PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1678369
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1678369
Small Satellite Global Market Report 2025
Small satellites are satellites weighing less than 1,000 kg (2,204 pounds). These satellites are developed by small, dedicated teams involved in the entire process from conception to launch and operation. Utilizing lighter materials and omitting redundancy in subsystems helps reduce the weight of small satellites even further.
The primary types of small satellites include minisatellite, microsatellite, nanosatellite, pico-satellites, and femto satellites. Minisatellites, smaller in size, usually weigh 100-500 kgs, and can orbit in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Middle Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). Components such as structures, payload, electric power system, solar panel and antenna systems, propulsion systems, and others are applied in earth observation and remote sensing, satellite communication, science and exploration, mapping and navigation, space observation, catering to various end-users such as commercial, academic, government and military, and other end-users.
The small satellite market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides small satellite market statistics, including small satellite industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a small satellite market share, detailed small satellite market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the small satellite industry. This small satellite 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 market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $6.48 billion in 2024 to $7.89 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to cost-efficiency in space missions, advancements in miniaturization, rapid development cycles, increased access to space, commercialization of space activities.
The small satellite market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $16.26 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for earth observation, rise in communication constellations, advancements in remote sensing technologies, space exploration and interplanetary missions. Major trends in the forecast period include increased utilization of CubeSats, rapid development of software-defined satellites, focus on sustainable and eco-friendly satellite designs, emergence of commercial small satellite data services, integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
The growth of the small satellite market is significantly fueled by the increase in space exploration missions. Various government agencies worldwide are expanding their space missions, and small satellites play a crucial role in their successful completion. According to the English daily newspaper Economic Times, China's National Space Administration (CNSA) anticipates launching approximately 100 satellites by 2025. Similarly, the US Air Force Research Laboratory reveals the US military's intention to enhance space awareness capabilities beyond geostationary orbit, with plans to patrol the Moon at a mission altitude about 1000 times higher. These advancements are expected to positively impact the global demand and utilization of small satellites.
Growing investments in the space industry are anticipated to drive the expansion of the small satellite market in the coming years. These investments refer to financial contributions made by individuals, companies, or governments to support activities related to space exploration, satellite deployment, space tourism, and other space-based initiatives. Funding supports small satellites through research, development, manufacturing, and deployment of these compact spacecraft. For example, in April 2024, the World Economic Forum, a Switzerland-based non-governmental organization, reported that the space economy is projected to grow from $630 billion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion by 2035, fueled by private sector investments surpassing $70 billion in 2022. Thus, increased investments in the space industry are driving growth in the small satellite market.
Major players in the small satellite market are strategically investing in manufacturing facilities to meet the increasing demand for space-based services and drive technological advancements. These facilities serve as specialized centers where satellites are designed, constructed, and assembled. Blue Canyon Technologies Inc., a US-based aerospace company, exemplified this trend by launching a new small satellite manufacturing facility in Colorado in August 2022. Covering 31,000 square feet, this expanded facility enables the company to produce at a larger scale, providing innovative solutions and delivering high-performance satellites to meet customer needs.
Major companies are embracing a strategic partnership approach. This involves leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. For instance, in September 2023, SpinLaunch, a US-based spaceflight technology development company, formed a partnership with Sumitomo Corporation Group, a Japan-based electric services company. The aim is to expand the global commercialization of sustainable, low-cost space solutions, including small satellites. This collaboration addresses the rising demand for affordable and rapid launch capacity, which has become a bottleneck for the increasing number of satellites being launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
In August 2024, Lockheed Martin Corporation, a US-based aerospace and defense company, acquired Terran Orbital Corporation for $450 million. Through this acquisition, Lockheed Martin intends to strengthen its technological capabilities and accelerate product development by utilizing Terran Orbital's expertise in satellite-based solutions, ultimately providing advanced and cost-effective offerings for aerospace and defense customers. Terran Orbital Corporation, also based in the US, is a space technology company specializing in the design, production, and launch of satellites for the aerospace and defense industries.
Major companies operating in the small satellite market include Terran Orbital Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus SE, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., GomSpace Group AB, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Ball Corporation, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Space Exploration Technologies Corp, Thales Alenia Space, Orbital ATK Inc., Sierra Nevada Corporation, QinetiQ Group plc, OHB SE, The Aerospace Corporation, Planet Labs Inc., Blue Canyon Technologies Inc., Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., Spire Global Inc., Axelspace Corporation, Innovative Solutions In Space B.V., LeoStella LLC, Capella Space Corp, Astrocast SA, Adcole Maryland Aerospace LLC, Satlantis LLC, Kongsberg NanoAvionics
North America was the largest region in the small satellite market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the small satellite market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the small satellite market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The small satellite market consists of sales of spacecraft bus, launcher, ground system. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
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.
Reasons to Purchase
Scope
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Small Satellite Market Characteristics
3. Small Satellite Market Trends And Strategies
4. Small Satellite Market - Macro Economic Scenario Macro Economic Scenario Including The Impact Of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics And Covid And Recovery On The Market
5. Global Small Satellite Growth Analysis And Strategic Analysis Framework
- 5.1. Global Small Satellite PESTEL Analysis (Political, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal Factors, Drivers and Restraints)
- 5.2. Analysis Of End Use Industries
- 5.3. Global Small Satellite Market Growth Rate Analysis
- 5.4. Global Small Satellite Historic Market Size and Growth, 2019 - 2024, Value ($ Billion)
- 5.5. Global Small Satellite Forecast Market Size and Growth, 2024 - 2029, 2034F, Value ($ Billion)
- 5.6. Global Small Satellite Total Addressable Market (TAM)
6. Small Satellite Market Segmentation
7. Small Satellite Market Regional And Country Analysis
8. Asia-Pacific Small Satellite Market
9. China Small Satellite Market
10. India Small Satellite Market
11. Japan Small Satellite Market
12. Australia Small Satellite Market
13. Indonesia Small Satellite Market
14. South Korea Small Satellite Market
15. Western Europe Small Satellite Market
16. UK Small Satellite Market
17. Germany Small Satellite Market
18. France Small Satellite Market
19. Italy Small Satellite Market
20. Spain Small Satellite Market
21. Eastern Europe Small Satellite Market
22. Russia Small Satellite Market
23. North America Small Satellite Market
24. USA Small Satellite Market
25. Canada Small Satellite Market
26. South America Small Satellite Market
27. Brazil Small Satellite Market
28. Middle East Small Satellite Market
29. Africa Small Satellite Market
30. Small Satellite Market Competitive Landscape And Company Profiles
31. Small Satellite Market Other Major And Innovative Companies
32. Global Small Satellite Market Competitive Benchmarking And Dashboard
33. Key Mergers And Acquisitions In The Small Satellite Market
34. Recent Developments In The Small Satellite Market
35. Small Satellite Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
36. Appendix
