Leo Satellite Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global LEO Satellite Market is accounted for $11,280.01 million in 2022 and is expected to reach $29,684.94 million by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. A Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite is a type of satellite that orbits the Earth at a lower altitude than geosynchronous satellites. LEO satellites orbit the Earth at a distance of 2000 to 200 kilometres. LEO satellites are commonly used for communications, military intelligence, reconnaissance, and imaging. The majority of man-made objects orbiting the Earth are in low-Earth orbit (LEO). In LEO, communications satellites use low signal propagation delay. Because they are closer to Earth, many types of Earth observation satellites can detect smaller objects with greater resolution. The contact area of LEO satellites is substantially less than that of high-altitude satellites. They circle fast around the Earth.

According to the United Nations, the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, resulting in a 69% increase in overall agricultural production between 2010 and 2050.



Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increase in demand for LEO-based services

In industrialised nations, there is an increasing demand for low-cost, high-speed broadband with higher capacity for enterprise data (retail, banking), the energy sector (oil, gas, mining), and governments. As a result, there is a surge in demand for affordable broadband among individual consumers in developing nations and remote places that might not have internet connection. Investments in LEO constellations are being driven by these market expectations. Additionally, industrialised nations have a significant desire for low-cost, high-speed internet, and if all proposed LEO constellations are successful, there may be more supply than there is anticipated demand, which would lower the price per megabit.

Restraint:

Government policies

The development of the LEO satellite ecosystem and market is influenced directly or indirectly by governmental policies at both the national-state and international levels. In the US, there are laws governing the launch and re-entry of satellites in the spectrum as well as remote sensing. Operators have indicated interest in creating regulations that would provide investors security, but there are worries about onerous requirements that would force businesses to relocate from one jurisdiction to another. Because the timelines for operator and policymaker roles don't often coincide and because building international community agreements requires a lot of work, creating laws and regulations for the swiftly emerging commercial space industry will be a difficult for the foreseeable future.

Opportunity:

Potential applications of space optical communications using laser beams

The application of LEO satellites in space optical communications has expanded thanks to recent advancements in laser beam pointing technology. In missions like the Artemis Programme, this technology allows for communication between earth and deep space destinations like Mars and the moon. This technique aids in communication between the satellites in a constellation due to the rise in LEO constellations. The potential for the growth of the LEO satellite market has expanded due to recent advancements in alternative power-sharing technologies (using wireless optical technology) that can meet the power requirements of high data rate communication.

Threat:

Concerns over space debris

Since LEO satellites are frequently deployed into crowded orbits, they could be a threat to the space environment. This is due to the fact that LEO satellites are auxiliary payloads that are launched with larger and more expensive spacecraft. They are typically placed close to or alongside other big satellites. These big satellites are placed in space debris-filled geostationary transfer orbits or sun-synchronous orbits. Nano-satellites and microsatellites are incapable of making the necessary manoeuvres in such orbits. These satellites' native radar signals are often modest and frequently below the detection threshold of space surveillance equipment. Numerous space agencies are conducting research on this key challenge in the sector.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously harmed the economies of many nations throughout the world. Additionally affected is the production of LEO satellite systems, subsystems, and parts. Despite the crucial importance of satellite systems, supply chain hiccups have temporarily halted their manufacturing operations. The extent of COVID-19 exposure, the efficiency of manufacturing processes, and import-export laws are a few of the elements that determine when manufacturing can continue. Orders may still be placed with firms, but delivery dates may not yet be set.

The small satellite segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The small satellite segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth. A small satellite is a low-mass, compact satellite that is primarily used for remote sensing, Earth observation, and communication. These satellites are typically less than 500 kg in weight. Small satellites are used to inspect larger spacecraft while they are in orbit. These are also employed as test vehicles for newly developed components that will be put on a much more crucial satellite. However, because to their small size, small satellites face operational issues such as a lack of power storage and a propulsion system.

The communication segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The communication segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period. LEO satellites are becoming more common in modern communication technology. The advent of wireless satellite internet and the development of small hardware systems are taking use of a plethora of prospects in the realm of satellite-enabled communication. With the help of extremely complex miniaturised onboard nano, micro, and mini subsystems, along with advanced mission-compatible ground-station technology, an increase in R&D activities for communication-related missions is predicted to provide better quality communication systems.

Region with highest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. Low-Earth orbit satellites have sparked a new competition for Asia Pacific countries to excel in communication technology, nation-defense strategies, space commercial outsourcing, and other astonishing advantageous elements. China, India, and Japan are the most active participants in this industry, and they have also aided other countries by outsourcing LEO satellite-related payloads and satellite launching. Countries in this region have collaborated to design and deploy LEO spacecraft for their own benefit.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period. To improve the quality and effectiveness of satellite communication, the US government is boosting its investments in sophisticated LEO satellite technologies. The increasing investment in satellite equipment to improve the armed forces' defence and surveillance capabilities, as well as the modernization of existing communication in military platforms, critical infrastructure, and law enforcement agencies using satellite systems, are expected to drive the LEO satellite market in North America.



Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the LEO Satellite Market include OHB SE, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Spacex), Gomspace, Maxar Technologies, Exolaunch GMBH, Pumpkin INC., Ball Aerospace & Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, AAC Clyde Space, Airbus Defense & Space, The Aerospace Corporation, Dauria Aerospace Ltd., L3harris Technologies Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Planet Labs INC and Thales Group.

Key Developments:

In February 2022, SpaceX launched 49 Starlink spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. These satellites add to the existing 1700+ LEO satellite constellation in aim to provide faster satellite internet.

In December 2021, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) had been selected to lead a UK Space Agency study to define the mission requirements for a complex mission to de-orbit two non-operational space debris targets.

In December 2021, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) had signed a contract with Satellite Vu for a Mid Wave Infra-Red (MWIR) thermal imaging satellite which will pave the way for a planned constellation of seven MWIR spacecraft. Satellite Vu’s MWIR satellite is based on SSTL’s DarkCarb product, a 100kg class small satellite in SSTL’s Carbonite range.

In February 2021, Lockheed Martin contracted ABL Space Systems, of California, a developer of low-cost launch vehicles and launches systems for the small satellite industry, to supply a rocket and associated launch services for the company’s first UK vertical satellite launch.

In September 2020, The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded a Tranche 0 contract of the Space Transport Layer to Lockheed Martin to demonstrate a mesh network of 10 small satellites that links terrestrial warfighting domains to space sensors – all launching in just two years.

In July 2020, L3Harris Technologies launched the demonstration series of end-to-end small satellites as part of a U.S. Air Force constellation, the company is responsible for developing.
In September 2020, Northrop Grumman received a USD 253.5 million contract by the US Space Force to develop a cyber-secure communications payload that could be deployed on military or commercial satellite.

In July 2020, Airbus Defence and Space had won a contract for a fully reconfigurable telecommunications satellite from Australia’s second-largest telecommunications company and leading satellite operator Optus. The satellite will be based on Airbus’ new standard OneSat product line and is Airbus’ first contract from the Australian operator.

Satellite Types Covered:
• Medium Satellite
• Small Satellite
• Large Satellite
• Cube Satellite
• Mini Satellite
• Micro Satellite
• Nano Satellite
• Pico Satellite
• ZEPTO Satellite
• ATTOSA Satellite
• FEMTO Satellite
• Other Satellite Types

Frequencies Covered:
• Ku-Band
• L- Band
• X-Band
• S-Band
• C-Band
• Ka-Band
• Q/V- Band
• Laser/Optical
• HF/VHF/UHF-Band

Sub-Systems Covered:
• Natural/Payloads
• Structure
• On-Board Computer
• Power System
• Satellite Bus
• Satellite Antenna
• Solar Panels
• Propulsion System
• Other Sub-Systems

Masses Covered:
• Less than 100 kg
• Above 100 kg

Applications Covered:
• Scientific
• Earth Observation & Remote Sensing
• Technology
• Communication
• Space Situational Awareness
• Other Applications

End users Covered:
• Less Government & Military
• Commercial
• Dual Use
• Academic
• Defence
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances