Space-Based Air Traffic Control Market Report 2025

The space-based air traffic control market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $3.07 billion in 2024 to $3.55 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the increasing demand for efficient airspace management, rising global air traffic volumes, the expansion of satellite-based navigation systems, growing reliance on global positioning system (GPS) technologies, and increased government investments in aviation infrastructure.

The space-based air traffic control market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.29 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the growing adoption of space-based surveillance systems, increasing focus on real-time aircraft tracking, expansion of satellite constellations for aviation, rising emphasis on flight safety and operational efficiency, and the growing need for cross-border airspace coordination. Major trends expected during this period include advancements in satellite communication systems, the development of next-generation automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) technology, innovation in AI-powered air traffic control systems, integration of space-based and ground-based navigation networks, and progress in real-time data analytics for air traffic monitoring.

The increasing number of satellite launches is expected to propel the growth of the space-based air traffic control market going forward. Satellite launches refer to the process of sending artificial satellites into space using launch vehicles or rockets. The rising demand for satellite launches is driven by the growing need for global connectivity, as more regions seek reliable internet access through satellite-based broadband services. Space-based air traffic control improves satellite launches by enabling accurate tracking and coordination across global airspace. It enhances launch safety by minimizing collision risks and aids in efficient mission planning through real-time data and communications. For example, in September 2022, the Government Accountability Office, a US-based government agency, reported nearly 5,500 active satellites in orbit, with projections indicating an additional 58,000 satellites could be launched by 2030. Therefore, the increasing number of satellite launches is driving the growth of the space-based air traffic control market.

Major companies operating in the space-based air traffic control market are focusing on developing innovative technologies, such as space-based very high frequency (VHF) communications, to improve global air traffic management, enhance safety, and reduce operational inefficiencies. Space-based VHF communications are advanced satellite systems that provide real-time voice and data exchange between pilots and air traffic controllers, even in remote or oceanic areas where ground-based VHF coverage is unavailable. For instance, in March 2025, Startical S.L., a Spain-based aerospace company, launched In-Orbit Demonstrator-1 (IOD-1), a SESAR Digital Sky Demonstrator project showcasing how satellite-based communication systems can improve air traffic management. The IOD-1 is designed to validate space-based VHF voice and data communication links, improving surveillance and connectivity across European airspace. This project highlights efforts to enhance efficiency and sustainability in air traffic management by using satellite-based technologies alongside existing ground systems, ensuring uninterrupted communication in hard-to-reach regions.

In May 2025, Aireon LLC, a US-based space surveillance company, partnered with Thales SA to strengthen air traffic flow management using space-based surveillance data. This collaboration focuses on improving traffic forecasting, easing airspace congestion, and supporting collaborative and sustainable air traffic operations. Thales SA is a France-based aerospace company that contributes to space-based air traffic control through its satellite communication and tracking solutions.

Major players in the space-based air traffic control market are RTX Corporation, Airbus SE, Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corp, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Collins Aerospace, BAE Systems plc, Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Leidos Holdings Inc., Indra Sistemas S.A., Saab AB, Moog Inc., Cobham Limited, Frequentis AG, Spire Global Inc., Adacel Technologies Limited, Aireon LLC, Saber Astronautics Pty Ltd, Searidge Technologies Inc.

North America was the largest region in the space-based air traffic control market in 2024. The regions covered in space-based air traffic control report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the space-based air traffic control market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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.

The sharp hike in U.S. tariffs and the associated trade disputes in spring 2025 are notably impacting the aerospace and defense sector by raising costs for titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics materials largely sourced from global suppliers. Defense contractors, locked into fixed-price government contracts, absorb these added costs, while commercial aerospace firms face airline pushback on higher aircraft prices. Delays in component shipments due to customs bottlenecks further disrupt tight production schedules for jets and satellites. The industry is responding by stockpiling critical materials, seeking waivers for defense-related imports, and collaborating with allied nations to diversify supply chain.

Space-based air traffic control refers to the management and monitoring of aircraft using satellite-based systems rather than traditional ground-based radar. This approach enables real-time tracking, communication, and navigation across remote and oceanic areas where conventional systems are limited. It enhances flight safety, operational efficiency, and global airspace coverage through the use of advanced space technologies.

The primary components of space-based air traffic control include hardware, software, and services. Hardware refers to the physical infrastructure such as satellites, antennas, sensors, and ground stations that monitor, track, and communicate with aircraft, enabling safe and efficient airspace management from space-based platforms. This system employs technologies like automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), and others. It is applied across sectors such as commercial aviation, military aviation, and general aviation, serving end users including airlines, air navigation service providers, airports, and military organizations.

The space-based air traffic control market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides space-based air traffic control market statistics, including space-based air traffic control industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an space-based air traffic control market share, detailed space-based air traffic control market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the space-based air traffic control industry. The space-based air traffic control 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 space-based air traffic control market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as real-time aircraft surveillance, satellite-based navigation, automated flight tracking, and space-enabled airspace management solutions. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The space-based air traffic control market also includes sales of satellite communication systems, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast transponders, global navigation satellite system receivers, onboard avionics, space-based surveillance infrastructure, and integrated air traffic management software. 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 and 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.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.