Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 5.82 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 12.8 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 17.07% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
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Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market size is estimated at 5.82 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 12.8 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.07% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Asia-Pacific satellite bus market is experiencing significant transformation driven by increasing demand for advanced space systems capabilities across multiple sectors. The region has emerged as a major hub for satellite manufacturing and deployment, with countries like China, India, and Japan leading technological innovations. Between 2017-2022, the region demonstrated its growing capabilities by successfully launching 379 satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), 66 into Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), and 24 into Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), highlighting the robust infrastructure and technical expertise developed within the region. This surge in satellite deployments reflects the increasing sophistication of the region's space industry and its ability to serve diverse market needs.
The market is witnessing a notable shift towards Earth observation and remote sensing applications, driven by growing commercial and scientific requirements. During 2017-2022, the region manufactured and launched 255 Earth observation satellites, demonstrating the strong focus on developing capabilities for environmental monitoring, resource management, and disaster response. In February 2023, ISRO's successful launch of the EOS 7 Earth observation satellite, designed for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, exemplifies the continued investment in this sector. The increasing adoption of satellite components across industries has created a robust ecosystem for satellite bus manufacturers and service providers.
The commercial sector has emerged as a significant driver of innovation and growth in the satellite bus market. In January 2023, the Australian company Skykraft successfully placed four satellites into LEO for air traffic management capabilities, highlighting the growing private sector participation in space activities. The maritime industry represents another key commercial application area, with Asia-Pacific owners controlling 50% of the global commercial merchant shipping fleet as of 2021, creating substantial demand for satellite-based navigation and communication services. This commercial momentum is fostering technological advancement and encouraging new market entrants.
The market is characterized by increasing collaboration between government space agencies and private companies, leading to technological innovations and improved spacecraft bus capabilities. In January 2023, China's deployment of two Shijian satellites into GEO for scientific experiments and technical verification demonstrates the ongoing focus on advancing satellite manufacturing technology. The industry is witnessing a trend towards standardization and modularization of satellite components, enabling faster development cycles and reduced costs. This evolution in manufacturing approaches is facilitating the development of more efficient and capable satellite buses, supporting a wide range of applications from communications to scientific research.
Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market Trends and Insights
The trend of using better fuel and operational efficiency has been witnessed in the region
- Increased demand for satellites from the civil/government, commercial, and military segments has been witnessed in recent years. Countries like China, India, and Japan have adequate capabilities in the area of satellite bus manufacturing. However, along with the growing shift toward manufacturing smaller satellites, the manufacturing base of satellite buses is expected to expand to various countries across the world. The mass of a satellite has a significant impact on the launch of the satellite. This is because the heavier the satellite, the more fuel and energy are required to launch it into space.
- In 2019, Thales Alenia Space was selected by Indonesia to design and assemble a powerful telecommunication satellite for the Indonesian consortium PSN. The launch was scheduled for the end of 2022. The satellite will be based on the full electric platform Spacebus Neo. A heavier satellite requires a larger rocket and more fuel to launch it into space, thus increasing the cost of the launch and limiting the types of launch vehicles that can be used.
- The primary classification types according to mass are large satellites that are more than 1,000 kg. During 2017-2022, around 75+ large satellites launched were owned by Asia-Pacific organizations. A medium-sized satellite has a mass between 500 and 1000 kg. More than 65+ satellites launched were operated by Asia-Pacific organizations. Similarly, satellites weighing less than 500 kg are considered small satellites, and around 200+ small satellites were launched in the region.
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The increasing space expenditures of different space agencies are expected to positively impact the satellite industry
- The development of constellations or networks of small satellites working together to provide a collective service is an emerging trend. These constellations often consist of dozens or even hundreds of small satellites that communicate with each other to achieve mission goals. Distributed satellite networks provide improved coverage, redundancy, and flexibility compared to traditional large satellites. The growing utilization of commercial satellite platforms for dual (military and civil) purposes has boosted the market. Satellite communications are envisioned to be an essential part of the 5G infrastructure. The satellite transport conduit is being integrated into the overall communication map to provide seamless connectivity. This will result in new opportunities for extending satellite services in urban and rural areas.
- Considering the increase in space-related activities in Asia-Pacific, satellite manufacturers are enhancing their satellite production capabilities to tap into the rapidly emerging market potentials. The prominent countries in Asia-Pacific that pose a robust space infrastructure are China, India, Japan, and South Korea. China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced space exploration priorities for the 2021-2025 period, including enhancing national civil space infrastructure and ground facilities. As a part of this plan, the Chinese government established China Satellite Network Group Co. Ltd for the development of a 13,000-satellite constellation for satellite internet.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- The increased importance of satellite miniaturization has aided the growth of the market
Segment Analysis: Application
Communication Segment in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The communication segment dominates the Asia-Pacific satellite bus market, accounting for approximately 79% of the total market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the increasing demand for high-speed data transmission and rising investments in satellite propulsion system technology across the region. The need for uninterrupted connectivity is growing in various parts of Asia-Pacific, with satellite communications being extensively used in weather forecasting, media and entertainment, aviation, television, internet, space, and telecommunications. The region has emerged as one of the most important markets for the introduction and development of new technologies, supported by innovation-friendly government policies and infrastructure development. The growing demand for motion communication solutions and the integration of satellite transport conduits into the overall communication infrastructure are further strengthening this segment's market position.
Navigation Segment in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The navigation segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the Asia-Pacific satellite bus market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 43% during 2024-2029. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of navigation and GPS satellites across various industries that rely on these advanced technologies to improve their operations. The maritime industry's expansion in the region, particularly with Asia-Pacific owning a significant portion of the global commercial merchant shipping fleet, is creating substantial demand for navigation satellites. The segment's growth is further accelerated by the emphasis on military navigation and communication capabilities by major armed forces in the region, leading to increased investments in satellite navigation systems and related infrastructure.
Remaining Segments in Application Segmentation
The remaining segments in the Asia-Pacific satellite bus market include Earth observation, space observation, and other applications. The Earth observation segment plays a crucial role in climate monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster response activities across the region. The space observation segment focuses on studying celestial bodies and conducting space research, contributing to scientific advancement and space exploration initiatives. The other applications segment encompasses various specialized uses including educational purposes, mission extensions, and technology demonstrations, each serving specific needs within the space industry while contributing to the overall market development in the region.
Segment Analysis: Satellite Mass
100-500kg Segment in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The 100-500kg satellite bus segment dominates the Asia-Pacific market, accounting for approximately 65% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the increasing demand for minisatellites across various applications, particularly in Earth observation and communication capabilities. Several countries in the region, including China, Japan, and India, have been actively launching minisatellites for diverse applications. Private players are also emerging strongly in this segment, with companies like Skykraft developing satellite constellations for air traffic management capabilities through space-based communication and surveillance. The segment's dominance is further reinforced by the growing need for Earth observation and remote sensing capabilities, exemplified by satellites like the Indian Earth observation satellite EOS 7, which utilizes the three-axis stabilized Microsatellite-SSB bus for Geographic Information Systems applications.
10-100kg Segment in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The 10-100kg microsatellite bus segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment, with an expected growth rate of approximately 35% during 2024-2029. This remarkable growth is driven by the increasing adoption of microsatellites due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility in application. The segment's expansion is supported by various countries manufacturing and launching satellites for Earth observation, communication, remote sensing, and scientific research purposes. The growth is further accelerated by the development of advanced microsatellite technologies and the increasing participation of private companies and research institutions in space activities. The Indian government's space agency, ISRO, continues to drive innovation in this segment through technology demonstrator satellites, while other countries in the region are also investing heavily in microsatellite development programs.
Remaining Segments in Satellite Mass Segmentation
The remaining segments in the satellite mass classification include the 500-1000kg, below 10kg, and above 1000kg categories, each serving distinct market needs. The 500-1000kg segment is particularly important for large-scale constellation deployments and standardized mass production of satellites. The below 10kg segment, comprising mainly cubesat bus, is gaining traction due to technological advancements in miniaturization and their cost-effectiveness for educational and research purposes. The above 1000kg segment continues to be crucial for operational purposes with longer lifespans, primarily carrying larger remote sensing payloads and larger numbers of transponders for communication purposes. These segments collectively contribute to the diverse requirements of the Asia-Pacific satellite industry, from experimental missions to large-scale commercial operations.
Segment Analysis: Orbit Class
LEO Segment in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) segment dominates the Asia-Pacific satellite bus market, accounting for approximately 72% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by the growing demand for satellite-based applications such as Earth observation, remote sensing, and communication services. The segment's dominance is further reinforced by the increasing deployment of satellite constellations for various commercial and government applications. Major space agencies and private companies in the region are actively launching satellites into LEO, particularly for Earth observation applications. The preference for LEO satellites is attributed to their lower operational costs, reduced latency in communications, and better resolution for Earth observation compared to satellites in higher orbits. Additionally, technological advancements in miniaturization and standardization of satellite components have made LEO satellites more accessible and cost-effective for a wider range of applications.
MEO Segment in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) segment is projected to experience the highest growth rate in the Asia-Pacific satellite bus market during 2024-2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 31%. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for navigation and positioning services, particularly from countries developing their own global navigation satellite systems. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising adoption of MEO satellites for telecommunications and broadband internet services, offering a balance between coverage area and latency. Space agencies and commercial operators are increasingly recognizing the strategic advantages of MEO, particularly for applications requiring broader regional coverage while maintaining relatively lower latency compared to GEO satellites. The development of new MEO satellite constellations for various applications, including communications, navigation, and Earth observation, is expected to further drive the segment's growth.
Remaining Segments in Orbit Class
The Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) segment continues to play a crucial role in the Asia-Pacific satellite bus market, particularly for applications requiring constant coverage over specific geographical areas. GEO satellites are essential for broadcasting, weather monitoring, and military communications due to their ability to maintain a fixed position relative to Earth. The segment benefits from the increasing demand for high-throughput satellites for broadband communications and direct-to-home television services. Space agencies in the region are actively developing and launching GEO satellites to enhance their communication infrastructure and maintain sovereign capabilities in space-based services. The segment's stability and reliability for long-term missions make it an indispensable part of the region's space infrastructure.
Segment Analysis: End User
Commercial Segment in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The commercial segment dominates the Asia-Pacific satellite bus market, accounting for approximately 68% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the increasing demand for satellite-based services from various sectors, including satellite television, broadband internet, and remote sensing applications. Commercial satellite users in the region have been experiencing substantial growth due to factors such as increasing connectivity needs, growing demand for broadcasting and navigation services, and expanding remote sensing and Earth observation applications. The demand for launching large constellations of remote sensing satellites for Earth observation has increased as the region seeks to enhance its capabilities in gathering data and insights for environmental monitoring, forest management, energy, mining, and land planning applications. This segment's strong performance is further supported by favorable government policies promoting space industry development and the emergence of new commercial players in key markets like China, Japan, and India.
Military & Government Segment in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The military and government segment is projected to demonstrate robust growth at approximately 22% during 2024-2029, driven by increasing investments in defense and security applications. Military satellites have become increasingly important for various purposes, including surveillance, communications, and navigation, creating a sustained demand for reliable and efficient satellite propulsion system. The segment's growth is primarily attributed to the need for advanced technology and capabilities, as military satellites must operate in harsh environments and withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, and other challenging factors that may affect their performance. Various companies and space agencies in the region are manufacturing satellites and their buses according to these specialized requirements, with a particular emphasis on developing more sophisticated and resilient platforms. The increasing demand for military small satellites in the Asia-Pacific region is further driven by the need for improved situational awareness, enhanced communication networks, and space-based capabilities to deter potential adversaries.
Remaining Segments in End User Segmentation
The other end users segment, which includes NGOs, academic institutes, and various research institutions, plays a unique role in the satellite bus market despite its smaller market share. This segment primarily focuses on scientific research and educational missions rather than commercial applications. Academic institutions and research organizations utilize satellite buses for specialized missions including technology demonstration, environmental monitoring, and scientific experiments. While these users typically have more limited funding compared to commercial or government entities, they contribute significantly to innovation and technological advancement in the space sector. Their projects often serve as testbeds for new technologies and methodologies, ultimately benefiting the broader satellite industry through knowledge transfer and technological breakthroughs.
Competitive Landscape
Top Companies in Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market
The satellite bus market in Asia-Pacific is characterized by continuous product innovation and technological advancement among key players. Companies are focusing on developing modular and standardized satellite platform systems that can accommodate various payload requirements and mission objectives. Operational agility is demonstrated through rapid manufacturing capabilities and flexible production systems that can adapt to changing customer demands. Strategic partnerships with government space agencies, defense organizations, and commercial entities form a crucial part of market expansion strategies. Companies are also investing in research and development to enhance their satellite bus capabilities, particularly in areas such as electric propulsion systems, advanced materials, and improved power management systems. Geographic expansion through regional offices, manufacturing facilities, and service centers across Asia-Pacific helps companies maintain closer relationships with customers and better understand local market needs.
Market Dominated by Global Aerospace Leaders
The Asia-Pacific satellite bus market exhibits a relatively consolidated structure dominated by established global aerospace and defense conglomerates. These major players leverage their extensive experience, technological capabilities, and strong financial resources to maintain their market positions. Local players, particularly from countries like China, India, and Japan, are gradually expanding their presence through government support and indigenous space programs. The market sees a mix of traditional aerospace companies and specialized satellite manufacturing firms, with the former having advantages in terms of vertical integration and comprehensive space systems solutions.
The market has witnessed strategic consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, particularly among component suppliers and technology providers. Companies are pursuing vertical integration strategies to strengthen their supply chains and enhance their technological capabilities. Joint ventures and collaborative agreements between international and local players are becoming increasingly common, facilitating technology transfer and market access. The presence of state-owned enterprises in countries like China and India adds another dimension to market dynamics, as these entities often receive substantial government support and preferential access to domestic markets.
Innovation and Localization Drive Future Success
Success in the Asia-Pacific spacecraft bus market increasingly depends on companies' ability to offer innovative, cost-effective solutions while maintaining high reliability standards. Manufacturers need to focus on developing customizable platforms that can accommodate diverse mission requirements while achieving economies of scale through standardization. Building strong relationships with government space agencies and defense organizations remains crucial, as these entities continue to be major customers. Companies must also invest in local manufacturing and research facilities to comply with increasing requirements for domestic content and technology transfer in key markets.
Future market success will require companies to navigate complex regulatory environments across different countries while maintaining compliance with international space regulations and standards. Manufacturers need to address growing concerns about space debris and sustainable space operations through innovative design solutions. The ability to offer comprehensive after-sales support and lifecycle management services will become increasingly important as the satellite fleet in orbit grows. Companies must also stay ahead of technological trends, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous operations, and advanced materials, to maintain their competitive edge. Building robust supply chains with multiple sourcing options will be crucial for managing geopolitical risks and ensuring consistent delivery capabilities.
Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Industry Leaders
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Airbus SE
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Honeywell International Inc.
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
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Northrop Grumman Corporation
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Thales
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- October 2020: NanoAvionics expanded its presence in the United Kingdom by beginning operations at its new facility in Basingstoke for satellite assembly, integration, and testing (AIT), as well as sales, technical support, and R&D activities.
- July 2020: Thales Alenia Space signed a contract with SES to build SES-22 and SES-23, geostationary communications satellites. SES-22 and SES-23 are based on the proven Spacebus 4000 B2 platform and are 3.5-ton class satellites. These satellites are the 11th and 12th satellites based on the Spacebus 4000 B2 platform to be built by Thales Alenia Space.
- June 2020: NanoAvionics received a contract from Thales Alenia Space to build the initial two satellite buses for the satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure of Omnispace. The company will develop satellites based on M12P satellite buses for IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.
Asia-Pacific Satellite Bus Market Report Scope
Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation, Space Observation, Others are covered as segments by Application. 10-100kg, 100-500kg, 500-1000kg, Below 10 Kg, above 1000kg are covered as segments by Satellite Mass. GEO, LEO, MEO are covered as segments by Orbit Class. Commercial, Military & Government are covered as segments by End User.| Communication |
| Earth Observation |
| Navigation |
| Space Observation |
| Others |
| 10-100kg |
| 100-500kg |
| 500-1000kg |
| Below 10 Kg |
| above 1000kg |
| GEO |
| LEO |
| MEO |
| Commercial |
| Military & Government |
| Other |
| Application | Communication |
| Earth Observation | |
| Navigation | |
| Space Observation | |
| Others | |
| Satellite Mass | 10-100kg |
| 100-500kg | |
| 500-1000kg | |
| Below 10 Kg | |
| above 1000kg | |
| Orbit Class | GEO |
| LEO | |
| MEO | |
| End User | Commercial |
| Military & Government | |
| Other |
Market Definition
- Application - Various applications or purposes of the satellites are classified into communication, earth observation, space observation, navigation, and others. The purposes listed are those self-reported by the satellite’s operator.
- End User - The primary users or end users of the satellite is described as civil (academic, amateur), commercial, government (meteorological, scientific, etc.), military. Satellites can be multi-use, for both commercial and military applications.
- Launch Vehicle MTOW - The launch vehicle MTOW (maximum take-off weight) means the maximum weight of the launch vehicle during take-off, including the weight of payload, equipment and fuel.
- Orbit Class - The satellite orbits are divided into three broad classes namely GEO, LEO, and MEO. Satellites in elliptical orbits have apogees and perigees that differ significantly from each other and categorized satellite orbits with eccentricity 0.14 and higher as elliptical.
- Propulsion tech - Under this segment, different types of satellite propulsion systems have been classified as electric, liquid-fuel and gas-based propulsion systems.
- Satellite Mass - Under this segment, different types of satellite propulsion systems have been classified as electric, liquid-fuel and gas-based propulsion systems.
- Satellite Subsystem - All the components and subsystems which includes propellants, buses, solar panels, other hardware of satellites are included under this segment.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Attitude Control | The orientation of the satellite relative to the Earth and the sun. |
| INTELSAT | The International Telecommunications Satellite Organization operates a network of satellites for international transmission. |
| Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) | Geostationary satellites in Earth orbit 35,786 km (22,282 mi) above the equator in the same direction and at the same speed as the earth rotates on its axis, making them appear fixed in the sky. |
| Low Earth Orbit (LEO) | Low Earth Orbit satellites orbit from 160-2000km above the earth, take approximately 1.5 hours for a full orbit and only cover a portion of the earth’s surface. |
| Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) | MEO satellites are located above LEO and below GEO satellites and typically travel in an elliptical orbit over the North and South Pole or in an equatorial orbit. |
| Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) | Very Small Aperture Terminal is an antenna that is typically less than 3 meters in diameter |
| CubeSat | CubeSat is a class of miniature satellites based on a form factor consisting of 10 cm cubes. CubeSats weigh no more than 2 kg per unit and typically use commercially available components for their construction and electronics. |
| Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) | Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a three-stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage |
| Space Mining | Asteroid mining is the hypothesis of extracting material from asteroids and other asteroids, including near-Earth objects. |
| Nano Satellites | Nanosatellites are loosely defined as any satellite weighing less than 10 kilograms. |
| Automatic Identification System (AIS) | Automatic identification system (AIS) is an automatic tracking system used to identify and locate ships by exchanging electronic data with other nearby ships, AIS base stations, and satellites. Satellite AIS (S-AIS) is the term used to describe when a satellite is used to detect AIS signatures. |
| Reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) | Reusable launch vehicle (RLV) means a launch vehicle that is designed to return to Earth substantially intact and therefore may be launched more than one time or that contains vehicle stages that may be recovered by a launch operator for future use in the operation of a substantially similar launch vehicle. |
| Apogee | The point in an elliptical satellite orbit which is farthest from the surface of the earth. Geosynchronous satellites which maintain circular orbits around the earth are first launched into highly elliptical orbits with apogees of 22,237 miles. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the historical and forecast years have been provided in revenue and volume terms. For sales conversion to volume, the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country, and inflation is not a part of the pricing.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms.
