According to Euroconsult's latest research report "Satellite-Based Earth Observation: Market Prospects to 2021", the commercial earth observation data markets in South-East Asia, Latin America, Russia and CIS are all experiencing high growth rates. With these drivers supporting the industry, commercial data sales are forecasted to reach $3.9 billion by 2021. At the same time the general market for commercial (EO) data slowed significantly in 2011 with a growth of 6% to $1.4 billion following five years of strong growth of over 20% from 2006 to 2010. Over the next 10 years, 288 satellites are expected to be launched for EO and meteorology purposes, compared to 149 satellites launched over the previous decade. Government investment to support the majority of these satellites is greater than ever (despite a challenging economic environment) in order to support global objectives, such as climate change and environmental monitoring, or as in the case of emerging EO programs to support local industry development and meet local demand for data. In total, 30% of EO satellites are scheduled to be launched from emerging and developing programs in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East over 2012 to 2021.
