GLOBAL SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SSA) MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

The global space situational awareness (SSA) market size is expected to reach US$ 2.68 Bn by 2030, from US$ 1.88 Bn in 2023, at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.

Space situational awareness (SSA) refers to the ability to view and understand the orbital location and behavior of objects in space. It encompasses space surveillance and tracking (SST) technologies and services used to detect, predict, and analyze events in outer space. Key advantages of SSA include avoiding collisions between satellites and debris, ensuring safe space operations, and supporting space traffic management. The growth in the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) market is driven by the rising congestion of space debris, the increasing number of space launches, and the growing need for space traffic management.

The global space situational awareness (SSA) market is segmented by offering, object, end user, orbit and region. By offering, the market is segmented into services, software, and hardware. The services segment accounted for the largest share in 2022. Services include space surveillance & tracking, conjunction analysis, launch support, and specialized engineering services. The demand for SSA services is increasing owing to the growing number of satellite launches and the need to ensure operational sustainability in space.

Global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market Regional Insights:

• North America is expected to be the largest market for the global space situational awareness (SSA) market during the forecast period, accounting for over 39.0% of the market share in 2022. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the presence of major space organizations like NASA, investments in advanced SSA capabilities, and growing private sector participation.
• The Europe market is expected to be the second-largest market for the global space situational awareness (SSA) market, accounting for over 32.2% of the market share in 2022. The growth of the market in Europe is attributed to the initiatives taken by the European Space Agency towards developing a robust SSA framework and the rise in the space budgets of European countries.
• The Asia Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for the global space situational awareness (SSA) market, with a CAGR of over 17.3% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to the increasing focus on developing indigenous space situational awareness capabilities and the growing number of spacecraft launches from countries like India and China.

Figure 1. Global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

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Analyst Viewpoint

The global space situational awareness (SSA) market is poised to grow significantly over the coming years. With increasing space debris and a rising number of satellites and space missions, the need for robust SSA capabilities is ever-growing. The major driver will be the deployment of large satellite constellations by private space companies, which will require continuous tracking and monitoring. Governments worldwide are also investing heavily to develop independent SSA infrastructure to ensure the safety of their space assets. North America currently dominates the market owing to heavy investments by U.S. government agencies such as NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and DOD (Department of Defense). However, Europe and Asia Pacific are expected to offer lucrative opportunities, with countries like India, China, and Japan ramping up their national space programs.

On the service side, the space surveillance and tracking segment will continue to command the largest share. However, the segment for collision avoidance is anticipated to witness the highest growth. The widespread adoption of sensors and telescopes for persistent monitoring of orbiting objects presents significant opportunities. Software solutions for conjunction analysis and orbit determination are also gaining prominence. Nonetheless, budgetary constraints remain a key challenge, especially for developing nations. Additionally, political and jurisdictional issues surrounding the ownership and use of gathered SSA data need to be addressed.

Global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market Drivers:

• Increasing congestion of space debris: The excessive cluttering of space debris in the low Earth orbit (LEO) is a major factor driving the growth of the global space situational awareness (SSA) market. The high concentration of defunct satellites, rocket bodies, and fragmentation debris has increased the potential for collisions and interference with operational spacecraft. This has resulted in growing demand for advanced SSA capabilities to continuously monitor space debris and alert satellite operators about possible conjunction threats. Robust SSA data analytics, modeling, and conjunction assessment tools help identify debris objects, predict their trajectories, and mitigate collision risks through actionable insights.
• Demand for small satellites and mega constellations: The rising number of small satellite and mega constellation projects by new space companies is spurring the need for SSA solutions. As small satellites have limited maneuverability, the risk of collisions and spacecraft failures increases in congested orbits. Operators rely on precise SSA data for launch planning, tracking assets, resolving anomalies, and deorbiting at end-of-life. Improved SSA capabilities can enable the safe deployment and management of large smallsat constellations in space.
• Investments in space traffic management (STM) infrastructure: Government and private investments in developing space traffic management infrastructure are boosting the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) market growth. As the orbital environment gets more crowded, STM is vital to coordinate activities and avoid accidents in space. This requires robust SSA capabilities for real-time tracking, data exchange, and risk assessment. More countries are developing STM frameworks and testing new technologies to maintain safe flight operations. Such initiatives are spurring SSA innovation and uptake. In May 2022, for $5 million, EMCORE Corporation, a leading US provider of advanced mixed signal products, acquired the space navigation division of L3 Harris. This strategic acquisition increases EMCORE's product portfolio and enables it to provide a wider range of solutions for its customers in the Tactical, Navigational or expanding launch vehicle and space satellite markets.
• Advancements in AI, cloud computing, and SSA software: The integration of new technologies such as AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and big data analytics in SSA software solutions is transforming market capabilities. Advanced algorithms automate the processing and analysis of massive amounts of data from sensors and satellites. Cloud-based SSA platforms enable efficient data storage and sharing for optimized decision-making regarding spaceflight safety and asset security. Innovative software tools are making SSA more scalable, accurate, and comprehensive.

Global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market Opportunities:

• Emergence of commercial SSA data and services: The rise of NewSpace companies offering commercial SSA data and services presents significant growth opportunities. Companies like LeoLabs, ExoAnalytic Solutions, and Lockheed Martin have developed SSA capabilities targeted at commercial clients. Offerings include debris mapping, predictive analytics, satellite tracking apps, and collision avoidance services. The commercialization of SSA opens its applications to more industry players beyond governments. It provides satellite operators actionable SSA insights for maximizing spacecraft lifespan and mission success.
• Adoption of cloud computing and SSA-as-a-Service: The adoption of cloud-based solutions presents an opportunity to improve flexibility, accessibility, and affordability of SSA capabilities. Platforms like Amazon Web Services allow access to advanced SSA tools via cloud infrastructure. SSA-as-a-Service models can help smaller space players tap into analytics without incurring large setup costs. Cloud computing enables seamless SSA data sharing across stakeholders worldwide. As more satellites are launched, cloud-based services provide scalable and on-demand SSA for collaborative space traffic management.
• Development of autonomous collision avoidance systems: Advancements in AI and robotics have opened up prospects for automated collision avoidance capabilities in satellites. Onboard systems powered by SSA data can automatically maneuver satellites to prevent collisions. Startups like LeoLabs and Numerica are working on debris detection sensors for satellites. In-space autonomous systems reduce dependence on ground-based tracking and enable rapid responses to threats. As the space environment grows more hazardous, such technologies will become essential for asset security and sustainable space operations.
• Scope for miniaturized and networked SSA sensors: The miniaturization of sensors, electronics, and satellite components is enabling innovative compact SSA payloads for nano and cube satellites. Global sensor networks comprising small satellites with SSA technology offer opportunities to enhance coverage, resolution, and revisit rates. Platforms like Spire Global’s Lemur nano-satellites provide real-time tracking and analytics. Developments in small, low-cost sensors facilitate distributed SSA architecture. Larger satellite fleets with networked sensors can dramatically improve the cataloging and monitoring of space objects.

Global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market Trends:

• Proliferation of mega constellations in LEO: The trend of deploying large constellations of hundreds to thousands of satellites in LEO orbits for global connectivity is rising. Starlink, OneWeb, and Kuiper represent ambitious mega-constellation projects underway. While bringing benefits, large batches of satellites make orbits more crowded. Tracking assets, avoiding collisions and mitigating space debris will require precise SSA and coordination. This trend is spurring technology innovation and investments in SSA infrastructure.
• Public-private collaboration on STA/STM frameworks: Collaborative development of civil and military space traffic awareness (STA) and management (STM) frameworks involving governments, private companies and academia is rising. Initiatives like the U.S. Commerce Department's Open Architecture Data Repository seek to enable data sharing across entities for comprehensive SSA. The EU is also funding STM projects and fostering ties between space agencies, industry, and research institutes. Such partnerships leverage strengths of different stakeholders for robust STM based on SSA.
• Leveraging Big Data and AI for SSA modernization: Incorporating big data analytics, machine learning, and AI into existing SSA systems is a growing trend. The application of advanced algorithms to huge datasets enables automation of tasks like object detection, cataloging, orbit propagation, and risk probability. For instance, the U.S. Air Force is testing AI technologies to optimize its Space Surveillance Network. Big data improves insights from multi-sensor systems. AI and automation help overcome human limitations in managing large space object catalogs.
• Development of national and regional SSA capabilities: More countries and regions are developing indigenous SSA capabilities for strategic interests and commercial needs. Japan, India, South Korea, UAE, South Africa, Australia, and others operate SSA assets. The EU is building its own SSA framework. Resource sharing between regional partners is also rising. Drivers include securing space infrastructure, enabling responsible behavior, and leveraging SSA expertise. Distributed SSA architecture provides data redundancy while reducing reliance on a few operators.

Global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market Restraints:

• High costs involved in developing SSA infrastructure: A major restraint for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) market growth is the substantial costs involved in building and maintaining the required infrastructure and software systems. Key capabilities like space-based sensors, radars, and telescopes involve high capital expenditure. Complex data analytics and modeling tools also require significant investments. This can be challenging for smaller nations and operators to fund indigenous SSA programs. The specialized expertise needed further adds to costs.
• Technical limitations in tracking small-sized debris: While SSA technology has improved greatly, tracking and cataloging smaller sized debris (under 10 cm) still remains a challenge. Such debris traveling at hyper velocities can inflict serious damage to satellites and spacecraft. Limitations in detection capabilities pose risks, even as the debris problem worsens. Further innovation is needed to improve monitoring of centimeter-sized debris and micrometeorites posing dangers in space.
• Data accuracy and uncertainty issues: Despite advanced sensors and algorithms, SSA data on space objects contains inherent uncertainties and errors. Factors like limited optical resolutions, observation gaps, modeling approximations, and data processing limitations affect accuracy. Collision probability calculations can suffer from mistaken data. Low spacecraft maneuverability also constrains collision avoidance. Such issues can undermine SSA effectiveness for operators. Enhancing data precision and transparency remains an area of improvement.

Recent Developments:

New product launches:

• In March 2022, ExoAnalytic Solutions is a defense and Space Company launched its Space Domain Awareness software platform EQtips to deliver SSA capabilities to commercial and government customers. The platform provides high-fidelity orbital data on space objects.
• In January 2021, Northrop Grumman aerospace and defense Technology Company introduced its new Space Logistics Command Suite to provide advanced SSA capabilities. The product offers rapid data gathering, analytics and conjunction assessment for space missions.
• In June 2020, Lockheed Martin security and aerospace company announced a new Space Situation Awareness system that leverages AI and cloud computing to enhance the tracking of resident space objects. It would help gain better insights into space events.

Acquisition and partnerships:

• In October 2021, Spire Global acquired exactEarth Ltd. to strengthen its SSA data and analytics capabilities. The acquisition expanded Spire’s dataset on space objects and supported maritime and aviation customers.
• In March 2020, Planet signed a contract with ESA to build optical space surveillance systems for tracking objects in LEO and GEO orbits. The collaboration enhanced ESA's SSA capabilities.

Figure 2. Global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market Share (%), by Object 2023

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In the global space situational awareness (SSA) market, the segment focusing on monitoring and managing mission related debris (MRD) has emerged as particularly dominant. As space activities have intensified with more satellite launches, space exploration missions, and a growing number of countries and private entities participating in space endeavors, the MRD has become a critical concern. The proliferation of debris not only includes spent rocket stages and defunct satellites but also encompasses fragments and elements associated with mission operations, which can present risks to active satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), and future space missions. MRD’s dominance in the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) market is due to its implications for the safety and sustainability of outer space activities, with potential collisions posing threats to human life, substantial investments, and the integrity of crucial space-based infrastructure.

Top companies in Global Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Market:

• Lockheed Martin
• Northrop Grumman
• Analytical Graphics
• ExoAnalytic Solutions
• Schafer
• Etamax Space
• Vision Engineering Solutions (VECA Group)
• Applied Defense Solutions
• Spire Global
• Harris

Definition: “Space situational awareness (SSA) refers to comprehensive knowledge about the space environment, including physical locations and conditions of space assets. It involves surveillance and tracking of man-made objects along with monitoring of space weather conditions. SSA provides real-time tracking data on the positions and motions of satellites, spent rocket bodies, and space debris. Key applications include collision avoidance between space objects, spacecraft anomaly resolution, high accuracy tracking of satellites, space asset protection, and space traffic management. SSA utilizes ground-based radars and telescopes as well as data from space-based sensors to develop an accurate catalog of space objects. With the increasing congestion in space, SSA has become critical to ensuring the safe and sustainable use of outer space. It helps prevent accidental collisions and supports re-entry predictions of space debris. Overall, SSA provides vital intelligence to both government and commercial entities about events, trends, and threats in the space domain”.