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Mid-size Satellites Market Size

The mid-size satellites market is projected to experience significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for satellite-based services across various industries such as telecommunications, government, and defense. The market's expansion is supported by advancements in satellite technology, including the miniaturization of components, which reduces manufacturing and launch costs. North America, particularly the United States, leads in market size due to substantial government demand for military and intelligence applications. Meanwhile, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region are witnessing growth driven by the need for satellite-based navigation and telecommunications services, respectively. The market's steady growth is further bolstered by rising investments from both governments and private entities in the space sector.

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Market Size of mid-size satellites Industry

Mid-size Satellites Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 7.67 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 14.44 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Orbit Class LEO
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 13.49 %
svg icon Largest Share by Region Asia-Pacific
svg icon Market Concentration High

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Mid-size Satellites Market Analysis

The Mid-size Satellites Market size is estimated at USD 7.67 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 14.44 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.49% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

7.67 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

14.44 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

-22.64 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

13.49 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Propulsion Tech

73.93 %

value share, Liquid Fuel, 2022

Due to its high efficiency, controllability, reliability, and long lifespan, liquid fuel-based propulsion technology is an ideal choice for space missions. It can be used in various orbit classes for satellites.

Largest Market by Application

54.49 %

value share, Earth Observation, 2022

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Earth observation satellites are used for weather forecasting, forestry mapping, and pollution monitoring. The growing adoption of VAS by private companies and organizations is likely to fuel the growth of satellite-based Earth observation.

Largest Market by Satellite Subsystem

25 %

value share, Propulsion Hardware and Propellant, 2022

The demand for these propulsion systems is driven by the launch of mass satellite constellations into space. They are used for transferring the spacecraft to the orbit.

Leading Market Player

70.75 %

market share, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), 2022

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China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation is the largest player in the global mid-size satellites market. CASC offers a diverse range of launch vehicles and adopts a competitive pricing strategy to attract customers across the world.

Second Leading Market Player

6.18 %

market share, Airbus SE, 2022

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Airbus is the second leading player in the global mid-size satellites market with a robust distribution channel.

Increased development of small and medium satellites is expected to drive the adoption rate of LEO satellites from 2023 to 2029

  • Medium satellites or mid-size satellites weighing 500 to 1,000 kg are being launched in the LEO orbit and are expected to continue the same throughout the forecast period. LEO orbit occupied the majority of the market share of 85.3% in 2017.
  • Depending on the type of application or mission, a particular satellite or an entire satellite constellation is launched in various types of orbit. Different satellites manufactured and launched across all the regions have different applications. For instance, during 2017-2022, out of the 167 large satellites launched, 114, 43, 8, and 2 were placed in LEO, MEO, GEO, and elliptical orbits, respectively.
  • With respect to the market shares, LEO orbit is expected to lead the market, and it is expected to occupy a share of 84% in 2023 and 83.1% in 2029. The high market share is because of its close proximity and several other advantages triggered by technological developments. GEO orbit is expected to register a share of 9% in 2023, and it is anticipated to occupy a share of 7% in 2029.
  • The multi-function capabilities of these satellites, such as the increasing uses of satellites in areas like electronic intelligence, Earth science/meteorology, laser imaging, optical imaging, and meteorology, are expected to drive the demand for the development of these satellites during the forecast period.
Global Mid-size Satellites Market

Increased development of small and medium satellites is expected to drive the adoption rate of LEO satellites from 2023 to 2029

  • The global mid-size satellite market is expected to grow at a steady pace due to the increasing demand for satellite-based services across various industries, such as telecommunications, government, and defense. North America is the largest market for mid-size satellites, with the United States being the major contributor. The US government is the major customer of mid-size satellites for military and intelligence purposes. The European mid-size satellite market is driven by the increasing demand for satellite-based navigation services, particularly in the automotive and transportation industries. The Asia-Pacific mid-size satellite market is being driven by a growing demand for satellite-based telecommunications and remote sensing services. The mid-size satellite market in the Rest of the World is also experiencing growth due to the increasing demand for satellite-based communications in rural and remote areas.
  • The global mid-size satellite market is witnessing several trends, including the development of miniaturized satellite components and more efficient propulsion systems. The miniaturization of satellite components is reducing the cost of manufacturing and launching mid-size satellites. This is expected to increase the demand for mid-size satellites, particularly in developing countries. The market is also driven by the increasing investments by governments and private companies in the space industry. Overall, the market is expected to continue its steady growth in the coming years, driven by increased demand for satellite-based services across various industries and regions. The market is also expected to be fueled by advancements in satellite technology, including the development of miniaturized satellite components.

Mid-size Satellites Industry Segmentation

Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation, Space Observation, Others are covered as segments by Application. GEO, LEO, MEO are covered as segments by Orbit Class. Commercial, Military & Government are covered as segments by End User. Electric, Gas based, Liquid Fuel are covered as segments by Propulsion Tech. Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America are covered as segments by Region.

  • Medium satellites or mid-size satellites weighing 500 to 1,000 kg are being launched in the LEO orbit and are expected to continue the same throughout the forecast period. LEO orbit occupied the majority of the market share of 85.3% in 2017.
  • Depending on the type of application or mission, a particular satellite or an entire satellite constellation is launched in various types of orbit. Different satellites manufactured and launched across all the regions have different applications. For instance, during 2017-2022, out of the 167 large satellites launched, 114, 43, 8, and 2 were placed in LEO, MEO, GEO, and elliptical orbits, respectively.
  • With respect to the market shares, LEO orbit is expected to lead the market, and it is expected to occupy a share of 84% in 2023 and 83.1% in 2029. The high market share is because of its close proximity and several other advantages triggered by technological developments. GEO orbit is expected to register a share of 9% in 2023, and it is anticipated to occupy a share of 7% in 2029.
  • The multi-function capabilities of these satellites, such as the increasing uses of satellites in areas like electronic intelligence, Earth science/meteorology, laser imaging, optical imaging, and meteorology, are expected to drive the demand for the development of these satellites during the forecast period.
Application
Communication
Earth Observation
Navigation
Space Observation
Others
Orbit Class
GEO
LEO
MEO
End User
Commercial
Military & Government
Other
Propulsion Tech
Electric
Gas based
Liquid Fuel
Region
Asia-Pacific
Europe
North America
Rest of World
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Mid-size Satellites Market Size Summary

The mid-size satellites market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for satellite-based services across various sectors such as telecommunications, government, and defense. These satellites, typically weighing between 500 to 1,000 kg, are predominantly launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which has historically held a substantial market share due to its proximity and technological advantages. The market is characterized by the multi-functional capabilities of mid-size satellites, which are increasingly utilized in areas like electronic intelligence, Earth science, and meteorology. The development of miniaturized components and efficient propulsion systems is further reducing manufacturing and launch costs, making these satellites more accessible, particularly in developing regions. This technological advancement, coupled with rising investments from both governments and private entities, is expected to sustain the market's steady expansion.

Regionally, North America leads the market, with the United States being a major contributor, particularly for military and intelligence applications. Europe is witnessing growth driven by the demand for satellite-based navigation services, while the Asia-Pacific region is expanding due to increased needs for telecommunications and remote sensing services. The Rest of the World is also experiencing growth, fueled by the demand for satellite communications in rural areas. The market is fairly consolidated, with major players like Airbus SE, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, OHB SE, and Thales dominating the landscape. Recent developments, such as the European Space Agency's proposed budget increase and significant satellite launches by countries like India and China, underscore the global commitment to advancing satellite technology and infrastructure.

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Mid-size Satellites Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Application

      1. 1.1.1 Communication

      2. 1.1.2 Earth Observation

      3. 1.1.3 Navigation

      4. 1.1.4 Space Observation

      5. 1.1.5 Others

    2. 1.2 Orbit Class

      1. 1.2.1 GEO

      2. 1.2.2 LEO

      3. 1.2.3 MEO

    3. 1.3 End User

      1. 1.3.1 Commercial

      2. 1.3.2 Military & Government

      3. 1.3.3 Other

    4. 1.4 Propulsion Tech

      1. 1.4.1 Electric

      2. 1.4.2 Gas based

      3. 1.4.3 Liquid Fuel

    5. 1.5 Region

      1. 1.5.1 Asia-Pacific

      2. 1.5.2 Europe

      3. 1.5.3 North America

      4. 1.5.4 Rest of World

Mid-size Satellites Market Size FAQs

The Mid-size Satellites Market size is expected to reach USD 7.67 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 13.49% to reach USD 14.44 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Mid-size Satellites Market size is expected to reach USD 7.67 billion.

Mid-size Satellites Market Report Snapshots

Mid-size Satellites Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029