Commercial Satellite Imaging - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2019 - 2029

The Commercial Satellite Imaging Market was valued at USD 4030.7 million in the previous year and is expected to register a CAGR of 11.84 % during the forecast period to become USD 7,724.87 million by the next five years. Images of the Earth taken by imaging satellites run by governments and companies worldwide are known as satellite images, sometimes known as Earth observation imagery, spaceborne photography, or simply satellite photos. Meteorology, oceanography, fisheries, agriculture, biodiversity protection, forestry, landscape, geology, cartography, regional planning, education, intelligence, and warfare are just a few fields where satellite photos are used.

Key Highlights

• The imaging method generates raw image data using optically equipped satellites. Since it is closer to the object, aeronautical imaging delivers a higher image resolution than satellite imaging. The most economical and greatest image resolution is provided by terrestrial imaging; however, it has geographical limitations. Because of their quick supply of image data and wide coverage, satellites are favored over other imaging techniques. Additionally, imaging services are economical once they are in orbit, supporting industry growth over time.
• The increasing requirement for efficient monitoring of vast land areas is one of the key drivers for the commercial satellite market. The use of satellite imagery and data can provide detailed and accurate information about land use, vegetation, and other features, which can be used for a wide range of applications such as agriculture, urban planning, natural resource management, and environmental monitoring.
• The rising smart city initiatives are also driving the commercial satellite market. Smart cities utilize various technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and satellite imagery, to collect and analyze data to improve citizens' quality of life and decrease the environmental impact of urban areas. Satellite imagery plays a key role in smart city initiatives by providing detailed and accurate information about the built environment, such as the location and condition of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. This information can improve urban planning, transportation, and public services.
• Furthermore, several leading players are focusing on investing in satellite imaging technology to stay ahead of the competition. For instance, in August 2022, Accenture announced to make a strategic investment in Pixxel to monitor Earth's health. Pixxel is building the world's highest-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellite constellation to provide industry AI-powered observations that discover, solve, and predict climate issues at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellites.
• Similarly, in April 2022, Pixxel launched India's first private commercial imaging satellite, "Shakuntala," as a part of its planned 36-satellite constellation aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rideshare mission.
• The availability of open-source data for various countries can challenge the commercial satellite imaging market. Open-source data refers to satellite imagery and other freely available data to the public, often provided by government agencies or organizations.
• In the post-COVID-19 market, businesses and government organizations are preparing for an innovation shift since the restrictions are lifted to evaluate and modify their supply chains quickly. For instance, in May 2022, the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an independent agency of the U.S. Federal Government that is in charge of the civilian space program as well as aeronautics and space research, announced that they had teamed up to use the combined scientific power of their earth-observing satellites to document global changes in the environment and human society.

Commercial Satellite Imaging Market Trends

Military and Defense is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share

• Military and defense applications are the most extensive end-user application of commercial satellite imagery. The segment's expansion is attributed to the security and surveillance activities, which are crucial functions of every defense organization.
• The utilization of satellite-based military communications has grown progressively crucial for defense operations worldwide. As the requirement for reliable and secure communications rises, the technology to fulfill this demand has made considerable progress. Satellite communications present an optimal resolution for military operations, as they offer real-time, secure transmission of vital data and communications, even in the most hostile and remote surroundings.
• Various nations have satellites circling the Earth, providing numerous functions. However, because of the security concerns of other countries, they usually have limited access to international airspace. In extreme circumstances, countries might execute shutter control laws that force satellites of foreign countries in regional airspace to turn off their photographic equipment.
• Considering all these global government prohibitions, other parties often obtain geographical information regarding foreign nations. Governments can regulate the characteristics such as quality and clarity of commercially accessible images and impose a ban on a specific place. However, military agencies always tend to have backup plans.
• Therefore, there is a massive diversity of geographical information that is principally customized to various customers' demands. With changes in satellite imagery (such as hyperspectral imaging), the commercial realm is progressively acquiring data that is only used for military purposes and the data modified for the general public.
• Commercial imaging is vital to meeting the needs of both new security and intelligence concerns. This is due to countries' increased attention to evolving their military capabilities and dealing with terrorism threats worldwide. Commercial satellite firms offer vital data for defense and national security. Commercial aerospace has a substantial economic benefit as space becomes more accessible, but government-funded terrorist monitoring using satellite imagery is too expensive.
• Growing military expenditure and defense budgets in most nations are anticipated to aid the growth of the market under study. For instance, in July 2022, the European Commission announced plans to provide a total of around EUR 1.2 billion (USD 1270380000) in funding for 61 collaborative defense research and development projects chosen from the first-ever calls for proposals under the European Defense Fund (EDF).
• Furthermore, by leveraging the latest advancements in satellite imaging technology, military forces can gain insight into enemy activities, plans, and locations. Moreover, it can also be used to identify potential targets for aerial reconnaissance and weapons systems.

Asia-Pacific Expected to Register Fastest Growth

• The Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow considerably throughout the forecast period. Increasing government initiatives for satellite imaging to entice global and domestic firms are other vital reasons for the region's market growth.
• The ASEAN countries' developing commercial satellite business is affecting the worldwide commercial satellite imaging industry. The continuing expansion of High Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology is bringing new possibilities and capabilities in various APAC vertical areas.
• For instance, in May 2022, The SuperView Neo-1 01 and 02 imaging satellites from China Siwei were successfully launched by a Long March rocket. They improved China Siwei's already-existing 50 cm resolution SuperView-1 constellation of satellites and offered 30 cm images to clients needing extra channels of extremely high-resolution imaging.
• The region's end-user verticals are adopting new technologies at an exponentially expanding rate, which is bolstering the growth of the commercial satellite imaging market. Governments across the region are also investing in advanced technologies that are expected to shape the future of imaging satellites.
• For instance, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C-53, or PSLV C-53, of the Indian Space Research Organization, was launched from the Sriharikota, India spaceport carrying three Singaporean commercial satellites. The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module, also known as POEM DS-EO, includes an electro-optic, multi-spectral payload to satisfy the demands of humanitarian aid and disaster relief. This payload will give full-color images for land categorization.

Commercial Satellite Imaging Industry Overview

The commercial satellite imaging market is highly fragmented, with the presence of major players like DigitalGlobe Inc., Galileo Group Inc., Planet Labs Inc., SpaceKnow Inc., and Skylab Analytics. among others. Players in the market are adopting strategies such as partnerships, mergers, innovations, investments, and acquisitions to enhance their product offerings and gain sustainable competitive advantage.

In May 2023, European Space Imaging (EUSI) and Airbus announced a strategic partnership to provide the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) with Very High Resolution (VHR) optical satellite imagery. Airbus will be providing imagery collected by Pléiades and Pléiades Neo satellites. SPOT and EUSI will likely be supplying imagery from the current Maxar satellite constellation and other value-added services.

In March 2023, L3Harris Technologies announced it received a USD 765 million contract from NASA to design and build the next-generation, high-resolution imager for NOAA's Geostationary Extended Observations satellite system. The GeoXO Imager will likely provide advanced infrared and visible imagery, more precise observations, and improved water vapor measurements to significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasting in the Western Hemisphere.

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