Global Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Nanosatellite and Microsatellite Market reached US$ 3.19 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 13.65 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 19.93% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The demand for nanosatellites has risen markedly in recent years due to their low cost, lightweight design, ease of construction and development and great capacity for executing complicated computational tasks. Emerging companies like Planet Labs and Skybox Imaging are deploying constellations of small satellites to provide near real-time remote sensing data, readily accessible via the internet.

The market for low-cost microsatellites has surged as organizations managing huge satellites seek lighter and more economical platforms. The rising utilization of data from nanosatellites by the commercial and civil sectors will create growth prospects in this industry. The growing participation of commercial enterprises, startups and educational institutions propels the nanosatellite market.

Low entry barriers and both private and institutional financing are enabling producers to vigorously advance SSLVs and secure a prospective stake in the nanosatellite market. In April 2022, the head of the Indian Space Research Organization, India's national space agency, announced the launch of an SSLV-D1 Micro SAT, a small satellite launch vehicle. The SSLV-D1 Micro SAT aims to facilitate the deployment of tiny satellites into low Earth orbits for emerging economies, academic institutions and private organizations.

Dynamics

The Rising Demand For Satellite Imagery, Primarily Driven By Non-Governmental Entities

Organizations are progressively employing satellite data and image-based analytics for various purposes, including agricultural, economic forecasting, urban planning, resource management, catastrophe monitoring, retail and maritime industries. A recent analysis by SpaceWorks indicates that the market share of commercial satellite operators has increased from roughly 55% in 2020 to 70% in 2024.

Although the demand from non-governmental entities is anticipated to persist in its growth, the magnitude of this demand remains too embryonic to ascertain a definitive direction. The success of this movement depends on the capacity of commercial small satellite operators to efficiently convert satellite pictures and information into useful insights for end-users. SpaceWorks projects that between 2,000 and 2,800 microsatellites and nanosatellites will be deployed during the next five years, significantly enhancing Earth observation and communication capabilities.

Innovation, Miniaturization and Expanding Applications

The growth of the nanosatellite and microsatellite market is being driven by key players like SpaceX and Rocket Lab, who are actively advancing the space industry, alongside the ongoing trends of miniaturization and technological innovation. For example, in March 2024, NanoAvionics successfully launched four of its satellites into orbit via the SpaceX Transporter-10 mission, utilizing the Falcon 9 rocket in a ride-sharing program. Moreover, continuous advancements in materials and electronics are significantly boosting the capabilities of nanosatellites and microsatellites.

The technological breakthroughs enable these small satellites to undertake more complex tasks, including high-resolution imaging, environmental monitoring and communication relays. Improved sensor technologies, enhanced power efficiency and optimized propulsion systems are making these satellites more reliable and efficient. As these innovations evolve, the range of applications for nanosatellites and microsatellites will broaden, driving increased market demand for advanced solutions across various industries.

Limited Access To Space

Options for small satellite launches are few, as small satellites are frequently regarded as secondary payloads on rockets designated for launching larger satellites or transporting cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). The restricted alternatives constrain integration and launch timelines orbital destinations and diminish flexibility related to subsystems in small spacecraft. The procedure of securing a launch is sufficiently intricate for tiny satellite companies.

Consequently, firms including Spaceflight Industries, ECM Space, TriSept, Tyvak and Innovative Solutions in Space have engineered solutions to securely accommodate numerous small satellites as secondary payloads on substantial launch vehicles. Only a limited number of small launchers are anticipated to succeed due to challenges including their inability to compete on price (cost per kilogram) with larger launchers, technological failures, difficulties in securing necessary funding for development and operations or an oversaturated market, resulting in competitive disadvantages.

Segment Analysis

The global nanosatellite and microsatellite market is segmented based on type, component, organization size, application, end-user and region.

Growing Earth Observation Budgets Across Major Economies

The Earth observation and remote sensing sector constituted the largest revenue share due to ongoing governmental investments in Earth observation and meteorological initiatives. According to the US Group on Earth Observations, the US government funds about US$ 3 billion annually for civil Earth observations and space-related projects. In February 2022, Singapore intended to create a tiny satellite for Earth observation, aimed at capturing high-resolution images of natural disaster damage and enhancing connectivity.

European space agencies and industries are aggressively investing in tiny satellite technology for Earth observation and scientific missions. Furthermore, initiatives such as the European Union's Copernicus program and the rising demand for high-resolution data and real-time monitoring are driving the advancement and implementation of nanosatellite and microsatellite constellations.

Geographical Penetration

Investment and Strategic Growth Initiatives In North America

North America is projected to secure the greatest revenue share throughout the forecast period, propelled by significant business opportunities in the area, attributed to the presence of major space organizations such as NASA, US Space Force, Kennedy Space Center and Kepler Communications. Companies in US and Canada are making substantial investments in small satellite technologies for purposes like earth observation, communications and scientific research.

Government entities like NASA, in conjunction with commercial companies such as SpaceX, are leading ambitious satellite initiatives, demonstrating a robust regional dedication to space exploration and technological advancement. Moreover, North American enterprises in various sectors are progressively utilizing tiny satellites to improve operational efficiency and secure a competitive advantage, hence driving market expansion.

US is spearheading the need for nanosatellites and microsatellites, owing to its sophisticated space industry and technological proficiency. Furthermore, the increasing interest of the US commercial sector in space-based services, bolstered by favorable legal frameworks, perpetuates market demand.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Dauria Aerospace, GomSpace, Innovative Solutions in Space (ISISPACE), Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), Spire Global, Inc., SpaceQuest Ltd., Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), The Boeing Company, Tyvak Inc. and Vector Launch, Inc.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has profoundly affected the nanosatellite and microsatellite sector, chiefly due to disruptions in the supply chain and collaborations within the space industry. Launch providers and satellite makers encounter significant supply issues, as joint ventures and international cooperation have been either reduced or completely terminated owing to the conflict. The disintegration of alliances and limited availability to crucial components will likely transform the satellite launch industry's framework for the foreseeable future, potentially elevating costs and constraining satellite deployment for commercial and governmental clients worldwide.

In contrast, the significance of nanosatellites and microsatellites has grown markedly in military applications. Firms such as Maxar, Capella Space and Planet have employed Earth Observation (EO) satellites to provide high-resolution imagery of the war's effects, delivering critical data for humanitarian initiatives, including support for Ukrainian refugees and evaluation of infrastructure damage. High-resolution imaging, frequently augmented by synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, facilitates meticulous observations regardless of weather conditions, becoming essential for real-time updates in overcast regions.

Furthermore, geospatial satellites such as Hawkeye have aided in the geo-location of radio communications, delivering essential intelligence. These advancements highlight the significance of nanosatellites and microsatellites in contemporary conflict surveillance and humanitarian assistance, fostering increased interest and investment in satellite technology.

Type

• Nanosatellite
• Microsatellite

Component

• Software
• Hardware

Organization Size

• SMEs
• Large Enterprises

Application

• Communication & Navigation
• Earth Observation/Remote Sensing
• Scientific Research
• Technology & Academic Training
• Others

End-User

• Government
• Defense & Security
• Commercial
• Civil
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In December 2023, Seiko Epson Corporation and its subsidiary, Epson X Investment Corporation, invested in Axelspace Holdings, the parent entity of Axelspace Corporation. Axelspace is a firm founded at the University of Tokyo, specializing in the development and manufacturing of microsatellites.
• In October 2023, the Korean firm Nara Space announced that its observation nanosatellite, Observer-1A, successfully attained orbit and established communication with Earth. The satellite was deployed via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
• In May 2022, LeoStella deployed two satellites to BlackSky at Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, enhancing the revisit capabilities of the expanding BlackSky constellation.
• In May 2022, the Transporter-5 mission successfully launched five further satellites: ICEYE-X17, -X18, -X19, -X20 and -X24.
• In March 2022, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation successfully deployed the Tiankun-2 satellites into a low-Earth polar orbit during the inaugural launch of the Long March 6A.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global nanosatellite and microsatellite market segmentation based on type, component organization size, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the nanosatellite and microsatellite market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global nanosatellite and microsatellite market report would provide approximately 78 tables, 73 figures and 215 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies