Novaspace launches the 28th edition of Satellites to Be Built and Launched, revealing a decade of record-breaking orbital growth. More than 43,000 satellites are expected to launch by 2035, averaging 12 satellites and 8 tons of payload every day. This surge is set to drive a $665 billion market in manufacturing and launch services, fueled by mega-constellations, defense demand, and rapid innovation in launch technology.
“We’re seeing a rapid expansion in satellite activity and a shift in how space is used,” says Gabriel Deville, Manager at Novaspace. “Satellites are no longer just custom-built assets; they’re evolving into interconnected nodes within decentralized networks. This marks a new chapter in orbital complexity and global connectivity.”
Five mega-constellations will account for 66% of satellites launched between 2025 and 2034, yet contribute just 11% of total market value. The rise of such NGSO systems and the shift away from legacy GEO models has largely been fueled by Starlink’s demonstration of scalability and flexibility. Budget priorities, meanwhile, sit with defense. Defense remains the market’s economic anchor, capturing 48% of total value despite representing just 9% of satellite volume.
Looking to the launch market, the space transportation sector remains under a bottleneck, with SpaceX enjoying a near-monopoly over heavy launch in the West. As several providers strive to introduce or ramp up competing vehicles, Starship promises to profoundly redefine space transportation and the space economy at large.
Overall, the manufacturing and launch market offers significant revenue potential; however, targeting this opportunity will require a nuanced approach. Only 7% of the manufacturing market in value is fully open to any manufacturer, and 70% is considered “nationally captive”, with the remainder locked by vertical integration of constellations. To compete here, consideration of strategic partnerships through the supply chain is now a must.
