The global market for space situational awareness (SSA) was valued at approximately US$ 1,535.91 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2022 to 2028, reaching an estimated US$ 2,178.89 million by 2028.
According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a satellite constellation is defined as a group of satellites that share similar characteristics, functions, and designs, operating in complementary orbits for a unified purpose under a common control system. These constellations serve various applications, including navigation, geodesy, satellite telephony, and Earth observation. Companies are actively planning extensive satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO) and mid-Earth orbits to facilitate global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and satellite internet services, enabling direct connections between machines and systems. The IAU notes that constellations comprising thousands of satellites at lower altitudes can significantly reduce signal latency while ensuring extensive coverage, particularly in remote regions lacking developed ground infrastructure. Currently, there are nearly 2,000 active satellites orbiting Earth, and this number is anticipated to increase dramatically due to numerous planned satellite constellation launches in the upcoming decades. For instance, in March 2023, OneWeb announced the successful deployment and activation of 40 satellites via a SpaceX launch, bringing its total constellation to 582 satellites. As the interest in satellite constellations grows, it is likely to lead to increased space congestion and a rise in space debris, trends that are expected to drive the space situational awareness (SSA) market in the near future.
Key players in the space situational awareness (SSA) market include Parsons Corporation, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc, L3Harris Technologies Inc, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Telespazio SpA. The identification of these key players is based on various criteria, including overall revenue, brand reputation, current SSA product offerings, technology integration, geographic presence, new product launches, market initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and other relevant market activities. Additionally, a range of other significant global and regional players, emerging companies, market disruptors, and niche participants within the SSA ecosystem were also examined during this analysis.
Software solutions for SSA play a crucial role in orbit determination and tracking of various space objects, while also evaluating potential collision risks in space. COMSPOC Corp offers the SSA Software Suite (SSS), a comprehensive software solution designed for Space Operations Centers (SpOC) that operates within a services-oriented architecture. According to the company, this solution encompasses all stages of the SSA process, from initial observation and data collection to processing and actionable predictive analytics. The availability of such diverse solutions has significantly contributed to the growth of the software segment within the space situational awareness (SSA) market.
Moreover, the increasing demand for SSA solutions has led to the emergence of several startups that are introducing innovative offerings in this field. Notable startups in the SSA sector include Lumi Space Ltd, Vyoma GmbH, and Share My Space. Many established companies are forming partnerships with these startups to leverage their innovative technologies. For example, in March 2023, Airbus SE entered into a contract with the French SSA startup Share My Space to evaluate the reliability of its collision alert data and overall risk management strategies. In February 2023, Vyoma collaborated with EnduroSat to enhance satellite safety in orbit, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines mutual support for improving the sustainability of space operations. Additionally, in July 2022, Space Forge partnered with Lumi Space for its Virgin Orbit launch from the UK. Such collaborative trends are gaining momentum globally, further propelling the growth of the space situational awareness (SSA) market.
The space situational awareness (SSA) market can be categorized based on offerings into software and services. By object type, it is segmented into mission-related debris, rocket bodies, fragmentation debris, functional spacecraft, and nonfunctional spacecraft. In terms of end users, the market is divided into commercial entities and government & military organizations. Furthermore, based on orbit range, the SSA market is classified into deep space and near-Earth segments.
Key players in the space situational awareness (SSA) market include Analytical Graphics, Inc.; Exoanalytic Solutions, Inc.; Globvision Inc.; GMV Innovating Solutions SL; L3Harris Technologies, Inc.; Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Inc.; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Parsons Corporation; Belcan; and Spacenav LLC. The SSA market report provides comprehensive insights that assist these key players in formulating effective growth strategies.