American satellite imaging companies are experiencing a surge in demand from a new and growing customer base: international governments seeking their own surveillance and Earth observation capabilities. Industry leaders such as Maxar Intelligence, BlackSky, Planet Labs, and Capella Space, once primarily focused on U.S. government contracts, are now actively expanding into global markets.
This pivot marks a significant transformation in the satellite imaging industry. Traditionally dominated by government-funded programs in powerful nations, the sector is now becoming more accessible due to technological advancements and a growing need for independent geospatial intelligence.
“More countries are saying, ‘We need our own eyes in the sky,’” said Dave Gauthier, former official at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and current chief strategy officer at GXO Inc. He emphasized that the commercial remote-sensing market has evolved into a competitive global industry, breaking away from its past exclusivity.
U.S.-based companies are increasingly looking overseas as federal spending on Earth observation contracts declines. The shift is driven by budget cuts introduced during the Trump administration and a broader reallocation of government resources. This economic reality, paired with rising geopolitical tensions, has prompted nations around the world to seek independent satellite capabilities rather than rely solely on shared intelligence from allies.
Maxar Intelligence has become a notable player in this global expansion. The company recently completed deployment of its WorldView Legion high-resolution imaging constellation, offering what it calls “dedicated capacity packages” to foreign governments. These arrangements allow customers to direct satellite operations without investing in full-scale infrastructure.
“It’s like owning your own satellite capability without the burden of building it,” said Anders Linder, head of Maxar’s international government business. Maxar has already made inroads in Asia-Pacific and Europe, securing multimillion-dollar deals with countries including the Netherlands and two undisclosed governments in the region. In collaboration with Sweden’s Saab, Maxar is also working to develop geospatial intelligence products tailored for defense and security.
BlackSky, another major player, is adopting a long-term service model. CEO Brian O’Toole revealed that the company has signed multiple multi-year contracts, including a $100 million, seven-year agreement with an unnamed foreign government. In India, BlackSky is working with Nibe Ltd. and Thales Alenia Space to establish a satellite constellation that will support national security operations.
The Republic of Indonesia is also partnering with BlackSky under a $50 million agreement to bolster its surveillance capabilities.
Planet Labs, known for operating over 200 satellites delivering daily global imagery, is following a similar strategy. In January, the company announced a $230 million, seven-year deal with an Asia-Pacific customer to develop high-resolution satellites. Germany, too, has signed on with Planet Labs for environmental monitoring and land-use analysis.
The demand for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery—particularly valuable for its ability to capture images in poor weather or at night—is growing rapidly. Capella Space, now under quantum computing firm IonQ, reports significant interest from Japan, which has become its second-largest government customer. Capella is also in talks with the UK and UAE to provide independently operated SAR satellites.
Meanwhile, Finnish SAR firm Iceye is competing vigorously in global markets. The company recently finalized a $200 million deal with Poland, partnered with Germany’s Rheinmetall for satellite manufacturing, and is collaborating with Japan’s IHI Corp. to build a 24-satellite constellation. Iceye has also expanded operations in Greece.
The war in Ukraine has played a pivotal role in highlighting the value of commercial satellite imagery. The conflict demonstrated how real-time data from commercial satellites can support battlefield intelligence, prompting more countries to invest in similar capabilities. According to Maxar CEO Dan Smoot, the shift from government-exclusive systems to agile, commercially operated constellations is transforming the intelligence landscape.
“We’re seeing a speed of adoption in international markets like never before,” Smoot said at the GEOINT Symposium. “The war has made it clear that commercial solutions are not just viable—they’re essential.”
Despite the rapid expansion, companies face challenges in navigating regulatory frameworks and maintaining confidentiality. Export controls and national security concerns limit the transparency of many deals, though estimates suggest the international market now represents hundreds of millions in annual revenue for U.S. firms.
Industry insiders agree that international growth is not a temporary trend. With the U.S. government planning significant cuts to imagery contracts—reportedly reducing funding by $130 million—companies must increasingly look abroad for sustainable revenue.
Gauthier summed up the shift: “There’s a global market opening up for U.S. commercial space firms. Countries without homegrown space programs are turning to these companies to leap ahead with best-in-class capabilities.”
With increasing demand, falling satellite costs, and a rapidly shifting geopolitical climate, the internationalization of Earth observation services appears poised to reshape the future of intelligence gathering across the globe.