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Add to CartSmall Satellite Services Market
By Service Type;
Earth Observation, Communication, Scientific Research, Technology Demonstration and OthersBy End-User;
Commercial, Government, Defense and AcademicBy Satellite Type;
Nanosatellite, Microsatellite and MinisatelliteBy Application;
Remote Sensing, Satellite Communication, Science & Exploration, Mapping & Navigation and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Small Satellite Services Market Overview
Small Satellite Services Market (USD Million)
Small Satellite Services Market was valued at USD 23,436.83 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 35,356.85 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.1%.
Small Satellite Services Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 6.1 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 6.1 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 23,436.83 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 35,356.85 Million |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
| Report Pages | 380 |
Major Players
- Planet Labs
- Spire Global
- Capella Space
- ICEYE
- BlackSky
- HawkEye 360
- Astroscale
- Swarm Technologies
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Small Satellite Services Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Small Satellite Services Market is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing need for satellite-based connectivity, earth observation, and navigation solutions. Over 64% of enterprises are adopting small satellite platforms to enable remote sensing, data collection, and real-time communications. Their growing utilization in defense, commercial services, and scientific research is fueling industry expansion.
Technological Advancements Enhancing Performance
Significant innovations in satellite miniaturization, payload flexibility, and launch optimization are reshaping the market landscape. Around 58% of manufacturers now implement low-power electronic systems and multi-orbit deployment strategies to improve performance. These advancements reduce costs, enable faster deployments, and improve data accuracy for various applications.
Expanding Role in Commercial Applications
The adoption of small satellite services is rising significantly across telecommunication, broadcasting, and navigation systems. Nearly 56% of enterprises are deploying compact satellite solutions for real-time monitoring, high-speed connectivity, and data-driven operations. This expansion supports the transition toward digital transformation and smarter business models.
Collaborations and Innovations Driving Growth
The Small Satellite Services Market is witnessing significant expansion driven by partnerships, service diversification, and constellation-based deployments. Around 59% of service providers are extending their portfolios to serve defense, commercial, and scientific applications. Increasing collaborations and investments are expected to accelerate innovation and broaden market opportunities.
Small Satellite Services Market Key Takeaways
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The Small Satellite Services Market is expanding rapidly due to rising demand for low-cost space missions, Earth observation, communication services, and data analytics across commercial, government, and defense sectors.
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Small satellite services include launch support, satellite data services, mission operations, ground station services, constellation management, and satellite-as-a-service (SaaS) models enabling frequent and affordable deployments.
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Key applications include remote sensing, agriculture monitoring, climate and weather tracking, IoT connectivity, broadband communication, disaster management, and defense intelligence.
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Market growth is driven by advancements in low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, miniaturization of satellite components, reusable launch vehicles, and increasing adoption of commercial space services.
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North America leads due to strong investment in private space companies and defense programs, while Europe expands in Earth observation; Asia-Pacific shows fastest growth with rising space agency initiatives and emerging space-tech startups.
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Challenges include satellite launch bottlenecks, orbital congestion, regulatory complexities, cybersecurity concerns, and pressure to enhance service reliability in large constellations.
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Future opportunities lie in AI-driven satellite data analytics, global IoT networks, inter-satellite communication systems, space-based 5G infrastructure, and expanded demand for Earth observation-as-a-service.
Small Satellite Services Market Recent Developments
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In October 2024, Lockheed Martin completed the acquisition of a small-satellite manufacturer, enhancing its presence in the Small Satellite Services Market.
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In August 2025, two direct-to-device satellite connectivity firms—Lynk Global and Omnispace—agreed to merge, creating a stronger competitor in the Small Satellite Services Market.
Small Satellite Services Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Small Satellite Services Market has been segmented by Service Type, End-User, Satellite Type, Application, and Geography.
Small Satellite Services Market, Segmentation by Service Type
The Service Type lens differentiates revenue pools by mission intent, operational complexity, and lifecycle value creation. Buyers increasingly blend multi-orbit constellations, standardized platforms, and software-defined payloads to shorten delivery cycles and unlock recurring service contracts. Vendors are prioritizing vertical partnerships across launch, ground, and analytics to move beyond one-off deployments toward annuity models, while capacity planning focuses on latency, revisit, and tasking responsiveness benchmarks that align to sector-specific SLAs.
Earth Observation
Earth Observation services monetize high-revisit imaging, RF sensing, and hyperspectral/thermal analytics for sectors such as agriculture, insurance, energy, and disaster management. Growth stems from fusing AI/ML pipelines with automated tip-and-cue tasking, enabling granular insights like yield forecasts and infrastructure monitoring. Providers differentiate through data freshness, scene-to-insight latency, and archive depth, with ecosystem plays around APIs and marketplace distribution strengthening stickiness.
Communication
Communication services in the small-sat arena emphasize narrowband IoT, store-and-forward, and emerging direct-to-device pathways that complement terrestrial coverage. Operators compete on link budget optimization, low-power terminals, and device ecosystem enablement, while enterprise buyers value resilient backhaul, maritime/aviation coverage, and global asset tracking. Strategic MoUs with chipset makers and cloud providers accelerate adoption through turnkey integration and predictable total cost of ownership.
Scientific Research
Scientific Research services leverage rapid iteration, ride-share access, and standardized buses to validate instruments and conduct space-based experiments. Universities, agencies, and research consortia prioritize cost efficiency and schedule certainty, making modular platforms and open data frameworks attractive. Suppliers increasingly package mission operations, downlink, and data curation as services, reducing barriers for principal investigators and enabling repeatable, multi-mission roadmaps.
Technology Demonstration
Technology Demonstration is a pipeline for in-orbit validation of sensors, on-board processing, propulsion, and inter-satellite links that de-risk future commercial constellations. Time-to-first-light and qualification fidelity drive buyer decisions, with pre-arranged launch slots and ground segment templates compressing schedules. The segment benefits from collaborative programs between primes, startups, and public funding bodies that share risk and accelerate TRL maturation.
Others
The Others category spans specialized services such as space situational awareness, education/outreach missions, and custom data brokering. Niche providers compete through domain expertise, bespoke analytics, and flexible contracting that aligns with short-duration campaigns. As adjacent needs emerge—like regulatory compliance support and emissions monitoring—this cluster offers agile experimentation grounds for new service constructs.
Small Satellite Services Market, Segmentation by End-User
End-User segmentation reflects divergent procurement practices, mission timelines, and data exploitation maturity. Commercial buyers emphasize ROI, integration ease, and usage-based pricing, while public-sector stakeholders balance sovereignty, security, and multi-year budgeting. Solutions that bundle platform, launch, ground, and analytics as managed services reduce complexity and support scalable adoption across verticals.
Commercial
Commercial users—spanning agriculture, energy, logistics, financial services, and insurance—seek actionable intelligence and APIs that plug into existing workflows. They value service-level guarantees on uptime, data quality, and delivery windows, alongside tools for user management and cost governance. Co-selling with hyperscalers and industry ISVs expands reach and embeds satellite insights into everyday enterprise decisions.
Government
Government entities prioritize resilience, national objectives, and alignment with policy outcomes such as climate reporting and critical infrastructure oversight. Procurement favors vendors with compliance-ready operations, sovereign hosting options, and flexible tasking that supports emergency response. Framework agreements and public–private partnerships are instrumental in scaling multi-year programs.
Defense
Defense users require assured access, low-latency tasking, and secure dissemination across domains. Interest is rising in hybrid architectures that blend commercial constellations with sovereign assets for redundancy. Vendors differentiate through hardened ground segments, zero-trust security, and persistent ISR capabilities that integrate into command-and-control environments.
Academic
Academic stakeholders exploit small satellites for STEM enablement, instrument testing, and collaborative science. Program success hinges on predictable costs, curriculum-aligned toolchains, and mentorship from industry partners. Service providers that offer mission kits, training, and shared ground resources lower barriers and foster long-term pipelines of talent and innovation.
Small Satellite Services Market, Segmentation by Satellite Type
Satellite Type influences mass, payload capacity, and mission economics, shaping coverage, revisit, and service mix. Standardized buses with common avionics and modular payload bays unlock repeatable manufacturing and rapid constellation expansion. Operators are aligning type selection with lifecycle cost profiles and service-level needs rather than platform novelty.
Nanosatellite
Nanosatellites enable high-cadence deployment and cost-effective iteration, ideal for pathfinders, IoT links, and targeted observation. Their advantages include shorter build cycles and ride-share flexibility, though constraints on power and aperture guide payload choices. Providers counter limitations with on-board processing, software-defined radios, and mesh networking to uplift performance.
Microsatellite
Microsatellites balance payload capability with affordable operations, supporting multi-sensor EO stacks and robust comms services. They offer improved pointing stability, downlink throughput, and power budgets, enabling premium data products. Ecosystem momentum around standardized microsat buses and Ka-/optical downlinks strengthens their role in mid-tier constellations.
Minisatellite
Minisatellites provide higher power and aperture for advanced sensors, wideband comms, and specialized missions requiring superior radiation tolerance. While capex is higher, unit economics can favor fewer, more capable spacecraft delivering premium SLAs. They are increasingly used as anchor nodes within mixed fleets to augment analytics quality and backhaul capacity.
Small Satellite Services Market, Segmentation by Application
Application-driven views correlate directly to budget holders and use-case value. Buyers prefer turnkey offerings—tasking, downlink, processing, and decision-ready outputs—with clear KPIs such as detection accuracy and time-to-insight. Competitive advantage accrues to providers combining domain expertise with robust distribution and partner ecosystems.
Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing anchors demand for monitoring of crops, forests, assets, and natural catastrophes. Providers win through frequent revisit, multi-sensor fusion, and change detection pipelines that feed risk modeling and compliance reporting. Strategic alliances with insurers, agritech platforms, and public agencies expand recurring revenue opportunities.
Satellite Communication
Satellite Communication supports IoT telemetry, asset visibility, and resilient backhaul for maritime, aviation, and remote operations. Advancements in waveform efficiency, edge compute, and antenna tech are uplifting performance while simplifying terminals. Growth also reflects integration with terrestrial networks and cloud-native orchestration for end-to-end service assurance.
Science & Exploration
Science & Exploration applications harness small sats for space weather, planetary science, and technology validation. Mission portfolios emphasize cost control, collaborative data sharing, and reproducible architectures that ease repeat launches. Providers offering managed operations and data stewardship improve researcher outcomes and broaden participation.
Mapping & Navigation
Mapping & Navigation relies on precise geolocation, terrain modeling, and augmentation of positioning services across sectors like logistics and urban planning. Competitive differentiation centers on accuracy, latency, and interoperability with GIS and mobility stacks. Partnerships with mapping platforms and autonomy developers extend reach and accelerate product-market fit.
Others
Other applications include niche analytics, regulatory monitoring, and education/outreach services that benefit from agile deployment. Vendors succeed by tailoring delivery models, compliance tooling, and user-centric dashboards that translate raw data into operational decisions. These offerings serve as incubators for emergent demand and cross-vertical experimentation.
Small Satellite Services Market, Segmentation by Geography
Geographic dynamics reflect policy frameworks, capital availability, launch access, and downstream analytics ecosystems. Markets with supportive regulations, public procurement, and space-tech clusters attract sustained investment and foster supplier diversity. Inter-regional partnerships spanning launch, manufacturing, and cloud infrastructure are reshaping supply chains and accelerating constellation timelines.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
North America
North America benefits from deep venture ecosystems, government programs, and a dense supplier base across launch, buses, and analytics. Strong demand from enterprise and public sectors rewards providers with security certifications, hybrid ground architectures, and robust service-level commitments. Collaboration between commercial operators and federal agencies underpins multi-year pipelines and accelerates constellation scaling.
Europe
Europe emphasizes sovereignty, sustainability, and dual-use innovation supported by pan-European initiatives and national agencies. An active manufacturing base, regulatory clarity, and growing analytics startups foster end-to-end value chains. Providers with interoperable platforms, data protection readiness, and climate-oriented solutions align well with regional priorities.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific shows rapid expansion driven by industrial digitalization, agri-tech adoption, and maritime requirements across archipelagic geographies. Policy support, local manufacturing, and regional launch capacity enhance time-to-market. Partnerships with telecoms, cloud hyperscalers, and public agencies are key to scaling user bases and localizing solutions.
Middle East & Africa
Middle East & Africa focuses on infrastructure monitoring, environmental stewardship, and national capability building. Government-backed programs and smart city initiatives create demand for EO analytics, while partnerships with universities and innovation hubs nurture local talent. Vendors offering resilient services for arid and remote environments gain strategic traction.
Latin America
Latin America’s opportunity centers on agriculture, natural resources, and climate resilience use cases that benefit from frequent revisit and affordable access. Collaborative models with public institutions and regional integrators help navigate procurement and data policies. Solutions tailored to local conditions—language, billing, and connectivity constraints—improve adoption and long-term retention.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Small Satellite Services Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Technological Advancements
- Increasing Demand for Earth Observation
- Expansion of Satellite-based Communication Networks
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Accessibility and Affordability-Accessibility and affordability are key drivers shaping the global small satellite services market, enabling a broader range of stakeholders to leverage space-based solutions for various applications. Small satellites, with their compact size, standardized designs, and cost-effective manufacturing processes, have democratized access to space, lowering barriers to entry for governments, commercial entities, research institutions, and even individuals. This increased accessibility allows for more diverse participation in space activities, fostering innovation and collaboration across different sectors and industries.
The affordability of small satellite services has revolutionized the economics of space-based missions, making satellite deployments and operations more cost-effective compared to traditional large satellites. The reduced size and weight of small satellites translate to lower launch costs, as they can be piggybacked on larger launch vehicles or deployed using dedicated small satellite launch services. Additionally, advancements in satellite technology, such as miniaturization and standardization, have contributed to cost savings in satellite manufacturing, assembly, and testing, further enhancing the affordability of small satellite missions.
The accessibility and affordability of small satellite services have opened up new opportunities for addressing global challenges and supporting socioeconomic development. Small satellites enable timely and cost-effective solutions for applications such as Earth observation, environmental monitoring, disaster response, communication, and navigation, among others. These satellite-based services play a crucial role in areas such as agriculture, transportation, telecommunications, and natural resource management, empowering governments, businesses, and communities to make informed decisions and improve the quality of life on Earth. Overall, accessibility and affordability drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in the global small satellite services market, unlocking new possibilities and benefits for stakeholders worldwide.
Restraints:
- Limited Payload Capacity
- Launch Constraints
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Regulatory Hurdles-Regulatory hurdles pose significant challenges to the growth and operation of the global small satellite services market. The space industry is subject to a complex web of regulations and licensing requirements imposed by national governments and international bodies to ensure safety, security, and compliance with international treaties and agreements. Small satellite operators face a myriad of regulatory hurdles related to spectrum allocation, orbital debris mitigation, launch licensing, frequency coordination, and national security considerations, among others. Navigating these regulatory frameworks can be time-consuming, costly, and complex, particularly for startups, academic institutions, and small companies with limited resources and expertise in regulatory affairs.
Spectrum allocation is a critical regulatory issue for small satellite operators, as they rely on radio frequency (RF) spectrum to communicate with ground stations and other satellites. Securing access to suitable RF spectrum bands for satellite operations requires coordination with national spectrum regulators and compliance with international regulations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations. Spectrum scarcity and competition for frequency bands pose challenges for small satellite operators, particularly in congested orbital regions and frequency bands used by incumbent users such as terrestrial wireless networks and satellite operators.
Orbital debris mitigation regulations require small satellite operators to implement measures to minimize the creation of space debris and mitigate the risk of collisions in orbit. Compliance with orbital debris mitigation guidelines involves designing satellites with deorbiting capabilities, implementing collision avoidance strategies, and adhering to end-of-life disposal requirements. Ensuring compliance with orbital debris mitigation regulations adds complexity and cost to small satellite missions, as operators must demonstrate their ability to safely deorbit satellites at the end of their operational life to prevent the generation of space debris. Overall, regulatory hurdles present significant barriers to entry and operational challenges for small satellite operators, highlighting the need for collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to develop clear, consistent, and streamlined regulatory frameworks that support innovation and responsible space activities.
Opportunities:
- Emerging Markets
- Innovative Service Offerings
- Strategic Partnerships
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Growing Interest in Space-based Solutions-
One key driver of the growing interest in space-based solutions is the rapid pace of technological innovation in the small satellite industry. Advancements in miniaturization, sensor technology, propulsion systems, and data analytics have expanded the capabilities and performance of small satellites, making them increasingly versatile and cost-effective for a diverse range of applications. Small satellites are now capable of providing high-resolution imagery, real-time data collection, and advanced analytics for applications such as Earth observation, communication, navigation, and scientific research.
The growing interest in space-based solutions is fueled by the recognition of the unique advantages offered by small satellites, including their agility, flexibility, and scalability. Small satellites can be rapidly deployed, reconfigured, and replaced to adapt to evolving mission requirements and address emerging challenges. They offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional large satellites, providing access to space for a broader range of users and applications. As a result, there is increasing investment, collaboration, and innovation in the global small satellite services market, driving the development of new technologies, business models, and partnerships to unlock the full potential of space-based solutions for the benefit of society and the economy.
Small Satellite Services Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Small Satellite Services Market exhibits a dynamic competitive landscape shaped by technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and agile deployment strategies. Leading aerospace and communication firms control nearly 65% of total market share, focusing on satellite miniaturization and low Earth orbit (LEO) integration. Expanding collaboration with defense agencies, telecom operators, and data analytics firms continues to support strong growth in global connectivity and Earth observation applications.
Market Structure and Concentration
The market demonstrates a moderately consolidated structure, with key players contributing approximately 60% of service capacity. Companies implement strategies emphasizing cost-effective launches, constellation management, and data monetization. Continuous collaboration between satellite operators and launch service providers drives technological advancements in propulsion, payload optimization, and satellite lifecycle management.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Service providers are strengthening brand positioning through diversified distribution channels and global communication networks. Around 55% of operators maintain partnerships with government agencies, commercial enterprises, and research institutions. These strategies improve data accessibility, enhance network reliability, and expand adoption across navigation, imaging, and communication segments.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Nearly 70% of ongoing R&D investments target technological advancements in small satellite propulsion, AI-driven data analytics, and inter-satellite communication. Continuous innovation improves mission accuracy, data transmission speed, and operational efficiency. Cross-industry collaboration with aerospace manufacturers and cloud service providers accelerates growth in scalable, intelligent space service ecosystems.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
North America leads with over 45% of total market share, supported by strong partnerships in space exploration and defense satellite programs. Europe contributes around 25%, focusing on innovation in sustainable launch solutions and data service platforms. The Asia-Pacific region holds nearly 20%, witnessing rapid expansion in national space initiatives, commercial launches, and small satellite manufacturing capabilities.
Future Outlook
The Small Satellite Services Market is projected to experience sustained growth driven by constellation deployment strategies and integrated space data networks. Around 35% of upcoming partnerships and mergers aim to enhance global data connectivity and real-time analytics. Continued technological advancements will enable smarter, cost-efficient satellite ecosystems, redefining communication and observation capabilities worldwide.
Key players in Small Satellite Services Market include:
- SpaceX
- Airbus Defence & Space
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Boeing (Boeing Space)
- Maxar Technologies
- L3Harris Technologies
- Planet Labs
- Ball Aerospace
- Thales Alenia Space
- GomSpace
- Spire Global
- Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL)
- Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems
- AAC Clyde Space
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market shrare analsysis
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Service Type
- Market Snapshot, By End-User
- Market Snapshot, By Satellite Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Small Satellite Services Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Technological Advancements
- Increasing Demand for Earth Observation
- Expansion of Satellite-based Communication Networks
- Accessibility and Affordability
- Restraints
- Limited Payload Capacity
- Launch Constraints
- Regulatory Hurdles
- Opportunities
- Emerging Markets
- Innovative Service Offerings
- Strategic Partnerships
- Growing Interest in Space-based Solutions
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Small Satellite Services Market, By Service Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Earth Observation
- Communication
- Scientific Research
- Technology Demonstration
- Others
- Small Satellite Services Market, By End-User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Commercial
- Government
- Defense
- Academic
- Small Satellite Services Market, By Satellite Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Nanosatellite
- Microsatellite
- Minisatellite
- Small Satellite Services Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Remote Sensing
- Satellite Communication
- Science & Exploration
- Mapping & Navigation
- Others
- Small Satellite Services Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN(Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Small Satellite Services Market, By Service Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- SpaceX
- Airbus Defence & Space
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Boeing (Boeing Space)
- Maxar Technologies
- L3Harris Technologies
- Planet Labs
- Ball Aerospace
- Thales Alenia Space
- GomSpace
- Spire Global
- Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL)
- Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems
- AAC Clyde Space
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market