Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites Global Market Report 2024

The low earth orbit (leo) satellites market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $5.53 billion in 2023 to $6.42 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.0%. The expansion observed in the historical period can be attributed to the growth of emerging markets, increased investments in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite infrastructure, and a rising demand for satellite internet in rural areas.

The low earth orbit (leo) satellites market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $11.31 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing investments in the space sector, a rising demand for telecommunications, and an increasing number of satellite launches. Key trends expected in the forecast period involve the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize mission efficiency and reduce operational costs, the launch of advanced low Earth orbit satellites to provide global connectivity, the use of 3D printing to reduce satellite and subsystem production costs, advancements in payload systems to offer diverse and sophisticated capabilities, and strategic collaborations and partnerships among market players.

The low earth orbit (leo) satellites market is poised for growth in the foreseeable future, driven by the increasing adoption of low-earth orbit satellites across various sectors. These satellites play a crucial role in Earth observation, particularly in fields such as agriculture, contributing to the planet's protection, safety, and longevity. The data gathered from low-earth orbit satellites allows for the observation and measurement of global biological, chemical, and physical elements. As of January 2022, more than 4,852 operational satellites orbit the Earth, with a significant portion, around 2,700, in low earth orbit. An illustrative example is the successful deployment of 34 satellites by OneWeb in February 2022, bringing its total in-orbit constellation to 428 satellites.

A factor propelling the low earth orbit (leo) satellites market is the increasing use of lightweight materials. The adoption of lightweight materials proves effective in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption by decreasing spacecraft mass. Lower mass translates to reduced lift force and thrust during flight, contributing to improved flight performance and lower carbon footprint. Notably, the DISCOVERER project led by the University of Manchester, launched in September 2022, aims to revolutionize Earth observation satellites by developing technologies for operation in very low Earth orbits, below 450km altitude, making satellites smaller, lighter, and more economical.

The low earth orbit (leo) satellites sector is witnessing a surge in the launch of advanced low-earth orbit satellites, with major players focusing on providing global connectivity. For instance, OneWeb launched 32 LEO satellites in April 2021, adding to its growing constellation. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries also launched an advanced relay satellite with laser communications technology into orbit, showcasing the importance of technological advancements in satellite systems.

Firms operating in the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites market are strategically entering partnerships and collaborations to diversify their product portfolios and expand their LEO satellites business. For instance, in March 2022, OneWeb, a UK-based LEO satellite communications company, announced a collaboration with SpaceX, a US-based aerospace company. The joint effort aims to resume and complete the launch of satellite services in India in the coming years. Similarly, in March 2022, Kymeta, a Washington-based company specializing in flat panel antennas, and OneWeb joined forces to establish a distribution partnership agreement. This collaboration is geared towards providing broadband connectivity services globally with the assistance of OneWeb's LEO satellite network. Additionally, in January 2022, OneWeb disclosed a partnership with Hughes Network Systems LLC (Hughes), a US-based high-speed satellite internet company, to deliver LEO connectivity services across India.

In May 2022, Tailwind Acquisition Corp, a publicly traded US-based company, successfully acquired Terran Orbital Corporation for a total of $255.4 million in gross proceeds. This acquisition is anticipated to have a significant technological impact, with expected build rates exceeding 1,000 satellites and space vehicles annually. The move is driven by the escalating data demands from governments and corporations, projecting accelerated growth over the next decade. Terran Orbital Corporation, a leading US-based manufacturer of low-earth orbit satellites, further strengthens the strategic position of Tailwind Acquisition Corp in the evolving satellite industry.

Major companies operating in the low earth orbit (leo) satellites market report are Thales, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Airbus SE (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd), L3Harris Technologies, Kepler Communications Inc., Blue Canyon Technologies Inc., Blue Origin, SpaceX, One Space Tech, Land Space Technology Corporation Ltd., ExPace Technology Corporation, CASIC, Beijing Commsat Technology Development Co. Ltd., Anabond Limited, INTECH DMLS PVT Ltd., Avasarala Technologies Limited, Sumeru Microwave Communications Private Limited, Telstra, Quberider Pty Ltd., Innova Space, Telespazio S.p.A., GomSpace Group AB, EnduroSat, AAC Clyde Space, OneWeb, Speedcast International Limited, Raytheon, Honeywell International Inc., Cessna, Bombardier Inc., Telesat, Amazon, Starlink satellite constellation, Hughes Network Systems, Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales AR-SAT SA, Embraer, Al Yah Satellite Communications (YAHSAT), Arabsat, Es'hailSat, QSat Communications, Saman Satellite Communications, Thuraya Satellite, DragonFly Aerospace, NETLOXH, ETSE CubeCom, Omarichet, Simera Sense.

North America was the largest region in the low earth orbit satellites market in 2023. North America is expected to be the fastest growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the low earth orbit (leo) satellites market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the low earth orbit (leo) satellites market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The main types of low Earth orbit satellites include femto, pico, nano, micro, and mini. Satellites weighing less than 100 grams are categorized as femto satellites. These new satellite types are considered low-cost devices, particularly when utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Various subsystems, including payload, structure, telecommunication, onboard computer, power system, attitude control, and propulsion system, are integral to their design. Low Earth orbit satellites are employed in technology development, Earth observation and remote sensing, communication, space exploration, and surveillance. They are implemented across different verticals such as commercial, civil, government, and others.

The low earth orbit (LEO) market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides low earth orbit (LEO) market statistics, including low earth orbit (LEO) industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a low earth orbit (LEO) market share, detailed low earth orbit (LEO) market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the low earth orbit (LEO) industry. This low earth orbit (LEO) 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 low earth orbit satellite market consists of sales of low earth orbit satellites such as small and mini-satellites. 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.