Small Satellite Services Global Market Report 2024

The global small satellite services market has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $48.39 billion in 2023 to $61.31 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.7%. The expansion observed in the past can be attributed to factors like cost minimization in space missions, growing applications in government and military sectors, commercialization initiatives in space-related activities, and the rise in available launch opportunities.

The global small satellite services market is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $160.63 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.2%. The expected growth in the upcoming period can be ascribed to a rising need for earth observation, the swift expansion of satellite constellations, the emergence of space tourism and commercial spaceflights, along with ongoing government initiatives and contracts. Prominent trends anticipated in this period encompass a focus on cost efficiency, rapid advancements in space technology innovation, an emphasis on remote sensing and earth observation, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.

The growth of the small satellite service market is anticipated to be significantly driven by substantial investments from venture companies. Numerous venture firms are channeling considerable resources into the small satellite market, focusing on areas such as communication services, launch services, integration services, satellite testing, logistics, and more. In a noteworthy example, Telesat Thales Alenia Space, a Canada-based telecommunication satellites company, made a substantial investment of $5 billion in February 2021. This investment aimed at building the Lightspeed network, a next-generation broadband satellite network featuring 298 telecom satellites in low-Earth orbit. The Lightspeed network is designed to provide secure, high-speed connectivity on a global scale, showcasing the commitment of venture companies to driving advancements in the small satellite service market.

The growth trajectory of the small satellite services market is further fueled by the increasing number of satellite launches. Satellite launches, involving the deployment of objects into space to orbit around celestial bodies like Earth, have witnessed a notable surge. This surge is attributed to the growing demand for diverse applications such as global internet coverage, Earth observation, communications, and scientific research. According to a June 2023 report from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), there were a total of 6,718 active satellites orbiting the Earth by the end of 2022, reflecting an increase of nearly 2,000 satellites compared to the previous year. This upswing in satellite launches underscores the pivotal role of small satellite services in meeting the increasing demand for satellite-based applications.

A prominent trend in the small satellite services market is the emphasis on new product innovation by major industry players. Leading companies in the small satellite services sector are actively engaged in research and development efforts to introduce innovative products, enhancing their market positions. Notably, in September 2021, Honeywell International Inc., a US-based aerospace products and services company, unveiled its advanced high-data communication system for small satellites. Integrated with a high-speed baseband processor, known as Honeywell Aerospace XDL-C301-HR, this system introduces a 'baseband processor' chip capable of converting digital data into radio frequency or vice versa. The Honeywell Aerospace XDL-C301-HR facilitates high-bandwidth data transmission down to Earth and between satellites in orbit in X-band. This innovation not only ensures efficient data transfer but also underscores the commitment of major players to advancing technologies within the small satellite services market.

Major players in the small satellite services market are actively pursuing strategic partnerships to facilitate the launch of small satellites into Earth orbit. Strategic collaborations and partnership agreements serve as effective mechanisms for companies to broaden their product portfolios and extend their geographical reach. A notable example is the collaboration announced in October 2021 between EnduroSat, a Bulgaria-based provider of software-defined NanoSats and Space Services, and Exolaunch, a Germany-based provider of launch, integration, deployment, and mission management services for small satellites. The partnership involved the signing of launch agreements for deploying two EnduroSat NanoSats into orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Specifically, the 6U XL SharedSat nanosatellites, constructed by EnduroSat for its clients, were slated for launch in H1 2022 as part of SpaceX’s SmallSat Rideshare Program, facilitated by Exolaunch.

In a significant move in September 2021, BAE Systems PLC, a UK-based company specializing in technology-led defense, aerospace, and security solutions, acquired In-Space Missions Limited. The acquisition, carried out for an undisclosed amount, brought together the comprehensive lifecycle satellite capabilities of In-Space Missions and the highly secure satellite communications expertise of BAE Systems. This strategic union was aimed at delivering a sovereign UK space proposition. In-Space Missions Limited, the UK-based company acquired by BAE Systems PLC, is recognized for its contributions to developing new space missions and providing consulting and support services for the space sector. This acquisition exemplifies the strategic initiatives undertaken by major companies to reinforce their capabilities and offerings in the dynamic small satellite services market.

Major companies operating in the small satellite services market report are Singapore Telecommunications Limited, Eutelsat S.A., EchoStar Corporation, Airbus SE, Blue Canyon Technologies, GomSpace A/S, L3Harris Technologies Inc., The Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Thales Alenia Space, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Millennium Space Systems Inc., Adcole Maryland Aerospace LLC, Planet Labs Inc., Spire Global Inc., Globalstar Inc., Inmarsat, Iridium Communications Inc., Viasat Inc., KVH Industries Inc., NanoRacks LLC, Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems Inc., AAC Clyde Space, Axelspace Corporation, D-Orbit, Kepler Communications Inc., Satellogic, Sky and Space Global Ltd., Terran Orbital Corporation, Virgin Orbit

North America was the largest region in the small satellite services market share in 2023. The regions covered in the small satellite services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the small satellite services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

These services operate across various platforms such as CubeSats, nanosatellites, microsatellites, and minisatellites. CubeSats, for instance, are small, cube-shaped satellites weighing around 1 kilogram, commonly utilized in missions within Earth's orbit. Small satellite services are categorized into traditional Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, along with LEO and MEO high-throughput satellites for enhanced performance. Key sectors leveraging these services include government and military entities, non-profit organizations, and commercial ventures. The applications span communication, remote sensing, research, education, surveillance, security, navigation, and other relevant fields.

This report provides small satellite services market statistics, including small satellite services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a small satellite services market share, detailed small satellite services market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the small satellite services industry. This small satellite services market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The small satellite services market includes revenues earned by entities by providing mission management, launching services, integration services, environmental testing, and in-space logistics services to fit mission needs. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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