North America CubeSat Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Size (25U to 1U, 1U to 3U, 3U to 6U, 6U to 12U, 12U and Above), By Application (Earth Observation and Traffic Monitoring, Science, Technology, and Education, Space Observation, Communication), By End-Users (Government and Military, Commercial, Non-profit Organizations), By Subsystem (Payloads, Structures, Electrical Power Systems, Command and Data Handling, Propulsion Systems, Attitude Determination and Control Systems) and By Country(U.S., Canada) Forecasts, 2023-2031

Market Overview

The North American CubeSat market size was valued at USD 82 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 442 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period (2022-2031).

A CubeSat is a compact satellite with a cubical shape that measures 10x10x10 cm3 - roughly the size of the popular Rubik's cube - and weighs approximately 1 kg. A CubeSat can be utilized as a single unit (1 U) or in groups of multiple units (1U, 2U, 3U, 6U, and 12U, among others). Since more than a decade ago, CubeSats have facilitated space launches. Cost-effective solutions have simplified the launch of missions into low-Earth orbit for commercial companies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. These miniaturized satellites enable several scientific studies and technology demonstrations to be conducted in space cost-effectively, timely, and relatively simply.

CubeSats are extensively utilized by researchers and experts worldwide for space exploration. CubeSats' small and lightweight dimensions suit them for rapid production and testing, making them an ideal and inexpensive tool for exploring emerging technologies and concepts. 

Market Dynamics

North America CubeSat Market Drivers:

Growing Demand in Different Sectors to Positively Share Industry Outlook

While CubeSats are already used in various commercial applications, their compact size and light weight do not compromise their capabilities. Some instances (SIGINT) include communication and the Internet of Things, geolocation and logistics, and signal monitoring. The greater global deployment of the Internet of Things (loT) has been made possible by the growing use of CubeSats. Globally, a rising number of sensor-driven devices require connectivity and global communications. It can be challenging to locate and monitor assets, including ships, aircraft, and vehicles, among other things, in locations with no land cover. CubeSat constellations, which are in orbit and offer access to global imagery, can give users real-time data about various assets everywhere.

CubeSats can support current network technologies by offering answers to challenging logistical administration issues. This offers a benefit in a disaster since they can offer early information about the scope of the impact and the regions most negatively impacted. This makes planning effective relief and rescue efforts possible, which is a big benefit.

North America CubeSat Market Restraints:

Orbital Debris Concerns

The orbital debris problem severely constrains the market for CubeSats in North America. Concerns about space debris are becoming increasingly prevalent as more CubeSats and other small spacecraft are sent into orbit. Defunct satellites spent rocket stages, and other pieces still in orbit around the Earth are referred to as orbital debris. The buildup of space junk puts functioning satellites and spacecraft at risk because even the smallest particles of trash can result in considerable damage in collisions at very high speeds.

Space organizations and regulatory authorities have created guidelines and regulations for satellite operators to reduce the formation of space debris to address this matter. Operators of CubeSats must follow these regulations, which frequently ask for actions like deorbiting plans, collision avoidance techniques, and building satellites out of materials that reduce the production of extra debris upon re-entry.

North America CubeSat Market Opportunities:

Advantages of Big Satellites

Small spacecraft with more capable and efficient subsystems are replacing large satellites and associated equipment. Commercial satellite operators install smallsat constellations in LEO to provide worldwide coverage with the least latency. Small satellites are increasingly used for remote sensing and earth observation (EO) in LEO constellations to provide better insights for related goals. Satellite entrepreneurs accelerate this trend through mass manufacture, rocket ride-sharing with other missions, modular commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, and standardized satellite buses. Vertical integration in satellite production enables owners and operators of satellites to cut expenses.

Regional Analysis

The market is segmented into the U.S. and Canada based on country. The U.S. holds the major share of the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period.

North America's increased spending in space-related activities gave the region a 77% revenue share of the nanosatellite and microsatellite market 2022. For example, each year, NASA sets aside a certain sum of money to fund space-related endeavors, including research, aviation, technology, exploration, and other operations. The regional market has also been bolstered by rising demand for small satellites from various end-user sectors, including research institutions, the military and defense sector, and the telecommunications industry.

The U.S.

The US CubeSat business has grown significantly, and it is now a vibrant and cutthroat area of the space industry. Government agencies, research institutes, universities, and business enterprises are just a few players drawn to CubeSats by their compact form factor and reduced cost compared to regular satellites. The growing accessibility of space is one of the main factors boosting the US CubeSat business. Small-scale, creative missions that were previously logistically and financially difficult are now possible thanks to CubeSats. Thanks to improvements in miniaturization, standardized interfaces, and the availability of dedicated launch chances, the creation and launch of CubeSats have become more simplified. The US government has significantly aided the growth of the CubeSat market. Programs for CubeSats have received backing from organizations including NASA and the Department of Defence, which provided finance, technological know-how, and launch opportunities. These programs have promoted cooperation between public and private organizations, which has sparked the development of cutting-edge applications like scientific study, Earth monitoring, and technology demos.

Canada

The Canadian CubeSat industry presents a potential environment for satellite research and development. The nation has a significant presence in the space industry, with numerous academic institutions, companies, and government organizations actively engaged in CubeSat projects. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has helped CubeSat activities by sponsoring and offering technical support to advance the field's research and development. The CubeSat business in Canada benefits from a strong knowledge ecosystem, including famous universities and research facilities with competence in space technology. These organizations support the development of CubeSat capabilities in various fields, including communications, Earth observation, scientific research, and technology demonstration. The Canadian government's dedication to space exploration and focus on developing business alliances also help to create favorable conditions for the expansion of the CubeSat sector. For example, the Canadian CubeSat Project and the CSA's CubeSat Programme provide financing and resources to support CubeSat flights and promote cooperation between the public, private, and academic sectors.

Segmental Analysis

The North America CubeSat market is segmented based on size and application.

The market is segmented based on size into 0.25U to 1U, 1 to 3U, 3U to 6U, 6U to 12U, and 12U and above.

The 1 to 3U segment holds the major share in the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period. Due to the requirement for greater volume and aperture, 1U to 3U CubeSats are rapidly surpassing other types of satellites as the most popular option for use in space missions. A 3U CubeSat has more than three times the capacity of a 1U CubeSat and greater pointing and communication capabilities. Due to the dimensions of standard mechanisms, connectors, and other components, a 3U has a larger usable volume, and more space is available for installing panels and antennas with higher packing factors. CubeSats are anticipated to play a significant role in the ubiquitous deployment of services based on the Internet of Things. In this scenario, multiple actors launch clusters of 0.25U satellites into space.

Based on application, the market is segmented into Earth Observation and Traffic Monitoring, Science, Technology and Education, Space Observation, and Communication.

Earth Observation and Traffic Monitoring holds the major share in the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 10.4% over the forecast period. To better comprehend the world's current living conditions and to make them better, research into agriculture, geology, forests, and the environment is crucial. Numerous CubeSat systems equipped with diverse spectral, radiometric, and spatial sensors were successfully launched over several years to meet the needs for Earth observation.

These systems (or constellations) offer real-time data on the surface of the Earth, which is useful for tracking higher rates of glacier melting, frequent forest fires, losses in food production, damage from natural disasters, and frequent hazardous algal blooms. More and more often, smaller satellites are used to research and study the properties, elements, and interactions of the atmosphere and space. NASA widely uses CubeSats and other small satellites to conduct scientific research, including astrobiology and basic biology studies. The government's increasing spending on scientific research and experimentation fuels this sector’s growth.

Recent Developments

• January 2023- Planet Labs Inc. launched 36 SuperDove satellites, Flock 4y, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Flock 4y is planned to launch on SpaceX's Transporter-6 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
• July 2020- Firefly Aerospace, Inc. (Firefly), a provider of economical and dependable launch vehicles, spacecraft, and in-space services, announced the execution of a Launch Services Agreement with Innovative Space Logistics BV (ISILAUNCH), a launch services subsidiary of Netherlands based ISIS - Innovative Solutions in Space B.V. (ISISPACE).
• November 2019- Tyvak was one of five companies selected to be eligible to bid for the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS).