Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Market Size - By Solutions, Platform, Frequency, Industry Vertical Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Market Size

The global satellite communication market was valued at USD 23.1 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2025 to 2034. The rising need for internet connectivity drives SATCOM market growth, especially in remote areas lacking traditional infrastructure.
 

As digital connectivity becomes crucial for various aspects of life, the gap between urban and rural internet access widens. Satellite communication helps bridge this divide by offering broadband services to almost any location, enabling wider participation in the digital economy. Global initiatives promoting internet access, economic growth, and social inclusion further boost demand. This trend spurs investment in satellite technology as a flexible solution for connecting underserved regions.
 

The SATCOM industry is evolving, blending advanced communication technology with crucial government and defense operations. There's rising demand for secure, high-bandwidth, resilient connectivity, especially in defense and maritime sectors. This drives the creation of global, reliable satellite systems. User terminals are getting smarter, handling more data, boosting security, and working smoothly with current networks. New SATCOM solutions are becoming vital for critical missions, focusing on tough, mobile, and adaptable communication systems. The industry's future is shaped by technological advancement, partnerships, and investments, aiming to meet the growing need for secure, flexible satellite communication services.
 

In February 2023, Inmarsat Government chose Cobham Satcom to supply new SAILOR XTR user terminals. Cobham Satcom, which provides radio and satellite communication solutions for ships and land vehicles worldwide, will deliver these terminals to support the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Next Generation Wideband service. These terminals aim to offer fast, reliable, and secure global satellite communication for the Navy's needs.

Satellite Communication Market Trends

The SATCOM market is shifting towards multi-orbit capabilities, blending GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite networks. This integration offers flexible, reliable connectivity for sectors like government, defense, and aviation that need constant, high-performance communication. To support this trend, the industry is creating open-architecture SATCOM terminals and adaptive modem technologies.
 

These innovations enable cross-orbit switching and better bandwidth use. The goal is to deliver robust, global communication services that can handle various complex mission needs. For instance, in February 2023, SES, ThinKom, and Hughes showcased a multi-orbit service for government airborne missions. The demonstration used ThinKom's Ka2517 SATCOM terminal on SES's MEO and GEO satellite networks. Tests occurred at ThinKom's California facilities and on an aircraft. The system used Hughes' HM400 modem for smooth satellite transitions.
 

The market faces key challenges, including high satellite deployment costs, space debris concerns, and regulatory hurdles. However, it also offers significant opportunities driven by growing demand for global broadband, advancements in multi-orbit networks, and integration with 5G and IoT. Government investments in secure communications and emerging markets in defense, maritime, and aviation sectors further boost growth potential. Recent regulatory improvements in satellite approvals and spectrum management are creating a more favorable environment for industry expansion, balancing the challenges with promising prospects for the future.
 

Satellite Communication Market Analysis

Based on solutions, the market is segmented product and services. The services segment is expected to register a CAGR of over 12.5% over the forecast period.
 

• The SATCOM services segment is set for significant growth, driven by increasing demand across various sectors including telecommunications, defense, maritime, aviation, and government. A key trend is the rising adoption of managed services and connectivity solutions, especially in remote or underserved areas. Organizations are turning to satellite services for internet connectivity, data transfer, and real-time communication. Managed services, offering end-to-end solutions like satellite capacity leasing and network management, are particularly valuable in sectors such as aviation and maritime where uninterrupted communication is crucial.
   
• The SATCOM service segment is growing as satellite services integrate with 5G, IoT, and AI technologies. Satellite operators are upgrading their networks to offer faster data transmission, higher capacity, and improved connectivity. This trend is especially notable in Asia-Pacific and North America, where significant investments in satellite infrastructure aim to expand 5G and IoT coverage. These advancements are driving the overall growth of SATCOM services.
   

Based on industry vertical, the satellite communication market is divided into commercial and government & defense. The commercial segment dominated the global market with a revenue of 16.7 billion in 2024.
 

• The commercial segment of the Satellite Communication (SATCOM) market is growing rapidly due to high demand for reliable connectivity across industries. A key trend is the increased use of satellite-based broadband, especially in remote areas. Satellites are filling gaps left by traditional infrastructure as businesses and consumers seek faster, more dependable internet access.
   
• The commercial sector is growing as satellite services expand across industries. Aviation uses SATCOM for in-flight connectivity and real-time data, improving communication and efficiency. Maritime companies rely on it for communication and navigation in remote waters. Oil and gas, logistics, and other sectors also benefit from these services, enhancing their operations and connectivity.
   

North America dominated the SATCOM market in 2023 with a 48.5% share. The U.S. SATCOM market is seeing more fully managed satellite communication services, especially in defense. Military groups like the U.S. Marine Corps are using commercial SATCOM solutions, adopting Software as a Managed Service (SaaMS) models. These offer flexible, scalable, and cost-effective options for secure communication without the hassle of in-house management. This trend is bringing commercial SATCOM providers closer to military operations, where constant connectivity and quick data access are vital. The U.S. government's ongoing investment in satellite communications shows it's relying more on private-sector innovation for defense communication needs.
 

Germany's satellite communication market is growing due to increased demand for high-speed connectivity, advancements in satellite technology, and the country's focus on digital infrastructure. A key trend is the adoption of satellite services in rural areas to bridge the digital divide, complementing terrestrial networks. The German government's Digital Agenda initiative supports the integration of satellite communications in sectors like transportation, agriculture, and emergency services, further driving market expansion.
 

China's SATCOM market is booming, fueled by better satellite tech, growing demand for broadband, and government push for global connectivity. China is expanding its own satellite systems, like BeiDou, to reduce foreign dependence and boost security. They're also investing in Low Earth Orbit networks to bring internet to remote areas. Satellite communications are catching on in various industries, from telecom to transport. However, the sector faces challenges with managing radio frequencies and following international rules. Despite these hurdles, China's SATCOM market keeps growing, showing the country's commitment to tech progress and worldwide connectivity.
 

Japan's satellite communication market is growing steadily, driven by satellite technology advances and increased use in commercial and government sectors. The country is investing in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations to provide fast, low-latency broadband to underserved rural areas. Japan also leverages satellite technology for disaster management, improving emergency communications during natural calamities like earthquakes and tsunamis.
 

South Korea's SATCOM market is growing rapidly, fueled by advances in satellite technology and the country's focus on digital infrastructure. The integration of satellite communications with 5G networks is expanding coverage and bringing high-speed internet to remote areas. South Korea is also developing its own satellite constellations for communication, navigation, and earth observation, bolstering its space industry and enhancing satellite-based services.
 

Satellite Communication Market Share

The market is fiercely competitive, with major players like Thales, L3Harris, and Honeywell vying for contracts in both commercial and government sectors. Companies focus on innovation to improve satellite capabilities, offering faster data transmission, wider coverage, and secure communication. Investments in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations and multi-band systems aim to enhance connectivity. Firms often form partnerships or acquire others to strengthen their market position across industries such as aviation, maritime, and defense. The integration of SATCOM with 5G, AI, and IoT further intensifies competition as companies strive to meet the growing demand for advanced connectivity and data solutions.
 

Satellite Communication Market Companies

Major players operating in the SATCOM industry are:

• ASELSAN
• AvL Technologies
• Cobham Satcom
• EchoStar Mobile
• General Dynamics Mission Systems
• Gilat Satellite Networks
• Holkirk Communications
• Honeywell
• Intellian Technologies
• Iridium Communications
• L3Harris Technologies
• Thales
• Viasat
• Viking Satcom
   

Satellite Communication  Industry News

• In January 2023, Viasat Inc. won a contract to provide satellite communications support to the US Marine Corps. This agreement extends a successful pilot program from fiscal year 2022, where Viasat delivered a managed SATCOM solution to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, the Corps' largest combat unit. Notably, this marks the first commercially developed Satellite as a Managed Service (SaaMS) implemented by a Marine Corps command.
   
• In February 2023, Anuvu, a provider of connectivity solutions for mobility markets, announced plans to lease antennas and ground-station infrastructure from satellite operator Telesat. This partnership aims to support Anuvu's satellite network development.
   

This satellite communication market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Solutions

• Product
  • Antennas
    • Phased arrays
    • Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
    • Digital Beam Forming (DBF) Array
    • Others
  • Transceivers
    • Transmitters
    • Receivers
    • Power amplifiers
    • Converters
    • Modem & routers
    • Other component
• Services
  • Engineering & integration
  • Installation
  • Logistics & maintenance

Market, By Platform

• Portable
  • Manpack
  • Handheld
  • Deployable/Flyaway
• Land Mobile
  • Commercial Vehicles/Transport
  • Military vehicles
  • Unmanned ground vehicles
• Land Fixed
  • Command & control centers
  • Earth Stations/Ground Station
  • Direct To Home (DTH)/Satellite TV
  • Enterprise systems
• Airborne
  • Commercial aircraft
  • Military aircraft
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Maritime
  • Commercial ships
  • Military ships

Market, By Frequency

• C Band
• S Band
• L Band
• X Band
• Ka Band
• Ku Band
• VHF/UHF Band
• EHF/SHF Band
• Others

Market, By Industry Vertical

• Commercial
  • Telecommunication & cellular backhaul
  • Media & entertainment
  • Transportation & logistics
  • Scientific research & development
  • Aviation
  • Marine
  • Retail & consumer
  • Others
• Government & defense

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

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