Small Satellite Market Report 2026

The small satellite market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $7.82 billion in 2025 to $9.39 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing demand for cost-efficient satellite missions driving adoption of small spacecraft buses, rising deployment of small satellites for earth-observation and communication applications, advancements in lightweight materials enabling reduced satellite mass and simplified subsystem design, growth of commercial launch providers offering dedicated and rideshare launch options, expansion of manufacturer-provided warranty-period services for small satellite systems.

The small satellite market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $18.6 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rapid growth in low-earth-orbit constellations boosting demand for high-volume small satellite production, increasing investment in next-generation compact spacecraft buses with enhanced power and propulsion capabilities, rising utilization of small satellites for broadband connectivity and iot networks, expanding need for integrated ground systems optimized for large constellations, expected growth in bundled launch and lifecycle support services offered by small satellite manufacturers. Major trends in the forecast period include miniaturization of satellite components for cost and weight reduction, increased adoption of rideshare launch services for small satellites, development of high-efficiency propulsion and power systems, growth in commercial small satellite constellations for earth observation, expansion of small satellite ground station networks.

The rising number of space exploration missions is significantly driving the growth of the small satellite market. Governments and space agencies worldwide are increasingly launching space missions, and small satellites play a critical role in achieving these objectives efficiently. For example, according to The Economic Times, China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) plans to launch approximately 100 satellites by 2025. Similarly, the US Air Force Research Laboratory, a scientific research organization under the United States Air Force Materiel Command, aims to expand its space situational awareness capabilities beyond geostationary orbit and conduct patrols around the Moon at altitudes roughly 1,000 times higher than current missions. These developments are expected to boost global demand and utilization of small satellites across civil, scientific, and defense applications.

Key players in the small satellite market are focusing on technological innovations, such as private payload-hosting satellites, which provide commercial customers with flexible, cost-effective access to space for research, communications, and Earth observation. A private payload-hosting satellite is a commercial platform that carries and operates payloads for multiple clients, offering space access without the need to own the entire satellite. For instance, in March 2025, HEX20, an India-based space technology company, launched Nila, a small satellite designed for advanced Earth observation and commercial space applications. The mission demonstrates HEX20’s payload-agnostic satellite platform, supports in-orbit technology validation, facilitates educational research, and strengthens ground station operations, thereby fostering innovation, skill development, and positioning HEX20 for future ambitious private space missions.

In August 2024, Lockheed Martin Corporation, a US-based aerospace and defense company, acquired Terran Orbital Corporation for US$450 million. Through this acquisition, Lockheed Martin aims to enhance its technological capabilities, accelerate product development, and leverage Terran Orbital’s expertise in satellite-based solutions to deliver advanced, cost-effective offerings to aerospace and defense customers. Terran Orbital Corporation is a US-based space technology company specializing in the design, production, and launch of satellites for commercial, defense, and aerospace applications.

Major companies operating in the small satellite market are 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 2025. 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, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have affected the small satellite market by raising the cost of imported satellite components, advanced electronics, and launch equipment, leading to delays and increased project budgets. Segments like payloads, propulsion systems, and complete satellite buses are most impacted, particularly in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific where satellite manufacturing and assembly are concentrated. Positively, tariffs have incentivized domestic production, encouraged regional partnerships, and accelerated innovation in cost-efficient satellite manufacturing solutions.

The small satellite market research report is one of a series of new reports 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.

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 countries covered in the small satellite market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, 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.

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