Five Public Space Tech Giants Transforming Satellites and Data
From daily Earth imaging to satellite IoT and next-gen rockets — discover how these five public companies are pushing space tech forward.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice.
In This Article:
A quick look at five important satellite companies: Planet Labs, Eutelsat, Rocket Lab, Spire Global, and GomSpace.
How each one plays a different role — from snapping daily Earth images, launching small satellites, providing data insights, building nanosats, to delivering global broadband.
What makes their tech and business models unique, and where they’re headed next.
The big trends shaping the industry, like combining GEO and LEO satellites and using AI to get smarter data.
The challenges they face, including big costs, tough competition, and finding loyal customers.
Exploring satellite companies reveals more than just cutting-edge tech — it shows how space is transforming industries right here on Earth. Here are five companies we dive into in this article:
1. Planet Labs
Company Background
Planet Labs started with a bold vision: what if we could see every corner of the Earth every day? Founded in 2010 by a group of ex-NASA scientists in San Francisco, they pioneered using small CubeSats to capture daily images of the planet. Fast forward to today, and Planet operates the world’s largest fleet of Earth observation satellites, turning those images into actionable insights that help businesses and governments make smarter decisions.
Core Technologies
Their satellite fleet includes:
Dove satellites—small and efficient CubeSats (weighing about 5.8 kg each) that capture medium-resolution images (around 3 meters per pixel) daily, enabling near-global coverage for monitoring agriculture, urban growth, and environmental changes;
SkySat satellites—high-resolution imaging satellites (offering up to 50 cm resolution) acquired from Google’s Terra Bella in 2017, providing detailed, frequent imagery used for infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, and commercial applications;
They’re also developing the Pelican constellation, a next-generation fleet expected to deliver much sharper images (up to 30 cm resolution) with up to 12 daily revisits over most areas, designed to support precise urban planning, infrastructure inspection, and detailed environmental tracking.
Behind it all is a cloud-native platform that processes massive amounts of data, turning petabytes of raw imagery into practical tools for things like precision agriculture, disaster management, and climate tracking.
Market Position and Customers
Planet stands out because it can revisit any spot on Earth every day, which is a game-changer for sectors like farming, emergency response, and national defense. Their customers include governments, nonprofits, and businesses that subscribe to their data and analytics platforms to get timely, actionable information.
Financial Highlights
Went public in December 2021 through a SPAC merger
Focused on growing recurring revenue from SaaS-style subscriptions
Still investing heavily in R&D to convert growth into profitability
Key Milestones
2013: Launched their first Dove CubeSats
2017: Acquired the SkySat fleet from Google
2021: Went public via SPAC
2023: Operating over 200 satellites
2024–25: Rolling out the Pelican constellation
Competitive Advantages
High-Frequency, Global Satellite Coverage
Planet operates a large constellation that provides daily, high-cadence imaging of the Earth, enabling real-time monitoring of events worldwide across commercial, government, and defense sectors.Advanced AI-Enabled Analytics and Proprietary Datasets
Planet leverages AI to deliver unique insights from its vast satellite data, including novel products like the Aircraft Detection Analytic Feed, giving customers actionable intelligence at a global scale.Diverse Customer Base and Broad Market Applications
Serving governments, commercial clients, and humanitarian organizations, Planet’s imagery supports use cases ranging from disaster response and infrastructure monitoring to energy transition tracking, creating multiple revenue streams and reducing dependency on any single sector.
Risks and Challenges
High Capital Expenditures and Cash Flow Management
Planet Labs requires significant ongoing investments to build and maintain its satellite fleets, which puts pressure on cash flow and profitability as the company works to scale.Profitability and Operating Losses
Despite revenue growth, Planet is still facing adjusted EBITDA losses and needs to improve operating efficiency and financial discipline to achieve sustainable profitability.Technological and Market Execution Risks
The company’s growth depends on successfully developing and launching next-generation satellites and AI-powered analytics, while competing in a crowded and evolving satellite imagery market.
Outlook
The Planet Labs subscription model combined with their cloud analytics provides a clear path to sustainable growth. Supporting this momentum, their backlog more than doubled in just one year as of April 30, 2025, and together with steady revenue increases, this highlights strong and growing demand for their services. Although the company’s stock price initially fell below its IPO level following the SPAC merger, recent business momentum and strategic developments are helping to build investor confidence. Key drivers include large government sales opportunities, especially with defense and intelligence agencies, and the introduction of innovative AI-enabled solutions that enhance the value of their data. The company is also focused on bringing next-generation high-resolution and hyperspectral satellite data to market, further differentiating its offerings. Scaling in the satellite services market, alongside ongoing R&D investments in both space systems capabilities and AI technologies, reinforces their competitive edge. Significant capital expenditures are planned to build and launch the next-generation Pelican and Tanager satellite fleets, while maintaining and upgrading the existing PlanetScope constellation. Lastly, disciplined cost management and operating efficiency remain central to their strategy. The big challenge ahead is turning their massive data advantage into lasting customer loyalty and strong profits.
2. Eutelsat
Company Background
Eutelsat, founded in France in 1977, is a leading global satellite operator. It provides a wide range of satellite communication services, including video broadcasting, broadband connectivity, government communications, and mobility services. In 2023, Eutelsat merged with UK-based OneWeb, expanding its capabilities to include low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services alongside its traditional geostationary (GEO) fleet.
Core Technologies
Eutelsat operates a large fleet of GEO satellites complemented by a growing constellation of LEO satellites through OneWeb. Their technologies support satellite TV broadcasting (some 50% of sales), high-speed broadband internet, secure government communications, and connectivity for aviation and maritime industries. Eutelsat Group operates global fleets of 34 GEO and +650 LEO satellites.
Market Position and Customers
Eutelsat serves a diverse B2B and B2G customer base, including broadcasters, internet service providers, governments, enterprises, and mobile operators. Their services reach over 270 million households worldwide across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Financial Highlights
Publicly traded on Euronext Paris (Ticker: ETL)
Strategic merger with OneWeb in 2023 to create a fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator
Solid revenue streams from broadcasting with growing broadband and mobility segments
Key Milestones
1977: Company founded
2023: Merger with OneWeb finalized
2023–2025: Expansion of broadband and mobility services using combined satellite networks
Competitive Advantages
Extensive global satellite fleet with combined GEO and LEO coverage: Having lots of GEO and LEO satellites means they can connect people everywhere with fast and reliable service.
Diversified services spanning broadcasting, broadband, government, and mobility: Offering different services like TV, internet, government, and mobile helps them reach more customers and stay steady.
Strong strategic partnerships and established global customer base: Strong partnerships and a big customer base make them trusted and hard to beat.
Risks and Challenges
Declining legacy video business: Natural erosion in video revenues due to market shifts and lack of major contract renewals.
High capital expenditure needs: Significant investments required to expand and maintain GEO and LEO satellite fleets, especially with OneWeb and IRIS2 projects.
Integration and scaling risks: Challenges in merging operations, technology, and cultures after combining with OneWeb’s LEO constellation.
Outlook
Eutelsat is positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for broadband and mobility by leveraging its combined GEO and LEO satellite capabilities. Its diverse service portfolio and broad customer base provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth. As of March 2025, Eutelsat’s backlog stood at €3.6 billion—about three years of revenue—down slightly from €3.9 billion the previous year. This stability comes despite natural declines in legacy Video contracts, while connectivity now accounts for 57% of the backlog, reflecting a successful shift to higher-growth markets. The company’s strategy centers on maximizing cash flow from its established legacy business to finance growth initiatives, including expanding connectivity platforms such as KONNECT and KVHTS, and preparing for next-generation solutions involving LEO and hybrid GEO-LEO satellites. Although this transition brings challenges—like significant capital expenditures and increased operational complexity, particularly following the OneWeb integration—Eutelsat is transforming its organizational structure and culture to meet future market demands. Balancing rapid growth with profitability remains a key challenge.
3. Rocket Lab
Company Background
Rocket Lab’s story is one of punching above its weight. Founded in New Zealand in 2006 by Peter Beck, it has grown from a small startup into a globally recognized space contender based in California. Their mission is simple but powerful: make space accessible with affordable, frequent launches tailored for small satellites.
Core Technologies
Their Electron rocket is built for nimble, cost-effective launches of payloads up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. Complementing that is Photon, a satellite platform that handles the mission’s complexity so customers only have to provide their payload. Looking ahead, their Neutron rocket—currently in development—promises a reusable, medium-lift vehicle that can rival the likes of SpaceX.
Market Position and Customers
Rocket Lab’s customers include commercial satellite operators, NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and research organizations. Their integrated approach—from launch to satellite services—gives clients speed and flexibility in a fast-evolving market.
Financial Highlights
Public since 2021 via SPAC
Revenue comes from launch services, satellite production, and government contracts
Not yet profitable, as they’re heavily investing in Neutron and new facilities
Secured steady contracts with NASA and defense agencies
Key Milestones
2017: First successful Electron launch
2020: Launched first Photon satellite
2021: Went public
2023–25: Expanding U.S. production and government partnerships
2025+: Neutron’s first test flights expected
Competitive Advantages
Proven reliable launch vehicle in the smallsat market
Vertical integration from satellite manufacturing to launch
Strong relationships with government and defense sectors
Fast turnaround and customer responsiveness
Risks and Challenges
High R&D expenses and intense competition from SpaceX and others
Government budgets can be unpredictable
Demand for small launches may fluctuate
Outlook
Rocket Lab is evolving from a launch provider to a full-space systems company. Success of Neutron and scaling government contracts will be key growth drivers. For investors, it’s a high-potential, riskier play on next-gen space infrastructure.
For a deeper dive, on Rocket Lab, check the article below:
4. Spire Global
Company Background
Spire Global quietly built one of the largest satellite constellations focused on weather, maritime, and aviation data. Founded in 2012 and based in Luxembourg, they combine multi-sensor satellites with cloud analytics to deliver real-time insights worldwide.
Core Technologies
Their Lemur satellites gather signals used for weather forecasting, tracking aircraft (ADS-B), monitoring ships (AIS), and GPS radio occultation. Spire’s ground infrastructure and APIs deliver this data quickly to customers.
Market Position and Customers
Spire serves governments, insurers, airlines, and supply chain companies that rely on accurate, real-time data. Their SaaS subscription model with long-term contracts gives them recurring revenue stability.
Financial Highlights
Public since 2021: Enabled access to capital for growth and fleet expansion.
Revenue growing, margins improving: Due to increased satellite data services and operational efficiencies, though profitability is still pending.
Investing in AI-enabled sensors and vertical analytics: Driven by the need to enhance data value and create specialized insights for key industries.
Key Milestones
2013–2015: Early satellite launches: Established initial satellite constellation and data coverage.
2021: Went public: Raised capital to accelerate technology development and market reach.
2022 and beyond: AI sensor integration: Due to advancements in AI, began embedding onboard analytics in satellites.
2025: Expanded contracts and new analytics tools: Secured major government contracts and launched probabilistic AI weather models.
Competitive Advantages
Large, multi-purpose constellation delivering diverse data types
Fast data delivery through proprietary APIs
Strong focus on vertical markets like climate and maritime
Cloud analytics add more value to raw data
Risks and Challenges
Operating losses and need for further capital
Competition from more specialized Earth observation firms
Balancing broad coverage with deep vertical expertise
Outlook and Investment Potential
Spire stands at a promising intersection of satellite data and AI analytics, with strong demand in climate intelligence and smart logistics. The company secured its largest contract to date with the Canadian government to build a wildfire-monitoring satellite constellation and is expanding its Canadian manufacturing facility to support this mission. Spire continues to win contracts for space reconnaissance and signal geolocation and has made major progress with two-way optical satellite links, boosting future data transmission. Its AI-driven weather models provide probabilistic forecasts, helping clients better anticipate disruptions. Recent deals, like with insurtech Concirrus, highlight its growing role in aviation risk analytics. Financially, Spire expects continued capital investment in its platform and infrastructure during 2025. While revenue growth is anticipated, the company projects ongoing losses and adjusted EBITDA challenges as it invests for the future. Profitability and competitive positioning remain key areas to watch.
5. GomSpace
Company Background
GomSpace started in Denmark in 2007, founded by university researchers who wanted to make CubeSats affordable and customizable. Today, it’s a respected nanosatellite provider with a strong engineering focus and a global customer base.
Core Technologies
They offer modular CubeSats sized from 3U to 16U designed for quick integration and testing. GomSpace supports customers through design, manufacturing, launch, and ground operations.
Market Position and Customers
Their main customers are research institutions and government agencies, especially in Europe and Asia, that need dependable and customizable satellite platforms.
Financial Highlights
Public on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2016
Returned to profitability in 2024 after years of investment
Growing international demand
Key Milestones
2013: First satellite launched
2015: GOMX-3 with advanced radio payload launched
2021–24: Production scaling and ESA contract wins
2025: Participating in ESA’s Hera mission
Competitive Advantages
Proven CubeSat technology, modular and customizable
Strong academic and government sector reputation
Vertical integration gives quality control and timing advantages
Risks and Challenges
Revenue depends on big, lumpy contracts
Increasing competition in the smallsat bus market
Need to balance R&D spending with profitability
Outlook
With nanosatellites in demand, GomSpace is positioned to maintain its business, especially in custom and institutional missions. The company expects to achieve steady revenue and aims for improved profitability and positive free cash flow over 2025. A solid order backlog supports ongoing operations, with Products and North America units performing reasonably well. Early profitability results were better than expected, but overall performance will depend on securing new orders, timely execution of longer-term contracts, and managing currency fluctuations. Cash flow may fluctuate due to payment timing, with recovery expected in the latter part of the year. Careful financial management and operational execution will be important for ongoing stability.