions and small satellite constellations across Europe.

BAE Systems is a European defense and aerospace company that plays an active role in space and satellite programs. In the small satellite market, the company mainly supports government and defense missions by providing secure satellite systems and mission electronics. BAE Systems works closely with defense agencies to develop space technologies used for surveillance, communications, navigation support, and security operations. The company places a strong focus on reliability, data security, and system protection. With long experience in defense programs and complex system integration, BAE Systems helps deliver small satellite solutions that are built to operate reliably in demanding and sensitive environments.

Market Ranking

The Europe small satellite market is highly competitive, with a few key European players shaping technological development and operational capability. Airbus Defense and Space remains a leading company in the market because of its large satellite offering and strong experience in Earth observation and communication. It focuses on standardized satellite platforms and scalable production, which helps support both government and commercial missions.

Related Reports:

Europe Small Satellite Market by System (Satellite Bus, Payloads, Satellite Antennas, Others), Propulsion Technology (Chemical, Electric, Other Technologies), Customer, Frequency, Mass, and Application - Forecast To 2030

Contact:
Mr. Rohan Salgarkar
MarketsandMarkets™ INC.
1615 South Congress Ave.
Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445
USA : 1-888-600-6441
sales@marketsandmarkets.com