“Rising Demand for Earth Observation”
One key trend in the nano and micro satellite market is the growing use of these satellites for Earth observation applications. Governments, research institutions, and private companies increasingly deploy nano and micro satellites for climate monitoring, disaster management, and resource mapping. For instance, in March 2021, Rocket Lab USA launched seven small satellites into Earth’s orbit as part of its dedicated mission. This payload included a designed for Earth observation satellites, two "internet of things" nanosatellites, and three experimental satellites. Among the payloads was a CubeSat developed for the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), showcasing Rocket Lab's contribution to both commercial and military space missions. The demand for real-time data for agriculture, urban planning, and defense further accelerates the adoption of these compact satellites, pushing the market towards consistent growth.
