ATLANTA, January 30, 2018 – SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) announced today the release of its annual nanosatellite and microsatellite market forecast. The 8th edition of this report details the latest observations and trends in the nano/microsatellite market.
Projections indicate as many as 2,600 nano/microsatellites will require launch over the next 5 years. The report is available in presentation form as a free download on the website, https://dev.spaceworks.aero/insights.
SpaceWorks is currently tracking 936 future (2018 – 2020) nano/microsatellites with masses between 1 kilogram and 50 kilograms in various stages of planning or development. Historical launches and publicly announced plans for future launches, as well as estimated market growth serve as a basis for projection of the quantity of nano/microsatellites that will launch between 2018 and 2022. Data concerning future launches is sourced from the public announcements of small satellite operators, launch vehicle providers, government agencies, and other organizations, as well as additional market research and commercial companies’ intentions.
Compared with last year’s forecast, the current projections have been increased to reflect an increase in small satellite launch opportunities, the continued maturation of emerging small satellite operators, and a strong influx of venture capital financing into the space sector. An estimated 263 – 413 nano/microsatellites (1 – 50 kg) will launch globally in 2018, representing a 15% decrease from 2017, but an overall increase of 160% from 2016. The Nano/Microsatellite Market Forecast, 8th Edition by SpaceWorks shows that annual nano/microsatellite launches have grown by over 200% in the last 5 years. Analysis of development trends by operator type show that the commercial sector continues to grow significantly and is expected to encompass over 70% of nano/microsatellites launched in the next 5 years. Analysis of trends by application suggests that Earth Observation and Remote Sensing will remain the primary use for nano/microsatellites in the near term.
“2017 was a record setting year for the small satellite market, significantly reducing the satellite backlog that has been building since 2015. This year the global launch industry showed broader acceptance of small satellite rideshares and demonstrated its ability to accommodate near-term market demand even while small satellite launch vehicles continue to mature,” stated Mr. Caleb Williams, SpaceWorks Space Systems Analyst. “SpaceWorks’ 2018 projections have been increased to reflect the rise in small satellite launch opportunities seen last year, as well as the continued maturation of small satellite operators, and a strong influx of venture capital into the space sector. Ultimately the future of the small satellite market will depend largely on the ability of operators to secure capital and create sustainable customer relationships. We hope our latest Nano/Microsatellite Market Assessment provides insight into the changing market landscape and proves to be a valuable resource for the small satellite community.”
