Novaspace’s just released Earth Observation Data and Services Market report reveals the Earth observation market is set for significant growth. Novaspace projects the Earth observation market to exceed USD8 billion by 2033, with the services segment growing from USD3.1 billion to USD4.9 billion during the same period.
The report identifies defence contracts and advanced Earth observation products as critical drivers behind the market’s sustained expansion. In addition to offering higher resolution, advanced spectral bands, and 3D capabilities, Earth observation services are increasingly leveraging cloud computing and artificial intelligence for automated satellite image analysis. These innovations enable large-scale monitoring and timely decision-making, addressing applications in defence, sustainability, and security.
“Market growth isn’t just about replacing aerial geolocation systems,” said Lead Author Alexis Conte. “It’s about scaling up Earth observation monitoring capabilities to provide actionable insights over time. This focus on tracking and analysing activities at scale is driving both technological and market innovations.”
Large-scale defence contracts, such as those from the National Reconnaissance Office and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, are fueling technological advancements and creating opportunities for subcontractors. Defence-related Earth observation revenues alone are expected to grow by USD1.1 billion by 2033, supported by increasing budgets and a push for higher-resolution capabilities to meet real-time monitoring needs.
The report also highlights regional dynamics shaping the market. North America remains the largest EO market, generating 44% of global revenues in 2023, followed by Europe at 22%. However, Asia will see the fastest growth and is expected to account for 23% of the market by 2033, driven by relaxing commercial domestic policies and growing demand in Asia and Southeast Asia. The Middle East market is gaining traction by increasing its procurement schemes and consolidating its assets.
The 17th edition of the Earth Observation Data and Services Market report offers a detailed analysis of supply-demand dynamics, pricing strategies, and regulatory factors. It examines trends across eight regional markets and nine vertical applications, breaking them into 32 sub-applications.
The report provides expanded insights into defence contracts, carbon markets, and emerging technologies like hybrid architectures and mesh networks, which are reshaping Earth observation capabilities. This edition also broadens its industrial ecosystem analysis, reviewing 130 leading and emerging value-added service providers selected from over 2,000 globally identified companies.
