Global Satellite as a Service Market Trends

• High Throughput Satellites: HTS or high throughput satellites are a major technology trend shaping the market. HTS provide 10 to 100 times more capacity than conventional satellites through frequency re-use and spot beam coverage. Operators like SES, Intelsat, Telesat have launched HTS constellations focused on densely populated regions. HTS enables cost-effective delivery of high speed broadband and cellular services. Their smaller spot beams also allow reuse of limited frequency spectrum. HTS capacity has become instrumental for inflight connectivity and cellular backhaul which require high bandwidth. The growing launch of HTS by major as well as new operators signals the dominance of this technology.
• Software-Defined Satellites: Software-defined satellites allow reconfiguration of satellite payloads in orbit through software updates. Eutelsat's Quantum satellite lets users shape antennas, amplify power and change frequency/bandwidth. US-based Startup Astranis designs low-cost software-defined microGEO satellites. This allows optimizing satellites for evolving connectivity demands during lifetimes spanning 15 years. Operators can redirect capacity over high-demand areas, counter outages and dynamically serve new markets. Software-defined satellites lower costs and add flexibility for users to scale services via satellite as a service model.
• Electronically Steered Satellite Antennas: Electronically steered antennas allow tracking satellites without any moving parts, enabling their deployment over platforms like aircrafts, vessels, land mobility. Kymeta, Phasor, Isotropic Systems make low-profile antennas for mobility applications. Panasonic Avionics uses Kymeta antennas in its inflight connectivity system. Intelsat qualified Phasor ESA antennas for use with its mobility network. Isotropic’s optical beamforming antennas will empower high-throughput mobile satellite links for defense, first responders. The availability of reliable, high-performance antennas spurs adoption across verticals driving market growth.
• Satellite Production Automation: Satellite manufacturers are adopting technologies like robotics, augmented reality (AR) and AI to automate production. Airbus uses AR glasses for its assembly technicians to improve quality and productivity. Thales Alenia Space uses AI-optimized software to analyze antenna radiofrequency patterns and thermal control systems. Northrop Grumman uses drones to scan parts and tools in factories and smartphones to guide workers through processes. Satellite production automation is enabling companies to build and launch satellites faster and cost-effectively to meet rising connectivity demands.

Figure 1. Global Satellite as a Service Market Share (%), By Orbit Type, 2023

Satellite as a Service Market Segment Level Analysis:

The Global Satellite as a Service Market is segmented by Orbit Type, into LEO, MEO, GEO, Elliptical and Others. LEO segment dominate the market. LEO is seeing growing demand due to the miniaturization of satellite components which has made smaller, lower-cost satellites viable. This has boosted the demand for situational awareness, disaster management and connectivity services that require frequent revisits over locations.

Satellite as a Service Market Regional Insights:

• North America is expected to be the largest market for Satellite as a Service Market during the forecast period, accounting for over 38.5% of the market share in 2022. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to early adoption of satellite services and presence of major service providers in the region.
• The Europe market is expected to be the second-largest market for Satellite as a Service Market, accounting for over 26.7% of the market share in 2022. The growth of the market in is attributed to increasing demand for satellite services from sectors like maritime, aerospace and defense in the region.
• The Asia Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for Satellite as a Service Market, with a CAGR of over 14.2% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to rising penetration of satellite TV and growth of cellular backhaul networks in developing countries.

Figure 2. Global Satellite as a Service Market Share (%), By Region, 2023