The global satellite industry has undergone a significant structural change in 2025 year: compact designs finally established their dominance in orbital manifests. According to the data of the analytical company BryceTech for 2025 year, satellites have less mass 1200 Kg, which are classified as small satellites, constituted 98% of all launched spacecraft.
For reference: BryceTech is a leading American analytics and consulting company, specializing in the space industry, defense technologies and scientific research. The company is known for its reports on investments in space startups, analysis of the satellite market and support of government programs (particularly NASA).
A huge amount of equipment, that went into orbit, emphasized the maturity of the deployment system of commercial constellations of satellites. In the second quarter 2025 year was launched 1198 spacecraft. Small satellites made up of them 98% by number and 87% from the total removed mass (about 743 770 Kg). The trend continued in the third quarter as well: was launched
1044 space vehicles. Although the total number of launches decreased slightly, the ratio remained stable — 98% devices had less mass 1200 kg and amounted to 86% from the total mass of 616 301 Kg, issued during this period. Most of these missions were carried out by commercial operators, with communication satellites being the main driver. Such a surge was largely provided by the rapid continuation of the deployment of the Starlink group, which remains the benchmark for high-speed production of small form factor satellites.
As you progress 2026 year, the emphasis is gradually shifting from the sheer volume of launches to the long-term sustainability of these massive constellations of satellites. Analysts note, that although the ratio 98% small satellites can be preserved, the next phase of market development will be related to orbital congestion management and regulatory barriers, associated with the growing requirements to reduce space debris.
Source: https://satnews.com