Satellite-Based Earth Observation Market Report 2026

The satellite-based earth observation market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $7.03 billion in 2025 to $7.54 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased demand for weather forecasting services driving deployment of earth observation satellites, rising adoption of environmental monitoring applications supporting climate and ecosystem analysis, growth in urban planning needs boosting utilization of high-resolution satellite imagery, expansion of disaster studies and emergency response operations leveraging real-time observational data, advancements in remote sensing technologies enhancing accuracy and data quality for earth observation services.

The satellite-based earth observation market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $10.02 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to development of next-generation high-resolution and hyperspectral satellites improving analytical capabilities, rising adoption of satellite analytics in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure sectors expanding market applications, increasing integration of AI and machine learning enhancing processing of earth observation data, growth in commercial smallsat constellations boosting revisit rates and service availability, expanding international collaborations driving deployment of shared earth observation platforms. Major trends in the forecast period include growing demand for real-time environmental monitoring, expansion in disaster management and risk assessment, increasing use in urban planning and smart city development, adoption in precision agriculture and resource management, development of multi-sensor and high-resolution imaging satellites.

The increasing number of satellite launches is expected to drive the growth of the satellite-based Earth observation market in the coming years. A satellite is a device placed into orbit around Earth or another celestial body for purposes such as data collection, navigation, and scientific research. Earth observation satellites are equipped with advanced sensors to capture imagery and monitor environmental conditions, supporting applications such as weather forecasting, environmental assessment, and climate change monitoring. For example, in June 2025, Orbital Today - a UK-based publication specializing in space industry news - reported that global satellite launches between January and April 2025 surpassed 1,200 satellites, representing a significant increase of approximately 50% compared to around 800 satellites launched during the same period in 2024. Therefore, the rising number of satellite launches is fueling the expansion of the satellite-based Earth observation market.

Technological advancements are emerging as a key trend shaping the satellite-based Earth observation market. Leading companies in the sector are investing in advanced technologies to enhance imaging precision, operational efficiency, and data reliability. For instance, in September 2025, ICEYE, a Finland-based satellite imaging company, unveiled its Generation 4 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. This next-generation satellite offers 25 cm resolution imaging for highly accurate target detection, along with all-weather, day-and-night observation capabilities. It provides enhanced support for defense, intelligence, and environmental monitoring applications. Such innovations continue to strengthen the satellite-based Earth observation market.

In May 2023, Advent International, a US-based private equity firm, and the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), a Canada-based investment company, acquired Maxar Technologies Inc. for $6.4 billion. This acquisition supports Advent and BCI’s long-term growth and value creation strategies while ensuring that Maxar remains headquartered, operated, and controlled in the United States. Maxar Technologies Inc. is a US-based space technology company specializing in the manufacturing of Earth observation satellites.

Major companies operating in the satellite-based earth observation market are Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corp., Airbus SE, BAE Systems Plc, Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Viasat, Maxar Technologies Inc., MDA Corporation, Planet Labs Inc., Spire Global, BlackSky Global, Iceye, EOS Data Analytics, RS Metrics, D-Orbit, Descartes Labs, UrtheCast, Orbital Insight, GHGSat, Satellogic SA, GomSpace, SkyWatch Inc., Global Surface Intelligence Ltd., PlanetiQ Inc., GeoOptics Inc., ImageSat International N.V, Capella Space, HawkEye 360.

North America was the largest region in the satellite-based earth observation market in 2025. The regions covered in the satellite-based earth observation 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 impacted the satellite-based earth observation market by increasing costs of imported satellites, imaging payloads, and advanced sensor components, particularly affecting regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. EO data providers and value-added service segments are most affected due to their reliance on imported high-precision hardware. Some local manufacturers benefit as tariffs encourage domestic production and technology development, creating opportunities for innovation and cost optimization. Overall, tariffs create short-term supply chain challenges but can support regional industry.

The satellite-based earth observation market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides satellite-based earth observation market statistics, including satellite-based earth observation industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a satellite-based earth observation market share, detailed satellite-based earth observation market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the satellite-based earth observation industry. This satellite-based earth observation 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.

Satellite-based earth observation involves satellites orbiting the Earth to observe and identify environmental changes, create maps, and serve various applications. Remote sensing techniques are employed in this process to gather information on the Earth's chemical, physical, and biological aspects.

The primary components of satellite-based earth observation encompass earth observation (EO) data and value-added services. EO data, denoting information collected by satellites and other remote sensing platforms, constitutes a crucial aspect. The satellites utilized operate in low earth orbit, medium earth orbit, and geostationary orbit, employing technologies such as optical and synthetic aperture radar. Payloads consist of satellite communications (SATCOM), electro-optical or infrared (EO or IO), communication, imaging, and navigation. These resources find application across diverse sectors, including defense and intelligence, infrastructure and engineering, agriculture, energy and power, among others.

The countries covered in the satellite-based earth observation market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The satellite-based earth observation market includes revenues earned by entities by providing weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster studies. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

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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