The rising demand for electronic warfare has been pushing the deployment of satellite-based communication systems for military applications across different regions. This is further supported by the increasing military investments in the procurement of military SATCOM systems across different regions. Such factors have been pushing the demand for direct-to-cell satellite services among the military forces. For instance, in 2023, the US Space Force announced that it has been exploring the use of small geostationary satellites in order to enhance the military communications network to improve their respective military operations. This can be done either by procuring commercial satellite services or through government-owned satellite constellations. Vendors operating in the geostationary satellite market have been focusing on reducing the operational costs of deploying satellites into the GEO. For instance, companies such as Astranis, Terran Orbital, Maxar Technologies, and SWISSto12 have been providing small satellites for deployment into the geostationary orbits that can be deployed in a lesser timeline along with a reduction in overall size, weight, and cost of the geostationary orbital satellites. Such factors have been raising the interest of military forces for geostationary satellite-based communication network deployments.
In May 2024, the European Defense Organization announced the funds of US$ 7 million to launch an autonomous Bodyguard satellite in the geosynchronous earth orbit. With a strong emphasis on satellite launches for earth observation and other research activities, European countries have emerged as key players in advancing geostationary satellite technologies. Leading aerospace and space companies such as Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, which are renowned for their expertise in developing cutting-edge geostationary satellite systems, are the prime contributors to the space sector in Europe. Several space research and earth observation programs are being introduced to launch new satellites in Europe. In 2022, the European Space Programme was launched to bolster the European space sector with a budget of ~US$ 14 billion, with a particular focus on fields such as satellite navigation, connectivity, earth observation, and space research. The European Space Programme is expected to promote the launch of new satellites, thereby creating significant opportunities for the growth of the geostationary satellite market size.
COPERNICUS is the European Earth observation system aimed to provide support in the management of the environment, mitigation of climate change impact, and ensuring civil security across Europe. Further, GALILEO is a global satellite navigation and positioning system (GNSS) launched in Europe to support various sectors of the European Union’s economy, including transport, agriculture, border management, and search and rescue. In February 2022, the European Commission launched two new flagship initiatives to boost satellite-based connectivity and manage space traffic. Such initiatives and a surge in investments in the space sector are the major factors propelling the geostationary satellite market growth in Europe.
Geostationary Satellite Market Analysis: Component Overview
Based on component type, the global geostationary satellite market is segmented into communication system, power system, propulsion system, and others. The communication system segment held the largest geostationary satellite market share in 2023. A communication system is a major component in geostationary satellites. It plays an important role in improving the navigation systems communication network and providing information on the Earth’s environment via satellites. Electromagnetic waves are the major signal carriers in the satellite communication system. These signals carry audio, voice, video, or other related data between the ground center and space. The increase in investments by various countries across the globe in improving communication networks is the major driving factor for this segment. The communication system in the geostationary satellite offers three types of communication services: broadcasting, telecommunications, and data communications. Various countries have their own communication satellites to improve the connectivity of their telecom industry. For instance, the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is the largest domestic communication satellite system across Asia Pacific, with nine operational communication satellites placed in geostationary orbit.
The propulsion system segment is growing rapidly with the increasing advancement in the system by key players and government organizations. For instance, in March 2024, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) planned to demonstrate the use of electric propulsion systems on its satellites. The system consists of a thruster of 300 millinewtons (mN). The growing adoption of advanced propulsion systems drives the geostationary satellite market growth. Geostationary satellites are equipped with transponders that amplify, receive, and retransmit radio signals to and from Earth. These signals are used for a wide range of applications, including broadcasting, telecommunications, remote sensing, and navigation.
The scope of the geostationary satellite market report focuses on North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Spain, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (South Korea, China, India, Japan, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South & Central America).
Geostationary Satellite Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Airbus SE, The Boeing Company, Ball Corporation, Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Maxar Technologies Inc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, and OHB SE are among the key players covered in the geostationary satellite market report. Companies in the market mainly focus on product and service enhancements by integrating advanced features and technologies into their offerings.