Market Overview
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global earth observation market size was valued at USD 6.35 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 7.04 billion in 2025 to USD 12.65 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.73% during the forecast period.
The market involves collecting and analyzing planetary data using satellites, aircraft, drones, and ground-based sensors. It encompasses imagery data, analytical services, and remote sensing platforms used for applications ranging from deforestation tracking and crop monitoring to defense intelligence and urban planning.
Major Players Profiled in the Market Report:
Airbus Defence and Space (Germany)
Maxar Technologies (U.S.)
Planet Labs PBC (U.S.)
ICEYE (Finland)
Capella Space (U.S.)
Satellogic (U.S.)
BlackSky Technology Inc. (U.S.)
Spire Global (U.S.)
Thales Alenia Space (France)
Pixxel (India)
Open Cosmos (U.K.)
Synspective (Japan)
Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/earth-observation-market-114486
Segments
Proliferation of Small Satellites and Constellation Deployments Accelerate Growth of LEO Segment
Based on orbit, the market is classified into LEO, MEO, GEO, and others. The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) segment accounted for a significant market share in 2024 due to the increasing deployment of small-satellite constellations for high-frequency imaging. The GEO segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 9.06%.
AI-Powered Insights and Cloud Platforms Drive Growth in Imagery Data Analytical Services Segment
In terms of solution, the market is categorized into imagery data, imagery data analytical service, and others. The imagery data analytical service segment captured the largest share in 2024 as industries move toward actionable, AI-driven insights. The imagery data segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.86%.
Growing Demand for Precision Mapping and Urban Monitoring Boosts Very High-Resolution Segment
Based on image resolution, the market is segmented into very high, high, medium, and low resolution. The very high-resolution segment held the dominating position in 2024 due to needs in defense and urban planning. The high-resolution segment is set to grow at a CAGR of 8.85%.
Rising Geopolitical Tensions and Defense Modernization Programs Fuel Security & Intelligence Segment Growth
Based on application, the market is segmented into urban development, mapping, agriculture, environmental monitoring, security & intelligence, and others. Security & intelligence held the dominating position in 2024. The disaster & emergency management segment is set to flourish with a growth rate of 9.36%.
Widespread Use in Environmental and Infrastructure Monitoring Strengthens Optical Imaging Segment
Based on technology, the market is segmented into optical imaging, radar imaging, spectral imaging, thermal imaging, and LiDAR. Optical imaging held the dominating position in 2024. The radar imaging segment is set to flourish with a growth rate of 9.53%.
Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.
Report Coverage
The report offers:
Major growth drivers, restraining factors, opportunities, and challenges.
Comprehensive insights into regional developments and market shares.
List of major industry players and their strategies.
Detailed segmentation analysis by orbit, solution, resolution, application, and technology.
The latest industry developments include satellite launches, partnerships, and contracts.
Drivers & Restraints
Growing Demand for Expanding Role of Satellite Data is a Primary Source for Market Growth
Government and private investments in EO capabilities for monitoring climate patterns, urban growth, and natural resources are driving the market. The rise of small satellite constellations and high-resolution imaging (radar, hyperspectral) has made surveillance more affordable. Additionally, cloud platforms and AI-powered analytics are transforming raw imagery into real-time insights for sustainability goals and ESG reporting.
High Costs and Data Complexity Slow Broader Adoption, Restrain Market Expansion
Launching and maintaining satellite constellations requires significant capital, limiting new entrants. Weather conditions limit optical imaging consistency, while radar data requires advanced interpretation. Furthermore, fragmented standards, data privacy laws, and a lack of technical expertise in emerging economies hinder broader adoption.
Regional Insights
North America Dominated the Global Market Due to Strong Government Programs
North America held the dominant share of 35.11% in 2024 (USD 2.23 billion). This is driven by strong government programs (NASA, NOAA, NGA) and commercial players like Maxar and Planet Labs. The region benefits from high defense spending and advanced AI-driven geospatial intelligence infrastructure.
Asia Pacific to Record Highest Growth Rate
Asia Pacific is projected to record the highest growth rate of 9.81% during the forecast period. This is fueled by expanding satellite networks in China, India, Japan, and South Korea, alongside rising investments in agriculture, defense, and disaster management applications.
Earth Observation Market Future Growth:
The market is undergoing a digital transformation, unlocking new value by combining EO data with AI, IoT sensors, and digital twins. The trend is shifting from periodic observation to continuous, real-time, AI-driven monitoring. New opportunities are emerging in precision agriculture, carbon monitoring, and climate adaptation. Cloud-based marketplaces are democratizing access, allowing even small businesses to leverage satellite intelligence without large upfront costs.
Competitive Landscape
Expanding Constellations and Data Partnerships Shape the Competitive Landscape
The market is moderately consolidated with a mix of aerospace corporations and small-satellite operators. Leading players like Airbus, Maxar, and ICEYE dominate satellite manufacturing and data services. Strategic collaborations between defense agencies, private companies, and cloud providers are accelerating innovation in data processing and AI analytics.
Key Industry Development
October 2025: Synspective entered low Earth orbit with its seventh StriX satellite via Rocket Lab.
August 2025: IN-SPACe chose a consortium led by Pixxel to design and run India's national EO constellation under a PPP framework.
April 2025: ESA and Creotech Instruments signed a USD 60.59 million contract for the CAMILA satellite constellation.