The Earth observation satellite market is experiencing significant growth, with defense and security applications playing a dominant role. According to Novaspace principal Annekatrien Debien, speaking at the Summit on Earth Observation Business, these applications comprised nearly half of the revenue generated in 2024. She noted that “the main catalyst remains rising geopolitical tension, which has revealed the strategic importance of space-based capabilities in securing national sovereignty and ensuring strategic autonomy.” This trend is expected to continue, with defense applications accounting for 54% of total revenue from 2025 to 2034.
Novaspace forecasts increasing demand for high-resolution imagery, specifically 30 to 50 centimeters per pixel or better, along with frequent revisits and rapid data delivery through edge computing. Another key trend is data fusion, combining electro-optical imagery with SAR, hyperspectral data, and signals intelligence. The commercial market, valued at $6 billion in 2024, is projected to nearly triple to $17 billion by 2034, representing 12 percent of the overall market compared to 6 percent in 2024.
The report also highlights the significant contribution of large satellites to market revenue. High-end systems like Maxar’s WorldView Legion and Airbus Pléiades Neo accounted for approximately 30 percent of the 2024 commercial market value. A notable shift is occurring towards heavier, more capable small satellites, replacing the previous focus on cubesat constellations.