Space Archaeology Market Report 2026

The space archaeology market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.61 billion in 2025 to $1.82 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing accumulation of satellites and space artifacts prompting early documentation efforts, development of remote sensing data packages enabling analysis of orbital debris and lunar objects, expansion of space exploration missions providing new archaeological targets and records, rising academic interest in cultural impacts of human space activity driving structured research, introduction of telescopes and tracking systems supporting observation of heritage objects in orbit.

The space archaeology market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.92 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing need for preservation planning as space debris mitigation and heritage protection gain regulatory attention, advancements in robotics and drones enabling detailed inspection of extraterrestrial archaeological sites, increasing commercialization of space creating demand for cultural impact assessments, expansion of public education and outreach programs fostering broader engagement with space heritage, development of archaeological risk assessment models supporting mission planning and heritage-safe operations. Major trends in the forecast period include growth of space heritage preservation programs, rising use of planetary imaging for artifact tracking, expansion of space debris archaeological mapping, increased integration of cultural impact assessments, growing demand for lunar and martian mission record analysis.

Rising investments in space technology are anticipated to drive the growth of the space archaeology market in the coming years. This investment involves the allocation of financial resources toward the development and deployment of technologies used for space exploration, observation, and data collection. Governments are increasingly focusing on satellite innovations to enhance global capabilities in mapping and monitoring, which is a key driver behind this trend. These advancements benefit space archaeology by improving tools such as satellite imaging, remote sensing, and data analytics. For example, in December 2024, the European Space Agency, an intergovernmental organization based in France, reported that space budgets reached €121 billion ($138.75 billion) for the year, marking a 7% increase over 2023. Of this, 47% was allocated to civil spending, reflecting a 5% rise compared to the previous year. As a result, growing investments in space technology are fueling the expansion of the space archaeology market.

Leading organizations within the space archaeology sector are prioritizing the development of advanced solutions through global collaboration to enhance data sharing and accelerate the identification and preservation of ancient sites using space-based observations. These international efforts involve cooperation and resource exchange among countries to achieve shared research and development goals. For instance, in May 2025, the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST), a China-based platform integrating space technology with heritage conservation, began its third-phase operation (2025-2033). This phase was established through a new agreement among the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), UNESCO, and HIST. The partnership focuses on expanding the application of space technologies for monitoring and safeguarding UNESCO-designated heritage sites. It reflects a renewed global commitment to preserving cultural and natural heritage in alignment with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. This initiative represents a significant step toward advancing international collaboration and technological innovation in heritage protection from space.

In September 2024, Space Flight Laboratory (SFL), a Canada-based organization that specializes in small, micro-, and nano-satellite development and operations, partnered with NUVIEW to advance high-precision mapping from space. The collaboration is focused on designing and validating a small satellite platform capable of delivering high-resolution, cost-effective global 3D Earth mapping through space-based LiDAR technology. NUVIEW is a US-based company, developing an innovative satellite constellation that utilizes LiDAR to capture detailed Earth mapping data from orbit.

Major companies operating in the space archaeology market are Airbus, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Hexagon AB, Trimble Inc., European Space Agency (ESA), The German Aerospace Center, Maxar Technologies, L3Harris Technologies, Planet Labs, ICEYE Ltd., Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), BlackSky Technology Inc., Capella Space Corp., GHGSat Inc., SatSure, Satellite Imaging Corporation, Satellogic, Astro Digital, Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. (Esri), Nara Space Technology Inc., Umbra Lab Inc.

North America was the largest region in the space archaeology market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the space archaeology 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 on satellite components, imaging sensors, and advanced surveying equipment have increased operational costs for space archaeology projects, particularly affecting regions dependent on imported observation technologies such as Europe and Asia-Pacific. Segments involving satellite imaging, remote sensing, and tracking systems experience the highest impact due to elevated hardware expenses and delayed procurement. However, tariffs have encouraged local production and innovation in imaging tools, strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing long-term reliance on foreign suppliers.

the space archaeology market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides space archaeology market statistics, including the space archaeology industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the space archaeology market share, detailed space archaeology market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the space archaeology industry. this space archaeology market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Space archaeology is the investigation of human-made artifacts, structures, and activities in outer space and on celestial bodies from an archaeological viewpoint. This field involves studying satellites, space debris, landers, and equipment left on the Moon, Mars, and other extraterrestrial locations to gain insights into the history of space exploration. It also encompasses the examination of launch facilities, mission documentation, and the cultural influence of space travel on Earth.

The primary types of technologies used in space archaeology include remote sensing, satellite imaging, ground-penetrating radar, and others. Remote sensing involves gathering data about an object or area from a distance, often through satellite or aircraft-mounted sensors. These technologies are applied in various fields such as the discovery of historical sites, artifact examination, environmental observation, and more. Major end-users include academic institutions, government bodies, private organizations, and others.

The countries covered in the space archaeology market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The space archaeology market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as space heritage documentation, cultural impact analysis, public education and outreach, and preservation planning. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The space archaeology market includes sales of remote sensing data packages, archaeological risk assessment models, telescopes and tracking systems, robotics and drones. 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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