Commercial Earth Observation Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis, By Component (Satellite, Software, and Services), By Application (Urban Development, Mapping & Surveying, Agriculture, Environmental Monitoring, Natural Resource Exploration, Security & Intelligence, Disaster and Emergency Management, and Others (Energy, Maritime)), By Technology (Optical Imaging, Radar Imaging, Spectral Imaging, Thermal Imaging, and LiDAR), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Commercial earth observation refers to the business sector that involves the collection of information about the Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems through remote-sensing technologies or direct-contact sensors. It is the collection of data about the planet Earth for various purposes, including monitoring natural and built environments, tracking biodiversity, forecasting weather, and managing resources. Commercial earth observation provides increased data availability and affordability, allowing more users to access earth observation data. It enables advanced data analysis and new applications in urban planning, disaster management, and environmental protection. Earth observation data are useful for monitoring resources, tracking biodiversity, forecasting weather, and optimizing operations.

Various key factors drive the growth of the commercial earth observation market. Collaboration between governments and private entities enhances data accessibility and encourages innovation in earth observation technologies. The incorporation of AI and ML technologies facilitates sophisticated data analysis and opens up novel application avenues. Technological advances in satellite technology, sensors, and data analytics are driving market expansion, improving data quality, and extending the scope of applications. The increasing demand for precise geospatial data is a significant growth driver, leading to the widespread adoption of earth observation data. With multiple satellite operators competing for market share, market competitiveness stimulates innovation, price competition, and technological progress.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• The report analyzes a detailed overview of the industry, including qualitative and quantitative information.


• It analyzes an overview and forecast of the commercial earth observation market at the platform level.


• The report also analyzes comprehensive supply chain analysis at a global level. The market will be further distributed at regional and country levels.

Segmentation

Analysis by Component:

Based on component, the market is segmented into satellite, software and services. The market was dominated by the satellite segment, which accounted for more than half of the market's turnover. Satellites act as the main source of data acquisition, providing high-resolution images and wide coverage for various applications.

Regional Analysis

The commercial earth observation market is segmented into various regions, such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. North America, specifically the U.S., is driven by a thriving commercial space industry, robust earth observation capabilities, and a growing demand for data in sectors, such as agriculture and disaster management. Europe is experiencing a shift toward information services based on cost-efficient supply, supported by public policies promoting earth observation ecosystems. Asian markets, led by countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea, are poised for strong growth, driven by domestic usage and export potential. Investments in earth observation constellations are also part of national space strategies.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players, such as Airbus S.A.S, The Boeing Company, Thales Group, Ball Corporation, DigitalGlobe, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, OHB System AG, Spaceknow, and ESRI INC.

Key Industry Developments

• In February 2024, The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency expanded its use of commercial satellite imagery and analytics through a new procurement program called "Luno." The Luno initiative aims to leverage commercial satellite imagery and data analytics to enhance NGA's global monitoring capabilities and demonstrate a tangible commitment to commercial earth observation services.


•   In January 2024, the European Commission and the European Space Agency awarded Kuva Space a USD 5.3 million commercial contract to provide hyperspectral data services for the Copernicus program. Kuva Space will be the sole provider of hyperspectral data services for the Copernicus program. Kuva Space's constellation of 100 CubeSats aims to provide hyperspectral images of any location on Earth at visible-to-near infrared (VIS-NIR) and visible-to-shortwave infrared (VIS-SWIR) wavelengths.


• In November 2023, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, a provider of aerospace and defense solutions, entered into a partnership with Satellogic Inc. with the aim of establishing and enhancing local space technology capabilities in India. TASL and Satellogic will collaborate on the development of a new satellite design. They will work together to integrate multiple payloads onto a single satellite, which will generate a diverse range of data over India.


• In October 2023, NASA selected seven companies to provide commercial data support for earth science research. The Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition Program will provide NASA with earth observation data and related services from commercial sources. This fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple-award contract is effective for five years with an option to extend services for an additional six months. The maximum potential value of all contractors selected is $476 million.


• In September 2023, Smallsat developer Open Cosmos raised USD 50 million in order to expand the company and develop larger satellites and constellations focused on earth observation. The funding will allow the 70-person company to grow internationally, including in Latin America, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. It will allow it to expand its current satellite offerings, which include CubeSats, to larger spacecraft and constellations. The company is also in the process of developing a satellite data analytics platform known as DataCosmos.