Satellite-Based Earth Observation Market Size - By Product Type, By Satellite Orbit, By Technology, By Application, and By End Use - Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Satellite-Based Earth Observation Market Size

The global satellite-based earth observation market was estimated at USD 3.7 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 3.9 billion in 2025 to USD 5.1 billion in 2030 and USD 6.6 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period of 2025–2034.
 

• The growth in the satellite earth observation market is propelled by increasing demand for geospatial information, climate change monitoring, government and military applications, proliferation of cloud computing and AI analytics, and satellite miniaturization developments.
   
• The growing global demand for geospatial information is propelling the satellite-based Earth observation sector. For instance, In March 2024, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has introduced their Geospatial Master Plan for the year 2024 – 2033. Sectors such as agriculture, urban management, and environmental monitoring now require real-time, high-resolution datasets to support strategic decision-making. This escalating demand is directing capital toward satellite systems, robust data-processing infrastructures, and value-added applications, thus broadening market opportunities and stimulating technological advancement.
   
• The rapid proliferation of cloud computing and AI analytics is a significant driver in the satellite-based earth observation market. For instance, NASA's Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) Program includes a vision to develop and operate multiple components of NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) as cloud services to allow researchers and system users access to the wealth of Earth science data developed by NASA. Cloud computing and AI enhanced analytics allow for instantaneous analysis and turn Earth's surface into useful maps for applications in agriculture, urban planning, and the environmental monitoring that can help the growth of the target market.
   
• The satellite-based earth observation market is expanding due to heightened demand for climate change monitoring. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is taking initiatives to use AI for better Earth observation. In June 2024, the Group of Earth Observation reported that the WMO introduced new AI language models to make high-quality climate data easier to reach understand, facilitating effective climate action. The necessity for timely and precise measurements drives further investment in both sophisticated satellite platforms and the analytical ecosystems that interpret their data, thereby accelerating market expansion.
   
• North America dominated the satellite-based earth observation market in 2024 and accounted for 41.8% of the total market share, propelled by climate change monitoring with organizations and governments concentrating on tracking environmental changes. For instance, NASA’s upcoming NISAR (NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission manufactured primarily in North America will soon launch from India in July 2025 with dual-band radar instruments (L and S bands) capable of scanning nearly the entire planet’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.
   
• According to California Institute of Technology (2025), this satellite with a 12-meter reflector built in California is a groundbreaking step toward expanding environmental monitoring and disaster response capabilities, to accurately detect changes in ice sheets, forest cover, soil moisture, and tectonic activity.
   

Satellite-Based Earth Observation Market Trends

• Public private partnerships are a major trend in the earth observation satellite-based market, where the government and private sectors join forces. For instance, In October 2023, NASA awarded contracts worth up to USD 476 million to seven companies under the Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition Program to acquire earth observation data and services enhancing capacities for scientific research and disaster response. This collaborative effort to develop and bring together democratic access to earth observation data supports many applications, such as climate monitoring, disaster response, urban planning, and is expected to drive market growth.
   
• This trend began around 2021 – 2022, with the introduction of ESA’s InCubed programs that co funds commercial earth observation projects, propelling innovation in satellite missions. With NASA collaborating with seven companies for data integration in 2023, commercial partnerships, and the launch of the NASA ISRO NISAR mission in 2025, this trend is becoming more widely accepted.
   
• The rise of small satellites and CubeSats, typically less than 500 kg, is a significant trend that emerged in the satellite-based earth observation market as these satellites enable more routine and low-cost, high-resolution images, data across climate and crisis monitoring, and agriculture. The modularity and low price of these satellites makes them ideal for startups, universities and governments, which is ensuring affordable access to satellites for all users and continuing the momentum of the whole market in developing scalable constellations.
   
• This trend began in 2021, with NASA selecting 14 CubeSat missions focusing on earth observation an environment monitoring and witnessed CubeSats deployment in 2023 from NASA. This trend represents strong growing demand for real time climate date and will be prominent throughout 2030.
   
• Smart city development is driving demand for satellite-based Earth observation, using high-resolution imagery for urban planning, traffic optimization, and infrastructure monitoring. This trend became more prevalent after 2020, with the support of initiatives like USGS’s Landsat data and increasing sustainability goals. It is currently enabling data-driven decisions in city development and disaster preparedness. With the advancements of AI-integrated platforms, it is projected that this trend will take over after 2025, providing the capability to analyze live traffic, emissions, and energy consumption on international urban infrastructure projects.
   

Satellite-Based Earth Observation Market Analysis

Based on the product type, the market is segmented into EO data, and value-added service.
 

• The value-added service segment was the largest market and was valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2024. The growing need for tailored analytics from raw earth observation satellite data, which provide actionable insights for sectors like infrastructure, smart cities, and agriculture is driving growth in the value-added services market.
   
• Platforms powered by AI and partnerships with analytics providers boost tailored solutions for environmental management and urban planning. Unified, simplified data processing services raise demand for adoption, as governments and businesses need efficient decision-making platforms.
   
• Manufacturers should invest in AI and machine learning technologies in order to build scalable, customizable analytics platforms targeting prime verticals like city infrastructure and agriculture.
   
• The EO data segment is the fastest growing market and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period of 2025 – 2034. The EO data segment is driven by expanding demand for high-resolution, real-time geospatial imagery for agriculture, city planning, and disaster management. Advances in satellite technology, for example, smallsat constellations, enhance data frequency and quality.
   
• Market participants must prioritize expanding smallsat deployments and sensor capacity to meet the requirement for high-fidelity data at high frequency.

On the basis of satellite orbit, the satellite-based earth observation market is bifurcated into low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO).
 

• The low earth orbit (LEO) segment was the largest market and was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2024. The LEO segment is driven by the growth in small satellites and CubeSats with high-resolution imagery and frequent revisit times. Interventions like BlackSky's 2024 satellite launches enable real-time agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response data.
   
• Access is increased through partnerships with startups and affordable launches through SpaceX's rideshare missions. Rapid market expansion is fueled by LEO's near-continuous, detailed monitoring capabilities, which increase demand in the commercial, defense, and environmental monitoring sectors.
   
• Manufacturers need to invest in building LEO satellite constellations and developing advanced sensors to enhance image quality and revisit frequency.
   
• The geostationary orbit (GEO) segment is the fastest growing market and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period of 2025 – 2034. GEO's fixed-position, large-scale monitoring capabilities satisfy the growing need for consistent, dependable data in environmental and infrastructure management, which further propels market expansion. GEO's continuous, wide-area observation is ideal for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
   
• OEMs should prioritize the development of advanced sensor payloads aimed at wide-area, persistent surveillance and invest in data fusion platforms that combine GEO with LEO data sets for greater analytic value.
   

Based on the application, the satellite-based earth observation market is categorized into agriculture & forestry, defense & intelligence, environmental & climate monitoring, urban & infrastructure planning, energy, mining & natural resources, maritime & transportation, and others.
 

• The defense & intelligence segment was the largest market and was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2024. The need for better situational awareness and the rise in geopolitical tensions are the main forces behind the growth of defense and intelligence industries. Governments worldwide are investing heavily in real-time, high resolution EO data to support border surveillance, military reconnaissance, and threat detection.
   
• The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with satellite earth observation platforms increases data flow rates and converts measurements into operational usable intelligence which is a requirement in current Military and National Security activities. Increasing collaboration of defense entities with privately owned earth observation businesses is expanding the scope of operation and fuelling the market demand.
   
• Manufacturers should concentrate on developing safer, AI-powered analytics platforms meant for defense applications in order to satisfy the increasing demand while upholding strict data security regulations.
   
• The environmental & climate monitoring segment is the fastest growing market and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period of 2025 – 2034. The need for satellite-based EO in climate monitoring and natural resource management is being driven by growing global awareness of environmental degradation and climate change. EO data is used by governments and environmental organizations to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, track deforestation, and evaluate the effects of natural disasters like floods and wildfires.
   
• The advancement in multispectral and hyperspectral imaging technology further ensures improved accuracy of environmental assessments, assisting sustainability and climate policy compliance. Furthermore, investments in EO technologies for transparent environmental reporting are being driven by international climate agreements.
   
• Manufacturers need to focus on improving the spectral imaging technologies and develop robust data analytics platforms to fulfill the complex needs of environmental stakeholders.

North America dominated the satellite-based earth observation market and was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period of 2025 – 2034. This exponential growth is fuelled by the increasing investment in space technology along with the presence of the strong private sector.
 

• U.S. dominated the satellite-based earth observation market and was valued at USD 1.38 billion in the year 2024. The U.S. dominates the market due to massive defense expenditures and advanced satellite technology. Demand for real-time geospatial intelligence is driven by the U.S. Space Force and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, as evident by Black Sky's USD 45 million contract with the U.S. Air Force in 2023. Also, the 2024 U.S. Federal Budget allocated over USD 2 billion specifically for EO-related satellite activities.
   
• Manufacturers must ensure that their offerings coincide with evolving national security imperatives, the exigencies of climate resilience, and the governance of disaster response. By prioritizing artificial-intelligence-enabled analytic frameworks, defense-grade cryptographic mechanisms, and cloud-native platforms for Earth observation, vendors will enhance their strategic posture in forthcoming federal acquisition cycles.
   
• The Canada satellite-based earth observation market is anticipated to surpass USD 258.7 million by 2034. Canada's focus on resource management and environmental monitoring, which uses satellite data to cover large northern regions, is propelling market growth. Additionally, the market growth is further fueled by initiatives like the Canadian Space Agency's RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), which provides vital data for forestry, disaster response, and climate change.
   
• Manufacturers should develop EO solutions specific to cold-region analytics, maritime surveillance, and forest carbon estimation. Coordination with federal climate policy and interaction with CSA or provincial agencies will improve access to funding as well as contract opportunities.
   

The Europe satellite-based earth observation market is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period of 2025 – 2034. The growth in the market is being driven by the implementation of Copernicus Programme, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), which drives Europe’s market by providing free, high-resolution data for climate monitoring and disaster management.
 

• Germany satellite-based earth observation market was valued at USD 182 million in the year 2024. The growing need for infrastructure monitoring and precision agriculture is propelling the market. Constellr launched Sky-Bee-1, a thermal infrared satellite, in January 2025 with the goal of enhancing crop health monitoring. Market expansion is being supported by strategic alliances that are advancing data driven farming and industrial applications, such as EOMAP's 2024 partnership with DLR to improve environmental analytics.
   
• OEMs must coordinate product development with EU environmental compliance structures (CAP reform, Nature Restoration Law) in response to Germany's data driven agriculture and infrastructure.
   
• UK satellite-based earth observation market is anticipated to surpass USD 222.9 million by 2034. The increasing demand for defense and naval surveillance drive satellite earth observation market growth. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd launched advanced CubeSats for real-time maritime monitoring in 2024. Strategic partnerships, like the 2022 Airbus deal with the UK Ministry of Defence for satellite communication, form the basis for intelligence and security applications. Product launches, such as ICEYE's 2024 Ocean Vision SAR, enhance ship tracking, helping market expansion.
   
• To capitalize on the growing demand, EO solution providers need to concentrate on defense-grade data platforms, automated ship identification software, and SAR-based analytics.
   

The Asia Pacific satellite-based earth observation market is the fastest growing market and is projected to grow significantly with a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. This growth is fuelled by increased investments in disaster management, agricultural monitoring, and climate resilience.
 

• China satellite-based earth observation market is projected to reach USD 1 billion by the year 2034. The country's expansion of its satellite constellations under the Gaofen and BeiDou programs is driving the market's growth. The nation uses EO data for the Belt and Road Initiative, military reconnaissance, urban development, and environmental monitoring. The adoption of EO in the strategic and civil sectors is further accelerated by strong state funding, expanding commercial EO firms, and integration with AI-powered analytics.
   
• Manufacturers should prioritize technologies that align with China's national strategic initiatives such as BRI, space situational awareness, and ecological conservation.
   
• Japan satellite-based earth observation market accounted for USD 130 million in 2024. Japan's market is expanding due to emphasis on disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and space technology. The country's Quasi-Zenith and Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) programs support adoption in earthquake surveillance, deforestation surveillance, and ocean surveillance.
   
• Japanese manufacturers should aim for disaster prevention gear, high-resolution SAR imagery, and AI-driven environmental monitoring. Collaborations with government agencies like JAXA or IoT private innovators must simplify pilot project access and financing.
   
• India satellite-based earth observation market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.7% during the forecast period. The market growth is led by ISRO’s consistent satellite launches and increasing integration of EO in governance, agriculture, and urban planning. Initiatives such as Bhuvan and the National Remote Sensing Centre further enable the access to EO data for various stakeholders.
   
• Manufacturers should focus on developing affordable, scalable EO analytics tailored to India’s agricultural and urban governance challenges.
   

The Latin America satellite-based earth observation market was valued at USD 150.4 million in 2024. The region's growth is taking place mainly because of the increasing requirement for monitoring deforestation, agriculture, and reacting to disasters. Brazil and Argentina are nations actively using satellite data in an attempt to track natural resources and inhibit illegal deforestation within the Amazon.
 

MEA satellite-based earth observation market is projected to surpass USD 559.6 million by 2034. The region is witnessing growth due to the management of water scarcity, infrastructure, and climate.
 

• South Africa satellite based earth observation market was valued at USD 54.8 million in 2024. The market growth is supported by Sub-Saharan Africa adoption by virtue of strong institutional frameworks like the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). Earth observation data is widely used in land reform, drought monitoring, mine surveillance, and climate risk assessment.
   
• Solution providers should tailor land-use analytics, water resource management, and governance of the mining industry offerings using SANSA partnerships.
   
• The satellite-based earth observation market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow with a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. The market growth is grounded in its Vision 2030 plan, wherein it has given utmost precedence to the use of geospatial intelligence in urban planning and development, infrastructure monitoring, and natural resource management. The investments in satellite programs such as KACST and Saudi Space Agency foster environmental monitoring, border security, and agricultural planning.
   
• The UAE satellite-based earth observation market is anticipated to surpass USD 178.6 million by 2034. The UAE is a regional growth leader in market as a result of its strategic investment in national space programs like the KhalifaSat and MBZ-SAT programs. EO data assist with the smart city planning, environmental monitoring, and water resource management.
   
• Manufacturers must focus on developing EO solutions for urban and dry climate regions with special attention to water scarcity modelling, air pollution, and infrastructure management.
   

Satellite-Based Earth Observation Market Share

• The market is a highly competitive and fragmented market with many big and small companies within the market. Maxar Technologies Inc., Airbus Defence and Space, Planet Labs PBC, Spire Global, Inc., and ImageSat International N.V., are the key players in the market. These companies collectively account for 56.8% of the total market share in 2024.
   
• Maxar Technologies Inc. led the satellite-based Earth observation market in 2024 with a commanding 21.3% share. Its vast constellation of high-resolution optical and radar satellites, along with its vertically integrated capabilities in satellite manufacturing, data analytics, and cloud-based delivery, propel the company to its dominant position in the market. Maxar is the go-to partner for defense, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure mapping globally supported by its proprietary technologies in multispectral imaging and AI-powered geospatial analytics.
   
• Airbus Defence and Space held 16.3% of the global satellite based earth observation market in 2024. Airbus engages in a competitive landscape with a much diversified portfolio of satellites including Pleiades, SPOT and TerraSAR-X. Airbus has an advantage of fusing optical and radar data in support of precision agriculture, urban development, and disaster response. Airbus has strategic agreements with public space agencies and public private partnerships that strengthen its position to deliver the high frequency and reliable Earth observation services across a wide range of sectors.
   
• Planet Labs PBC accounted for 9.5% of the satellite-based earth observation market in 2024, distinguished by its fleet of CubeSats providing daily, high-resolution imagery at an unprecedented scale. This nimble constellation allows for quick, repeated imaging that is vital for sectors like farming, forestry, and climate tracking. Planet’s cloud-based platform and open data efforts make its data easy to reach, establishing the company as a major supplier of real-time geospatial insights for both businesses and researchers.
   
• Spire Global, Inc. captured 6.4% of the total market share in 2024 by using a cluster of small satellites to deliver both earth observation and precise radio occultation data. The company excels at blending weather predictions, ship tracking, and aircraft data into a single, powerful service. Spire strengthens its position through partnerships with meteorological agencies and private-sector operators, helping firms fine-tune supply chains and manage environmental risks more effectively.
   
• ImageSat International N.V. held a 3.3% market share in 2024, concentrating on high-resolution radar images for defense, intelligence, and security. Using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for full-time, all-weather surveillance, the company serves government and commercial clients alike. Located strategically in the Middle East and partnered with global security agencies, the company has carved out a precise and valuable niche in the market.
   

Satellite-Based Earth Observation Market Company

Some of the prominent companies operating in the market include:
 

• Airbus Defence and Space
• BlackSky Technology Inc.
• Capella Space Inc.
• China Siwei Surveying and Mapping Technology Co., Ltd.
• GeoOptics Inc.
• ICEYE Oy
• ImageSat International N.V.
• L3Harris Technologies Inc.
• LiveEO GmbH
• Maxar Technologies Inc.
• MDA Space Ltd.
• MinoSpace
• OroraTech GmbH
• Planet Labs PBC
• Spire Global, Inc.
   

Maxar Technologies Inc., Airbus Defence and Space, Planet Labs PBC, Spire Global, Inc., and BlackSky Technology Inc. are the market leaders. They dominate the market with significant satellite constellations, vertical integration, and committed R&D futures in high-resolution imaging, radar technology, and AI-driven analytics. They provide consistently scalable, reliable, and frequent Earth observation data to support defense, environmental monitoring, and commercial geospatial intelligence across the world.
 

Capella Space Inc., SpaceWill Information Co., Ltd., ImageSat International N.V., Pixxel Inc., LiveEO GmbH, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., MDA Space Ltd., are the key challengers. These players are stacking their competitive advantages by harnessing specialized technologies like synthetic aperture radar (SAR), thermal imaging, and powerful cloud-based analytics. A growing number of these companies are now weaving satellite data with IoT, AI, and machine learning, making it easier for farmers, city planners, and climate scientists to make informed, real-time decisions.
 

ICEYE Oy, Capella Space Corp., UrtheCast Corp., GeoOptics Inc., China Siwei Surveying and Mapping Technology Co., Ltd., and ImageSat International (ISI) are followers in the market. They primarily provide smaller, simpler, and cheaper satellite systems and incorporate data analytics services focused on mid-market commercial entities and research institutions. They deliver quick deployment services, faster data delivery, and specific analytics services such as methane detection and urban mapping.
 

MinoSpace, XRTech Group, Satellite Vu Ltd., and OroraTech GmbH are the niche players in the market. These firms concentrate on micro-satellites, advanced payload customization, and specialized EO applications such as microgravity science, precise environmental monitoring, and bespoke defense contracts. Their focus on precision timing, payload handling, and operational flexibility suits research campaigns and experimental missions.
 

Satellite-Based Earth Observation Industry News

• In February 2025, The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has announced two new partnerships and steps aimed at using space technologies and data. These plans will create geo-enabled services that help Singapore tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation.
   
• In May 2024, ESA and World Bank entered into the strategic partnership harnessing satellite Earth Observation for global development.
   
• In January 2023, Axelspace announced an agreement with NorthStar Earth & Space Inc. Through this partnership, Axelspace will utilize five AxelGlobe Earth observation satellites, GRUS, to provide complementary satellite imaging data for NorthStar’s space situational awareness (SSA) efforts.
   

The satellite-based earth observation market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue in (USD Million) from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type            

• EO Data       
  • Optical imaging data
  • Radar imaging data
  • Hyperspectral imaging data
  • Thermal infrared imaging data
  • Others 
• Value added services         
  • Analytics & insight services
  • Geospatial intelligence platforms
  • Others

Market, By Satellite Orbit                       

• Low earth orbit (LEO)        
• Medium earth orbit (MEO)  
• Geostationary orbit (GEO)  

Market, By Technology                

• Optical (electro optical)      
• Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)    
• Hyperspectral & multispectral       
• Thermal infrared sensors   
• LiDAR systems        
• Others

Market, By Application                 

• Agriculture & forestry        
• Defense & intelligence        
• Environmental & climate monitoring        
• Urban & infrastructure planning    
• Energy, mining & natural resources        
• Maritime & transportation   
• Others

Market, By End Use          

• Government & defense      
  • Military & intelligence agencies
  • Civil government & public safety departments 
• Commercial  
  • Agribusiness & forestry companies
  • Environmental service providers
  • Construction & urban planning firms
  • Energy & mining companies
  • Maritime logistics operators
  • Others
• Research & academia        
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries: 

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands 
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE