“The military satellite market value was US$ 32.2 Billion in 2024 and is likely to grow at CAGR of 10.6% in the long run to reach US$ 58.9 Billion in 2030.”
Market Dynamics
Introduction
Military satellites are sophisticated space-borne systems designed with the notion of meeting defense and security objectives. These are tactical functions that are Inter-Site Relationship, Communication, and Navigation functions. These satellites increase the odds of understanding the environment better by offering timely information and ensuring effective secure communication lines over enormous geographical areas regardless of the region's ‘friendliness’ or ‘hostility.’ These are common in contemporary military operations; they afford features for the identification of threats, targeting accuracy, and synchronization of forces. Military satellites remain an essential asset because nations need to protect their citizens and resources and win the war that has been institutionalized and is waged in space.
Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions:
A huge number of strategic alliances including M&As, JVs, etc. have been performed over the past few years:
- In November 2024, BlackSky acquired Thales Alenia Space's 50% stake in the LeoStella joint venture, gaining full ownership. LeoStella specializes in small satellite manufacturing, which includes military applications.
- In October 2024, Lockheed Martin Corporation completed the acquisition of Terran Orbital, a small satellite manufacturer, for approximately $450 million. This acquisition enhances Lockheed Martin's capabilities in producing small satellites for military applications.
- In October 2024, Leonardo and Rheinmetall formed a joint venture to develop and produce military satellite communication systems, aiming to create a new European nucleus for such technologies.
- In September 2024, Astranis secured a $13.2 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to add military Ka-band frequency compatibility to its next-generation Omega satellites, enhancing their suitability for military communications.
- In April 2024, Northrop Grumman and SpaceX collaborated on a classified U.S. spy satellite system aimed at enhancing the government's ability to track military and intelligence targets from low-Earth orbit. Northrop Grumman provided and tested sensors on at least 50 SpaceX satellites.
- In January 2024, Airbus SE acquired Eutelsat OneWeb's 50% stake in the Airbus OneWeb Satellites (AOS) joint venture, becoming the sole owner. This move strengthens Airbus's position in satellite manufacturing, including military satellite communications.
Recent Product Development:
- In February 2023 Raytheon Technologies subcontractor Blue Canyon Technologies contributed to key elements of hardware for several SmallSats on Transporter-6. This mission placed a total of 114 small payloads into polar orbit.
- In February 2023, Blue Canyon Technologies of Raytheon Technologies provided crucial hardware for several SmallSat missions in the Transporter 6 launch with 114 payloads deployed in a polar orbit.
- On 5 January 2023, Raytheon Intelligence & Space Corporation was awarded a Large Prototype contract of the US Space Force to design a missile-tracking system for Medium Earth Orbit. This system, called MTC, is the service’s initial of its kind for the orbit in question. Raytheon Intelligence & Space will build the most modern space vehicle, missile tracking payload, Ground Processing, and Command and Control system required for the mission.
Market Segments' Analysis
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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High Growth Opportunity
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Satellite Mass Analysis
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10-100 kg, 100-500 kg, 500-1000 kg, Below 10 kg, and Above 1000 kg.
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Above 1000kg is said to be dominated by satellite mass of the market for the military satellite market.
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Orbit Analysis
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Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
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Low Earth Orbit (LEO)is said to be dominating by orbit of the market for military satellite market.
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Satellite Subsystem Analysis
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Propulsion Hardware and Propellant, Satellite Bus & Subsystems, Solar Array & Power Hardware and Structures, Harness & Mechanisms.
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Propulsion Hardware and Propellant are said to be dominating the market for the military satellite market.
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Application Analysis
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Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation, Space Observation and Others.
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Earth Observation is said to be dominating the market for the military satellite market.
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Region Analysis
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Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and The Rest of the World.
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North America is the largest and Asia-Pacific is the fastest region for the military satellite market.
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By Satellite Mass Type
“Above 1000kg is said to be dominating by satellite mass of the market market during the forecast period”.
- The market is segmented into 10-100 kg, 100-500 kg, 500-1000 kg, Below 10 kg, and Above 1000 kg.
- Satellites that have a mass greater than 1000 kg are most important for various applications. These satellites should offer greater payload capability, reliable power, and increased durability, which fits the defense and surveillance. The capabilities of hosting several subsystems besides these sophisticated technologies pin them be the basic preferences for the military. Since these are heavy satellites, they are mostly used for strategic functions such as secure communication, earth observation, and navigation.
- However, the heavier satellite has a higher market share, and new mass classes such as 10-100 kg and 100-500 kg are found interesting for certain purposes. These satellites are smaller, relatively inexpensive, may be multiple in a constellation, and are suitable during disaster relief operations. Yet, their performance can often only add to the features of larger satellites so above 1000 kg remains the most popular category.
By Orbit Type
“Low Earth Orbit (LEO)is said to be dominating by the orbit of the market during the forecast period”.
- The market is segmented into Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
- LEO is the most popular because of its closeness to the earth and operational benefits. An important benefit of satellites in LEO is the ability to get high-quality photographs, shorter response time of signals, and reasonable pricing for deployment. That is why LEO is most beneficial for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications where real-time data are so necessary.
- Though LEO particular attention is paid to GEO which is very important for military systems providing permanent coverage of definite territories in secure communication and warning systems. So, while MEO is a smaller segment, it houses focal navigation systems such as GPS. In combination, these orbits fulfill various military requirements, although LEO is the most dominant market segment.
By Satellite Subsystem Type
“Propulsion Hardware and Propellant are said to be dominating the market during the forecast period”.
- The market is segmented into Propulsion Hardware and Propellant, Satellite Bus & Subsystems, Solar Array & Power Hardware and Structures, Harness & Mechanisms.
- Propulsion Hardware and Propellant account for the lion's share of the market for military satellites due to their relevance in positioning as well as the ability to control the movements of the satellites. These subsystems are critical for the endurance and issue destination correctness of satellites which hugely rely on dynamic military operations. Steer technologies like electric and hybrid technologies drive this segment as propulsion technologies improve. That is why they are useful: to reposition, not to get in the way of debris, and to enhance mission duration.
- Other satellite sub-systems that play an integral part in mission success include satellite buses, solar arrays, and the structural elements though they do not typically make up the system’s market share. Though these are acidic to some extent for particular operations, propulsion systems are the necessity of the day for the functionality and control of the satellites enhancing the leading place of these.
By Application Type
“Earth Observation is said to be dominating the market during the forecast period”.
- The market is segmented into Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation, Space Observation, and Others.
- Military satellite services are currently dominated by earth observation mainly due to their application on strategic use in the military. In surveillance, reconnaissance, disaster management, or environmental monitoring, it offers extensive data essential for these activities. These capabilities are essential in defense operations as they facilitate real-time decision-making on the ground through high-definition images and better sensors. The opportunity to track and assess the maneuvers of an adversary only adds to the usefulness of Earth observation systems.
- Transportation and systems of communication moreover convey remarkable importance for establishing firm links about military operations and precise placement. Other uses such as space observation still have a limited market reach but have its demands incorporated into the market. However, earth observation is a much more significant and useful index of strategic and tactical interest on the part of military users.
Regional Analysis
“North America is the largest and Asia-Pacific is the fastest region for military satellites during the forecast period”.
- North America takes the largest share of the demand for military satellites in the market due to increased spending on defense and improving satellite technologies. Major system integrators such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies are major industry players that promote the application and development of enhanced satellite systems. This is because the region has always continued to invest in satellite communication networks that help it to maintain strategic advantages.
- Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region to set up new production facilities as the number of countries investing in this area has risen recently with China, India, and Japan. These nations are now quickly building their military satellite systems for reconnaissance, communication, and positioning. Europe also has a good share, but Asia-Pacific is growing with newer technologies and increasing budgets making it an active growth zone of the market.
Key Players
The market is partially fragmented across the region. Most of the major players compete in some of the governing factors including price, service offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the military satellite market:
Here is the list of the Top Players (Based on Dominance)
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Raytheon Technologies Corporation
- Thales
- Airbus SE
- General Dynamics
- BAE Systems
- Viasat, Inc.
- Elbit Systems
- ROSCOSMOS
- China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev
Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players of the market.
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Report Features
This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:
- Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
- Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
- Market trend and forecast analysis.
- Market segment trend and forecast.
- Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
- COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve.
- Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
- Emerging trends.
- Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
- Key success factors.
The global military satellite market is segmented into the following categories.
Military Satellite Market, by Satellite Mass Type
- 10-100 kg (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- 100-500 kg (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- 500-1000 kg (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Below 10 kg (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Above 1000 kg (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
Military Satellite Market, by Orbit Type
- Geostationary Orbit (GEO) (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
Military Satellite Market, by Satellite Subsystem Type
- Propulsion Hardware and Propellant (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Satellite Bus & Subsystems (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Solar Array & Power Hardware (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Structures, Harness & Mechanisms (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
Military Satellite Market, by Application Type
- Communication (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Earth Observation (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Navigation (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Space Observation (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
- Others (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World)
Military Satellite Market, by Region
- North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
- Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Russia, and Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
- Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Others)
Research Methodology
- This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s military satellite market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period.
- The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner in order to provide a panoramic view of the market.
- The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as to formulate growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
- This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
- More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
- We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.
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- Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
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- Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances
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