Paris, France — August 2026 — Novaspace's latest Earth Observation Satellite Systems report forecasts that more than 6,500 Earth observation satellites will be launched by 2035, generating an estimated $155.9 billion in manufacturing revenue as governments expand sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

Historically, Earth observation performance was measured by image resolution, but defense users now prioritize revisit rates, persistence, and wide-area coverage to enable continuous monitoring and rapid decision-making, driving demand for larger constellations and varied sensor architectures.

The report notes that multi-sensor constellations combining synthetic aperture radar, optical, and radio frequency payloads are becoming standard, allowing operators to fuse complementary intelligence sources for more resilient and comprehensive coverage. It also describes the emerging “Skyscraper Model,” in which satellite buses are increasingly standardized while value shifts toward advanced payload integration and multiple intelligence layers.

Growing needs for interoperability, federation, and fleet management are accelerating convergence between commercial and defense markets and positioning sovereign Earth observation capabilities as a key growth driver through 2035.

Novaspace expects the expanding satellite manufacturing and launch markets to sustain this trajectory, though the report does not address potential regulatory or technology‑supply constraints that could affect the forecast.