During 2023, a total of 2,781 commercial satellites were deployed, which represents an increase of 20% compared to the previous year, while the space industry once again carried out the largest number of launches (190) in history. By the end of 2023, a total of 9,691 active satellites were orbiting Earth, an increase of 361 percent over the past five years, according to the annual report of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA).
During 2023, the industry continued to grow at an unprecedented rate. For the sixth consecutive year, the commercial satellite industry launched into orbit a record number of commercial satellites.
The highlights from the satellite industry include:
– In 2023, a historic number of launches deployed a record number of satellites.
– American space leadership continued with American companies building 85 percent of the commercial satellites launched during the year.
– Technological innovation continued to drive greater affordability and productivity.
– Income from manufacturing satellites, ground equipment and launches They continued to increase in 2023.
– Satellite broadband revenue grew by 40 percent, while subscribers increased by 27 percent.
– Due to increased options and capabilities, remote sensing revenue grew 10 percent as the number of remote sensing satellites grew by 700 percent over the last decade.
– Connected devices continued to dominate terrestrial services, with strong market interest in connecting satellites directly to mobile phones and other terrestrial terminals.
«The commercial satellite industry continues to grow to unprecedented levels and importancewhile providing more affordability, productivity and increasingly vital services to hundreds of millions of Americans and billions of consumers around the world,” said Tom Stroup, president of the Satellite Industry Association.
“Thanks to national innovation, a record number of more than 8,000 small satellites have been deployed since 2020. As the capacity and affordability of all satellites continued to increase, the number of GEO satellites in orbit also increased by 5 percent from 2022. American companies continued to dominate the launch business, building 85 percent of the commercially acquired satellites launched in 2023.”
Stroup added: “Faster, lower-cost broadband services, improved remote sensing capabilities, direct-to-device communication, and a growing number of space sustainability activities are just a few of the new services that continue to expand an expanding satellite business. “SIA is proud to continue to represent and advocate on behalf of one of the most vital and expanding industries in the world.”
