Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites Global Market Report 2025

A low Earth orbit satellite refers to an object orbiting the Earth at altitudes lower than geosynchronous satellites, typically ranging from 1000 km to 160 km above the Earth's surface. These satellites find applications in communications, military reconnaissance, espionage, and various imaging tasks.

The main types of low Earth orbit satellites include femto, pico, nano, micro, and mini. Satellites weighing less than 100 grams are categorized as femto satellites. These new satellite types are considered low-cost devices, particularly when utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Various subsystems, including payload, structure, telecommunication, onboard computer, power system, attitude control, and propulsion system, are integral to their design. Low Earth orbit satellites are employed in technology development, Earth observation and remote sensing, communication, space exploration, and surveillance. They are implemented across different verticals such as commercial, civil, government, and others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade disputes in spring 2025 are significantly affecting the aerospace and defense sector. Prices for key materials such as titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics primarily sourced from international suppliers have surged. Defense contractors, constrained by fixed-price government contracts, are forced to absorb these rising costs. Meanwhile, commercial aerospace companies are encountering resistance from airlines over increased aircraft prices. In addition, customs delays are disrupting already tight production timelines for jets and satellites. In response, the industry is stockpiling essential materials, pursuing import waivers for defense-related goods, and working with allied nations to diversify supply chains.

The low earth orbit (LEO) market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides low earth orbit (LEO) market statistics, including low earth orbit (LEO) industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a low earth orbit (LEO) market share, detailed low earth orbit (LEO) market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the low earth orbit (LEO) industry. This low earth orbit (LEO) market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The low earth orbit (leo) satellites market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $6.2 billion in 2024 to $7.11 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to emerging markets growth, rise in investments in low earth orbit (LEO) satellite infrastructure, and increased need for satellite Internet in rural areas.

The low earth orbit (leo) satellites market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $12 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the growing investments in the space sector, rising demand for telecommunications, and increasing number of satellite launches. Major trends in the forecast period include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for optimizing mission efficiency and reducing operational costs, the launch of advanced low earth orbit satellites to provide global connectivity, the use of 3d printing to reduce satellite and subsystem production costs, advancements in payload systems to offer diverse and sophisticated capabilities and strategic collaborations and partnerships among market players.

The forecast of 14.0% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.5% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through tariffs on deployable solar panels from China and South Korea, raising costs for mega-constellation deployments.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The low earth orbit (leo) satellites market is poised for growth in the foreseeable future, driven by the increasing adoption of low-earth orbit satellites across various sectors. These satellites play a crucial role in Earth observation, particularly in fields such as agriculture, contributing to the planet's protection, safety, and longevity. The data gathered from low-earth orbit satellites allows for the observation and measurement of global biological, chemical, and physical elements. As of January 2022, more than 4,852 operational satellites orbit the Earth, with a significant portion, around 2,700, in low earth orbit. An illustrative example is the successful deployment of 34 satellites by OneWeb in February 2022, bringing its total in-orbit constellation to 428 satellites.

The growing adoption of lightweight materials is expected to significantly drive the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites market during the forecast period. Utilizing lightweight materials effectively enhances energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption by decreasing the mass of spacecraft, a lighter mass necessitates less lift force and thrust during flight. In addition to lowering the carbon footprint, lightweight designs can lead to improved flight performance, including better acceleration, increased structural strength and stiffness, and enhanced safety features. For instance, in August 2022, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an Australian government agency, reported that lithium concentrate exports surged to a record $1,163 million in June 2022, reflecting a substantial increase of $1,073 million (1,189%) compared to June 2021. Additionally, the DISCOVERER project, a €5.7 million ($5.5 million) initiative led by The University of Manchester, aims to revolutionize Earth observation satellites by developing technologies that enable them to operate in very low Earth orbits, under 450 km altitude. This approach seeks to create smaller, lighter, and more economical satellites. By orbiting closer to Earth, these satellites can avoid space debris and improve the quality of the images they transmit back.

The launch of advanced low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites is rapidly gaining traction in the low-Earth orbit satellites market. Major players in this sector are concentrating on satellite launches to enhance global connectivity. For example, in September 2024, Geespace, a China-based satellite technology company, launched 10 LEO satellites from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre. These satellites feature unique attributes that enhance their functionality and efficiency. Operating at altitudes ranging from 300 to 2,000 kilometers, they provide lower latency for real-time communication. Additionally, LEO satellites are typically more cost-effective to launch and maintain compared to traditional geostationary satellites. Their extensive coverage, supported by a network of satellites, ensures continuous service in remote areas, while advancements in technology enable high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity to meet growing demands.

Firms operating in the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites market are strategically entering partnerships and collaborations to diversify their product portfolios and expand their LEO satellites business. For instance, in March 2022, OneWeb, a UK-based LEO satellite communications company, announced a collaboration with SpaceX, a US-based aerospace company. The joint effort aims to resume and complete the launch of satellite services in India in the coming years. Similarly, in March 2022, Kymeta, a Washington-based company specializing in flat panel antennas, and OneWeb joined forces to establish a distribution partnership agreement. This collaboration is geared towards providing broadband connectivity services globally with the assistance of OneWeb's LEO satellite network. Additionally, in January 2022, OneWeb disclosed a partnership with Hughes Network Systems LLC (Hughes), a US-based high-speed satellite internet company, to deliver LEO connectivity services across India.

In May 2022, Tailwind Acquisition Corp, a publicly traded US-based company, successfully acquired Terran Orbital Corporation for a total of $255.4 million in gross proceeds. This acquisition is anticipated to have a significant technological impact, with expected build rates exceeding 1,000 satellites and space vehicles annually. The move is driven by the escalating data demands from governments and corporations, projecting accelerated growth over the next decade. Terran Orbital Corporation, a leading US-based manufacturer of low-earth orbit satellites, further strengthens the strategic position of Tailwind Acquisition Corp in the evolving satellite industry.

Major companies operating in the low earth orbit (LEO) satellites market include Thales, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Airbus SE (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd), L3Harris Technologies, Kepler Communications Inc., Blue Canyon Technologies Inc., Blue Origin, SpaceX, One Space Tech, Land Space Technology Corporation Ltd, ExPace Technology Corporation, CASIC, Beijing Commsat Technology Development Co. Ltd, Telstra, Quberider Pty Ltd, Innova Space, Telespazio S.p.A., GomSpace Group AB, EnduroSat, AAC Clyde Space, OneWeb, Speedcast International Limited, Raytheon, Honeywell International Inc., Cessna, Bombardier Inc., Telesat, Amazon, Starlink satellite constellation, Hughes Network Systems, Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales AR-SAT SA, Embraer, Al Yah Satellite Communications (YAHSAT), Arabsat, Es'hailSat, QSat Communications, Saman Satellite Communications, Thuraya Satellite, DragonFly Aerospace, NETLOXH, ETSE CubeCom, Omarichet, Simera Sense

North America was the largest region in the low earth orbit satellites market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the low earth orbit (LEO) satellites market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the low earth orbit (LEO) satellites market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The low earth orbit satellite market consists of sales of low earth orbit satellites such as small and mini-satellites. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses on low earth orbit (leo) satellites market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for low earth orbit (leo) satellites? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The low earth orbit (leo) satellites market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:

The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.

• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Femto, Pico, Nano, Micro, Mini
• 2) By Sub-System: Payload, Structure, Telecommunication, On-Board Computer, Power System, Attitude Control, Propulsion System
• 3) By Application: Technology Development, Earth Observation And Remote Sensing, Communication, Space Exploration, Surveillance
• 4) By End-User: Commercial, Civil, Government, Other End-Users
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Femto: Ultra-Small Femto Satellites
• 2) By Pico: Standard Pico Satellites; Pico-Satellite Swarms
• 3) By Nano: CubeSats; Nanosatellite Constellations
• 4) By Micro: Small Micro Satellites; Advanced Micro Satellites With Enhanced Payloads
• 5) By Mini: Mini Satellites With Standard Payloads; High-Performance Mini Satellites
• Companies Mentioned: Thales; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Lockheed Martin Corporation; The Boeing Company; Airbus SE (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd); L3Harris Technologies; Kepler Communications Inc.; Blue Canyon Technologies Inc.; Blue Origin; SpaceX; One Space Tech; Land Space Technology Corporation Ltd; ExPace Technology Corporation; CASIC; Beijing Commsat Technology Development Co. Ltd; Telstra; Quberider Pty Ltd; Innova Space; Telespazio S.p.A.; GomSpace Group AB; EnduroSat; AAC Clyde Space; OneWeb; Speedcast International Limited; Raytheon; Honeywell International Inc.; Cessna; Bombardier Inc.; Telesat; Amazon; Starlink satellite constellation; Hughes Network Systems; Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales AR-SAT SA; Embraer; Al Yah Satellite Communications (YAHSAT); Arabsat; Es'hailSat; QSat Communications; Saman Satellite Communications; Thuraya Satellite; DragonFly Aerospace; NETLOXH; ETSE CubeCom; Omarichet; Simera Sense
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.