Space-Based Network Market Report 2026

The space-based network market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $10.33 billion in 2025 to $12.69 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to deployment of early communication satellite constellations, advancements in inter-satellite link technologies, adoption of satellite-based navigation systems, initial integration of earth observation payloads, development of spaceborne routers and switches.

The space-based network market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $28.57 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of lte/5g satellite connectivity, growth in mega-constellation deployments, adoption of AI-enabled network management, integration with iot and maritime communication networks, increasing demand for low-latency global data transmission. Major trends in the forecast period include growth in inter-satellite laser communication links, rising demand for multi-orbit satellite constellations, expansion of satellite-based emergency response networks, increased deployment of broadband mega-constellations, integration of hybrid space-terrestrial communication architectures.

The growing number of satellite launches is anticipated to drive the expansion of the space-based network market. Satellite launches involve sending satellites into orbit around Earth (or beyond) using rockets, serving purposes such as communication, navigation, observation, or scientific research. The rise in satellite launches is mainly due to the increasing demand for global broadband internet and connectivity services, particularly through large constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO). These satellite deployments within space-based networks are essential for enabling communication, transmitting data, and ensuring wide-reaching network coverage. For instance, in January 2025, the Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in the United States, reported that there were 259 orbital launches globally in 2024, reflecting a 16% increase compared to the previous year. As a result, the rising number of satellite launches is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the space-based network market.

Leading companies in the space-based network market are prioritizing advancements in technology, particularly in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, to improve global connectivity, reduce latency, extend coverage in remote areas, and enhance the performance and reliability of communication systems. LEO satellite constellations consist of groups of satellites placed in orbits generally between 160 km and 2,000 km above the Earth's surface, working in coordination to offer communication, internet, navigation, and Earth observation services across wide areas. For example, in August 2025, SpaceX, an aerospace company based in the United States, launched 28 Starlink V2 mini satellites. These satellites are equipped with advanced phased array antennas that deliver four times the data capacity of previous versions, E-band backhaul for improved data relay capabilities, and argon-fueled Hall thrusters providing 2.4 times the thrust and 1.5 times the specific impulse. Weighing around 800 kilograms and operating at an altitude of about 550 km, the V2 mini satellites significantly enhance broadband connectivity around the globe, especially in underserved regions.

In July 2025, SES S.A., a provider of space solutions and multi-orbit satellite connectivity services based in Luxembourg, finalized the acquisition of Intelsat for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, SES aims to strengthen its position as a global multi-orbit satellite operator by enlarging its satellite fleet and capabilities, allowing it to offer integrated multi-orbit, multi-band connectivity and satellite services to governments and enterprises worldwide. Intelsat, headquartered in the United States, is a satellite communications provider with a portfolio that includes satellites in geostationary and medium Earth orbits, along with complementary spectrum band offerings.

Major companies operating in the space-based network market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), Viasat Inc., Thales Alenia Space SAS, SES S.A., Eutelsat S.A., Iridium Communications Inc., Telesat Canada, Hughes Network Systems LLC (HughesNet brand), AST SpaceMobile Inc., ICEYE Oy, Astranis Space Technologies Corp., Logos Space Inc., Intuitive Machines Inc., E-Space Inc., Muon Space Inc., Inmarsat Global Limited, Aalyria Technologies Inc., Project Kuiper LLC (Amazon Kuiper), SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings Inc.

North America was the largest region in the space-based network market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the space-based network 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, ground equipment, and launch systems are increasing operational costs for space-based network providers by disrupting supply chains and raising the price of imported semiconductors, antennas, and routing hardware. These tariffs particularly affect LEO constellation operators and communication payload manufacturers in Asia-Pacific and North America, where cross-border sourcing is high. While adoption delays are seen in commercial telecom and broadband segments, tariffs are also encouraging domestic manufacturing, stimulating local production ecosystems, and driving strategic investments in regional supply independence for satellite communication infrastructure.

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

A space-based network is a communication system that relies on satellites in orbit to enable connectivity and data transmission over large geographic areas. It provides reliable global coverage, particularly in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unavailable.

The main types of space-based networks include Ku, Ka, and K bands, C and X bands, and L and S bands. These bands correspond to specific microwave frequency ranges used for satellite communications, each offering distinct bandwidths, signal strengths, and propagation characteristics. Such networks operate in various orbits, including low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and highly elliptical orbit (HEO). Core components include satellites, ground stations, transponders, antennas, routers and switches, launch vehicles, and network operations centers (NOCs). Applications span data communication, voice communication, video transmission, and broadband connectivity. Key end-user industries include telecommunications, government and military, commercial enterprises, aviation, maritime, oil and gas, transportation and logistics, and media and entertainment.

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

The space-based network market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as navigation and positioning services, emergency response services, disaster management, and earth observation services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The space-based network market also includes sales of satellite communication payloads, inter-satellite link equipment, spaceborne routers and switches, and satellite-based data transmission terminals. 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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