PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1702240
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1702240
The global small satellite market size was valued at USD 4.9 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 8.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.91% during 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 43.3% in 2024. The market is driven by cost efficiency, technological advancements, growing demand for communications, earth observation, scientific research, increased private sector investment and government support.
A small satellite, also known as smallsat, refers to a type of low mass and size satellite, usually under 1,200 kg. Based on weight, it is categorized into minisatellite, microsatellite, nanosatellite, picosatellite, and femtosatellite. Small satellites are affordable alternatives that enable commercial enterprises, non-profit groups, and educational institutions to conduct missions in the lower Earth orbit. They make it possible to perform several scientific investigations and technology demonstrations in orbit at a low cost, with relative ease, and within a stipulated time. As a result, small satellites are extensively utilized for specific applications such as communication and navigation by civil, commercial, military, and government bodies.
The rising need for remote sensing and Earth observation services across various sectors, including energy, oil & gas, defense, agriculture, etc., is primarily driving the global small satellite market. In addition to this, the widespread utilization of small satellites for communication and navigation owing to the increasing popularity of advanced technologies, such as over-the-top (OTT) services and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), is also stimulating the global market. Moreover, the elevating demand for LEO-based small satellites to provide low-cost broadband in developing countries is further propelling the market growth. Apart from this, the introduction of small satellites in the telecom industry has led to the acceleration of 5G deployment globally, besides generating new market opportunities for satellite communication (Satcom) companies. This, in turn, is creating a positive outlook for the global market. Additionally, the escalating usage of small satellites by research organizations for academic purposes and technological experimentation in space is acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. For instance, NASA's CubeSat initiative offers educational institutions and NGOs a chance to collaborate on upcoming small satellite launches. Furthermore, the rising integration of numerous innovative technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc., to ensure efficient communications, improve spacecraft reliability, and enhance coordination is expected to augment the global small satellite market over the forecast period.
The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being AAC Clyde Space, Airbus SE, Ball Corporation, Blue Canyon Technologies (Raytheon Technologies Corporation), Exolaunch Gmbh, GomSpace, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Millennium Space Systems Inc. (The Boeing Company), Northrop Grumman Corporation, Spire Global Inc. and The Aerospace Corporation.