Software-Defined Satellite Market Report 2026

The software-defined satellite market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $3.52 billion in 2025 to $4 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to adoption of flexible payload satellites, early implementation of onboard software reconfiguration, demand for dynamic frequency allocation in communication satellites, integration of software-defined radios in satellite systems, use of mission optimization tools for existing satellites.

The software-defined satellite market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.64 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of AI-driven in-orbit reconfiguration, rising deployment of multi-mission software-defined satellites, development of ground control integration platforms, increasing reliance on remote software updates and reprogramming, growth in commercial and defense satellite software services. Major trends in the forecast period include dynamic in-orbit reconfiguration, rising demand for flexible payload architectures, growth of sdr-based satellite platforms, expansion of real-time beam steering capabilities, increasing adoption of cloud-controlled satellite operations.

The expansion of telecommunication networks is expected to drive the growth of the software-defined satellite market in the coming years. Telecommunication networks are interconnected systems that transmit voice, data, and video across long and short distances, and their expansion is being fueled by the rollout of 5G technology, which delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to support massive device connectivity. Software-defined satellites play a key role in strengthening these networks by offering reconfigurable payloads that can adapt to changing bandwidth and coverage needs. This flexibility enhances network efficiency by enabling dynamic service adjustments, improving connectivity, and increasing operational agility. For example, according to the Office of Communications (Ofcom), a UK-based government department, the number of fixed broadband lines in the UK reached 29.2 million by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 691,000 (2.4%). This trend underscores how the ongoing expansion of telecommunication networks is fueling demand for software-defined satellites.

Leading companies in the software-defined satellite market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as software-defined radios (SDRs), to provide flexible, reconfigurable, and high-performance satellite communications. Software-defined radios (SDRs) are communication systems in which signal processing is performed via software rather than fixed hardware, enabling satellites to dynamically switch frequencies, protocols, and functions. This allows for flexible, multi-standard communications, improved efficiency, and extended satellite lifespan compared to traditional fixed radios. For example, in May 2025, Alén Space, a Spain-based aerospace company, launched the SATMAR nanosatellite, a 6U CubeSat designed to advance the digital transformation of the maritime sector. Scheduled for deployment aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-14 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the satellite aims to test the new VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) standard in real operational scenarios. This system is intended to enhance maritime communications by replacing the current Automatic Identification System (AIS). SATMAR will enable bidirectional data transmission via satellite in the VHF band, helping reduce network congestion and improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across global maritime traffic.

In July 2025, SES S.A., a Luxembourg-based global satellite communications provider, acquired Intelsat S.A. for an undisclosed amount to strengthen its multi-orbit satellite connectivity capabilities. The acquisition combines the fleets and technologies of both companies, enhancing SES’s capacity, market presence, and ability to deliver integrated next-generation satellite solutions worldwide. Intelsat S.A., based in the U.S., is a satellite services provider that offers software-defined satellites to support 5G connectivity and other advanced services.

Major companies operating in the software-defined satellite market are The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus S.A.S., General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales S.A., L3Harris Technologies Inc., SES S.A., Hughes Network Systems LLC, Eutelsat Communications S.A., Iridium Communications Inc., Inmarsat Global Limited, Spire Global Inc., Innoflight Inc., Vector Launch Inc., Muon Space Inc., Antwerp Space N.V., XDLINX Space Labs Inc., SatixFy Communications Ltd., ReOrbit Inc.

North America was the largest region in the software-defined satellite market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the software-defined satellite 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 are influencing the software-defined satellite market by raising costs for critical components such as SDR modules, onboard processors, power amplifiers, and communication hardware, especially when sourced from Asia-Pacific and European manufacturing hubs. These cost increases affect hardware and technology-intensive segments the most, slowing deployment for commercial and government users that rely on advanced reconfigurable payloads. However, tariffs are also driving localized production, strengthening domestic supply chains, and accelerating innovation in software-defined capabilities. Regions investing in indigenous satellite technology are benefiting from reduced dependency and enhanced strategic resilience.

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

Software-defined satellites are advanced satellites equipped with reprogrammable, software-based systems that replace traditional fixed hardware. This design allows them to dynamically control functions such as communication protocols, frequency allocation, and coverage areas. With this capability, operators can remotely update, reconfigure, or optimize satellite performance after deployment, providing greater flexibility, adaptability to changing mission needs, and extended operational value.

The key components of software-defined satellites include hardware, software, and services. Hardware encompasses the physical elements and equipment integrated into these satellites, such as payload systems, antennas, processors, and reconfigurable modules that enable their operations. They operate across different orbital regimes, including low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO), and utilize technologies such as software-defined radio, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and reconfigurable payloads. Their applications span communication, Earth observation, navigation, scientific research, and more, serving end users across commercial, government, defense, and other sectors.

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

The software-defined satellite market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as satellite software development, satellite communication, beam steering and shaping, mission optimization, and in-orbit reconfiguration capabilities. The market value includes the value of related hardware and software sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The software-defined satellite market also includes sales of onboard software platforms, communication modules, flexible payloads, software-defined radio (SDR) modules, and ground control integration solutions. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods and software 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 and software 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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