More Than 6,200 Smallsats to Be Launched Through 2026, Euroconsult Says

More than 6,200 small satellites are expected to be launched over the next 10 years, with market value potentially reaching $30.1 billion, Euroconsult said in a news release Thursday. It predicted big growth in the earth observation market, with more than 1,100 satellites anticipated to be launched through 2026. It said broadband satcom also will drive heavy smallsat growth, with close to 3,100 satellites expected to be launched through 2026, OneWeb and SpaceX accounting for the bulk. It said of the $16.5 billion in smallsat manufacturing to be done 2017-26, an estimated $3.7 billion will be done in house. The researcher said smallsat launch services are expected to generate $14.5 billion revenue through 2026.