LEO Satellite Market Size
| Icons | Lable | Value |
|---|---|---|
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Study Period | 2017 - 2029 |
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Market Size (2024) | USD 176.98 Billion |
|
|
Market Size (2029) | USD 284.39 Billion |
|
Largest Share by Propulsion Tech | Liquid Fuel |
|
|
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 9.95 % |
|
Largest Share by Region | North America |
Major Players |
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|
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|
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order. |
LEO Satellite Market Analysis
The LEO Satellite Market size is estimated at USD 176.98 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 284.39 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.95% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
176.98 Billion
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
284.39 Billion
Market Size in 2029 (USD)
31.95 %
CAGR (2017-2023)
9.95 %
CAGR (2024-2029)
Largest Market by Satellite Mass
75.24 %
value share, 100-500kg, 2022
Minisatellites with expanded capacity for enterprise data (retail and banking), oil, gas, and mining, and governments in developed countries pose high demand. The demand for minisatellites with a LEO is increasing due to their expanded capacity.
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, including geostationary orbit, low Earth orbit, polar orbit, and sun-synchronous orbit.
Largest Market by End User
77.31 %
value share, Commercial, 2022
The commercial segment is expected to occupy a significant share because of the increasing use of satellites for various telecommunication services.
Largest Market by Region
92.86 %
value share, North America, 2022
The increasing investment in satellite equipment to enhance the defense and surveillance capabilities, critical infrastructure, and law enforcement agencies using satellite systems are expected to drive the LEO satellite market in North America.
Leading Market Player
64.33 %
market share, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., 2022
SpaceX is the leading player in the global LEO satellite market. The company maintains its market share globally through its Starlink project in over 53 countries, and it produces 120 satellites per month.
Liquid fuel propulsion system occupies majority of the market share
- Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have become integral to various industries, including telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, and remote sensing. The propulsion system plays a crucial role in determining the performance, efficiency, and operational capabilities of these satellites.
- Liquid propulsion systems have been widely used in the LEO satellite market, offering high thrust and specific impulse capabilities. These systems typically use liquid fuels, such as hydrazine, combined with oxidizers like nitrogen tetroxide. Liquid propulsion enables precise orbital maneuvers, geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) insertion, and mission flexibility. LEO satellite missions requiring complex orbital adjustments, payload delivery to specific orbits, and satellite decommissioning rely on liquid propulsion systems.
- Electric propulsion has gained significant traction in the LEO satellite market due to its fuel efficiency and extended mission lifetimes. Electric propulsion systems, including ions and Hall-effect thrusters, utilize electric fields to accelerate ions and generate thrust. Electric propulsion enables the deployment of large-scale LEO satellite constellations, as demonstrated by companies like SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb. These systems are particularly suitable for applications that require precise station-keeping maneuvers and orbital adjustments over extended periods.
- Gas-based propulsion systems, including cold gas and warm gas thrusters, are extensively used in the LEO satellite market. These systems utilize compressed gases, such as nitrogen or xenon, to generate thrust. LEO satellite missions that require rapid orbital changes or frequent repositioning often rely on gas-based propulsion systems due to their higher thrust capabilities.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
North America is driving the market demand with a market share of 85.4% in 2029
- The global LEO satellite market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for high-speed internet, communication services, and data transfer across different industries. The market can be analyzed with respect to North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific as to market share and revenue generation.
- During 2017-2022, more than 4100 satellites were manufactured and launched by various operators in this segment into LEO.
- North America is expected to dominate the global LEO satellite market due to the presence of several leading market players, such as The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The US government has also been investing heavily in the development of advanced satellite technology, which is expected to drive the growth of the market in North America. During 2017-2022*, the region accounted for 72% of the total satellites manufactured and launched into LEO.
- The LEO satellite market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for high-speed internet and communication services in Europe. The European Space Agency (ESA) has been investing heavily in the development of advanced satellite technology, which is expected to drive the growth of the market. During 2017-2022, the region accounted for 12% of the total satellites manufactured and launched into LEO.
- Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the LEO satellite market due to the increasing demand for satellite-based communication services in countries such as China, India, and Japan. During 2017-2022, Asia-Pacific accounted for 9% of the total satellites manufactured and launched into LEO.
Global LEO Satellite Market Trends
The trend of for better fuel and operational efficiency is expected to positively impact the market
- The success of a satellite mission is highly dependent on the accuracy of measuring its mass properties before the flight and the proper ballasting of the satellite to bring the mass properties within tight limits. Failure to properly control mass properties can result in the satellite tumbling end over end after launch or quickly using up its thruster capacity in an attempt to point in the correct direction. Solar panels must continue to point toward the sun as the satellite orbits the Earth.
- Low earth orbit satellites orbit from 160 to 2000 km above the Earth, take approximately 1.5 hours for a full orbit, and only cover a portion of the Earth’s surface. The mass of a satellite has a significant impact on the launch of the satellite. This is because the heavier the satellite, the more fuel and energy are required to launch it into space. Launching a satellite involves accelerating it to a very high speed, typically around 28,000 km per hour, to place it in orbit around the Earth. The amount of energy required to achieve this speed is proportional to the mass of the satellite.
- As a result, a heavier satellite requires a larger rocket and more fuel to launch it into space. This, in turn, increases the cost of the launch and can also limit the types of launch vehicles that can be used. The major classification types according to mass are large satellites that are more than 1,000 kg. During 2017-2022, 65+ large satellites were launched in the LEO orbit. A medium-sized satellite has a mass of 500 and 1000 kg, and 250+ medium-sized satellites were launched. Satellites with a launch mass of less than 500 kg are small satellites. There are 4000+ small satellites in the LEO orbit.
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Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Growing demand for earth observation, imaging, and connectivity services is expected to surge the research and development expenditure in LEO satellites category
- Low Earth orbit (LEO) is an orbit relatively closer to the surface of the Earth. LEO is usually below 1000 km altitude but can be as high as 160 km above Earth. LEO satellites are widely used for communications, military reconnaissance, and other imaging applications. Communications satellites have the advantage of short signal runtimes to LEO. This reduction in propagation delay results in lower latency.
- Most satellites sent into space are in the LEO constellation. One of the major LEO satellite constellations is owned by satellite communications provider Iridium. The competitive rivalry in the LEO orbit globally is high as companies such as Amazon-owned Kuiper Systems want to compete with companies like OneWeb's Starlink to provide broadband connectivity from space. After Federal Communications Commission approval, the company plans to launch its first satellite to be launched in 2023.
- Considering the increase in space-related activities in the Asia-Pacific region, satellite manufacturers are enhancing their satellite production capabilities. The prominent Asia-Pacific countries with robust space infrastructure are China, India, Japan, and South Korea. China National Space Administration announced space exploration priorities for 2021–2025, including enhancing national civil space infrastructure facilities. As a part of this plan, the Chinese government established China Satellite Network Group Co. Ltd to develop a 13,000-satellite constellation for satellite internet. Overall, the trend in R&D expenditure on LEO satellites is an increase, driven by the need for innovation and government funding. This investment is expected to lead to the development of new technologies that will improve the performance and capabilities of LEO satellites.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
LEO Satellite Industry Overview
The LEO Satellite Market is fairly consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 95.84%. The major players in this market are Airbus SE, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), Lockheed Martin Corporation, ROSCOSMOS and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (sorted alphabetically).
LEO Satellite Market Leaders
Airbus SE
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
Lockheed Martin Corporation
ROSCOSMOS
Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
Other important companies include Astrocast, German Orbital Systems, GomSpaceApS, Nano Avionics, Planet Labs Inc., SpaceQuest Ltd, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd..
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
LEO Satellite Market News
- January 2022: Planet Labs launches 44 SuperDove satellites on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket
- November 2021: Planet Labs announced an agreement to acquire VanderSat, a Dutch company that provides data on Earth surface conditions, like soil moisture and land surface temperature, by combining public satellite data with proprietary algorithms, for about $28 million.
- January 2021: In January 2021, 5 Astrocast satellites were launched to collect and downlink data from weather buoys, wellhead sensors, pollution monitors, and other remote stations.
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We offer a comprehensive set of global and local metrics that illustrate the fundamentals of the satellites industry. Clients can access in-depth market analysis of various satellites and launch vehicles through granular level segmental information supported by a repository of market data, trends, and expert analysis. Data and analysis on satellite launches, satellite mass, application of satellites, spending on space programs, propulsion systems, end users, etc., are available in the form of comprehensive reports as well as excel based data worksheets.
LEO Satellite Market Report - Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
REPORT OFFERS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Study Assumptions & Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Research Methodology
2. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
2.1. Satellite Mass
2.2. Spending On Space Programs
2.3. Regulatory Framework
2.3.1. Global
2.3.2. Australia
2.3.3. Brazil
2.3.4. Canada
2.3.5. China
2.3.6. France
2.3.7. Germany
2.3.8. India
2.3.9. Iran
2.3.10. Japan
2.3.11. New Zealand
2.3.12. Russia
2.3.13. Singapore
2.3.14. South Korea
2.3.15. United Arab Emirates
2.3.16. United Kingdom
2.3.17. United States
2.4. Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
3. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)
3.1. Application
3.1.1. Communication
3.1.2. Earth Observation
3.1.3. Navigation
3.1.4. Space Observation
3.1.5. Others
3.2. Satellite Mass
3.2.1. 10-100kg
3.2.2. 100-500kg
3.2.3. 500-1000kg
3.2.4. Below 10 Kg
3.2.5. above 1000kg
3.3. End User
3.3.1. Commercial
3.3.2. Military & Government
3.3.3. Other
3.4. Propulsion Tech
3.4.1. Electric
3.4.2. Gas based
3.4.3. Liquid Fuel
3.5. Region
3.5.1. Asia-Pacific
3.5.2. Europe
3.5.3. North America
3.5.4. Rest of World
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
4.1. Key Strategic Moves
4.2. Market Share Analysis
4.3. Company Landscape
4.4. Company Profiles (includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and Analysis of Recent Developments).
4.4.1. Airbus SE
4.4.2. Astrocast
4.4.3. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
4.4.4. German Orbital Systems
4.4.5. GomSpaceApS
4.4.6. Lockheed Martin Corporation
4.4.7. Nano Avionics
4.4.8. Planet Labs Inc.
4.4.9. ROSCOSMOS
4.4.10. Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
4.4.11. SpaceQuest Ltd
4.4.12. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
5. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR SATELLITE CEOS
6. APPENDIX
6.1. Global Overview
6.1.1. Overview
6.1.2. Porter's Five Forces Framework
6.1.3. Global Value Chain Analysis
6.1.4. Market Dynamics (DROs)
6.2. Sources & References
6.3. List of Tables & Figures
6.4. Primary Insights
6.5. Data Pack
6.6. Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- SATELLITE MASS (ABOVE 10KG) GLOBALLY, NUMBER OF SATELLITES LAUNCHED, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2022
- Figure 2:
- SPENDING ON SPACE PROGRAMS GLOBALLY, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2022
- Figure 3:
- GLOBAL LEO SATELLITE MARKET, VALUE, USD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 4:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY APPLICATION, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 5:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY APPLICATION, %, GLOBAL, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2029
- Figure 6:
- VALUE OF COMMUNICATION MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 7:
- VALUE OF EARTH OBSERVATION MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 8:
- VALUE OF NAVIGATION MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 9:
- VALUE OF SPACE OBSERVATION MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 10:
- VALUE OF OTHERS MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY SATELLITE MASS, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 12:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY SATELLITE MASS, %, GLOBAL, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2029
- Figure 13:
- VALUE OF 10-100KG MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 14:
- VALUE OF 100-500KG MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 15:
- VALUE OF 500-1000KG MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 16:
- VALUE OF BELOW 10 KG MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 17:
- VALUE OF ABOVE 1000KG MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY END USER, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 19:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY END USER, %, GLOBAL, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2029
- Figure 20:
- VALUE OF COMMERCIAL MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 21:
- VALUE OF MILITARY & GOVERNMENT MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 22:
- VALUE OF OTHER MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 23:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY PROPULSION TECH, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 24:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY PROPULSION TECH, %, GLOBAL, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2029
- Figure 25:
- VALUE OF ELECTRIC MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 26:
- VALUE OF GAS BASED MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 27:
- VALUE OF LIQUID FUEL MARKET, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 28:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY REGION, USD, GLOBAL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 29:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY REGION, %, GLOBAL, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2029
- Figure 30:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET, USD, ASIA-PACIFIC, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 31:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY APPLICATION, %, ASIA-PACIFIC, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 32:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET, USD, EUROPE, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 33:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY APPLICATION, %, EUROPE, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 34:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET, USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 35:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY APPLICATION, %, NORTH AMERICA, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 36:
- VALUE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET, USD, REST OF WORLD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 37:
- VALUE SHARE OF LEO SATELLITE MARKET BY APPLICATION, %, REST OF WORLD, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 38:
- NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES OF MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES, GLOBAL LEO SATELLITE MARKET, ALL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 39:
- TOTAL NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES OF COMPANIES, GLOBAL LEO SATELLITE MARKET, ALL, 2017 - 2029
- Figure 40:
- MARKET SHARE OF GLOBAL LEO SATELLITE MARKET, %, ALL, 2022
LEO Satellite Industry Segmentation
Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation, Space Observation, Others are covered as segments by Application. 10-100kg, 100-500kg, 500-1000kg, Below 10 Kg, above 1000kg are covered as segments by Satellite Mass. 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.
- Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have become integral to various industries, including telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, and remote sensing. The propulsion system plays a crucial role in determining the performance, efficiency, and operational capabilities of these satellites.
- Liquid propulsion systems have been widely used in the LEO satellite market, offering high thrust and specific impulse capabilities. These systems typically use liquid fuels, such as hydrazine, combined with oxidizers like nitrogen tetroxide. Liquid propulsion enables precise orbital maneuvers, geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) insertion, and mission flexibility. LEO satellite missions requiring complex orbital adjustments, payload delivery to specific orbits, and satellite decommissioning rely on liquid propulsion systems.
- Electric propulsion has gained significant traction in the LEO satellite market due to its fuel efficiency and extended mission lifetimes. Electric propulsion systems, including ions and Hall-effect thrusters, utilize electric fields to accelerate ions and generate thrust. Electric propulsion enables the deployment of large-scale LEO satellite constellations, as demonstrated by companies like SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb. These systems are particularly suitable for applications that require precise station-keeping maneuvers and orbital adjustments over extended periods.
- Gas-based propulsion systems, including cold gas and warm gas thrusters, are extensively used in the LEO satellite market. These systems utilize compressed gases, such as nitrogen or xenon, to generate thrust. LEO satellite missions that require rapid orbital changes or frequent repositioning often rely on gas-based propulsion systems due to their higher thrust capabilities.
| Application | |
| Communication | |
| Earth Observation | |
| Navigation | |
| Space Observation | |
| Others |
| Satellite Mass | |
| 10-100kg | |
| 100-500kg | |
| 500-1000kg | |
| Below 10 Kg | |
| above 1000kg |
| End User | |
| Commercial | |
| Military & Government | |
| Other |
| Propulsion Tech | |
| Electric | |
| Gas based | |
| Liquid Fuel |
| Region | |
| Asia-Pacific | |
| Europe | |
| North America | |
| Rest of World |
Need A Different Region Or Segment?
Market Definition
- Application - Various applications or purposes of the satellites are classified into communication, earth observation, space observation, navigation, and others. The purposes listed are those self-reported by the satellite’s operator.
- End User - The primary users or end users of the satellite is described as civil (academic, amateur), commercial, government (meteorological, scientific, etc.), military. Satellites can be multi-use, for both commercial and military applications.
- Launch Vehicle MTOW - The launch vehicle MTOW (maximum take-off weight) means the maximum weight of the launch vehicle during take-off, including the weight of payload, equipment and fuel.
- Orbit Class - The satellite orbits are divided into three broad classes namely GEO, LEO, and MEO. Satellites in elliptical orbits have apogees and perigees that differ significantly from each other and categorized satellite orbits with eccentricity 0.14 and higher as elliptical.
- Propulsion tech - Under this segment, different types of satellite propulsion systems have been classified as electric, liquid-fuel and gas-based propulsion systems.
- Satellite Mass - Under this segment, different types of satellite propulsion systems have been classified as electric, liquid-fuel and gas-based propulsion systems.
- Satellite Subsystem - All the components and subsystems which includes propellants, buses, solar panels, other hardware of satellites are included under this segment.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Attitude Control | The orientation of the satellite relative to the Earth and the sun. |
| INTELSAT | The International Telecommunications Satellite Organization operates a network of satellites for international transmission. |
| Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) | Geostationary satellites in Earth orbit 35,786 km (22,282 mi) above the equator in the same direction and at the same speed as the earth rotates on its axis, making them appear fixed in the sky. |
| Low Earth Orbit (LEO) | Low Earth Orbit satellites orbit from 160-2000km above the earth, take approximately 1.5 hours for a full orbit and only cover a portion of the earth’s surface. |
| Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) | MEO satellites are located above LEO and below GEO satellites and typically travel in an elliptical orbit over the North and South Pole or in an equatorial orbit. |
| Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) | Very Small Aperture Terminal is an antenna that is typically less than 3 meters in diameter |
| CubeSat | CubeSat is a class of miniature satellites based on a form factor consisting of 10 cm cubes. CubeSats weigh no more than 2 kg per unit and typically use commercially available components for their construction and electronics. |
| Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) | Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a three-stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage |
| Space Mining | Asteroid mining is the hypothesis of extracting material from asteroids and other asteroids, including near-Earth objects. |
| Nano Satellites | Nanosatellites are loosely defined as any satellite weighing less than 10 kilograms. |
| Automatic Identification System (AIS) | Automatic identification system (AIS) is an automatic tracking system used to identify and locate ships by exchanging electronic data with other nearby ships, AIS base stations, and satellites. Satellite AIS (S-AIS) is the term used to describe when a satellite is used to detect AIS signatures. |
| Reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) | Reusable launch vehicle (RLV) means a launch vehicle that is designed to return to Earth substantially intact and therefore may be launched more than one time or that contains vehicle stages that may be recovered by a launch operator for future use in the operation of a substantially similar launch vehicle. |
| Apogee | The point in an elliptical satellite orbit which is farthest from the surface of the earth. Geosynchronous satellites which maintain circular orbits around the earth are first launched into highly elliptical orbits with apogees of 22,237 miles. |
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Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the historical and forecast years have been provided in revenue and volume terms. For sales conversion to volume, the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country, and inflation is not a part of the pricing.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms.
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