Thousands of Defense Satellites Will Launch by 2035
New projections forecast a major surge in military space assets to meet growing demands for real-time global intelligence.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Space
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Novaspace projects the launch of 2,306 defense ISR satellites between 2026 and 2035 to support persistent military intelligence. This forecast follows a decade where only 485 such satellites were deployed, highlighting a rapid escalation in orbital defense activity.
Why it matters
Governments are increasingly prioritizing space-based intelligence as modern military operations depend heavily on real-time data gathered during conflicts. This pivot toward space defense is reflected in ballooning global budgets as nations compete to secure persistent orbital coverage.
Novaspace projects that government space defense spending will reach $121 billion by 2028, up from $74 billion in 2025 and $53 billion in 2022. Additionally, 18,000 satellites are currently in orbit as of 2026, a number expected to rise fivefold by 2036.
The players
Novaspace
This organization is an aerospace industry research firm that provides analytical forecasting for space-based infrastructure and defense markets.
The details
Governments are diversifying their orbital assets to ensure reliable, persistent intelligence gathering. The shift involves deploying large constellations of defense intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites rather than relying on fewer, larger systems.
Timeline
2022: Global government spending on space defense totaled $53 billion.
March 2025: A brief halt in United States space data sharing occurred.
2025: Government space defense spending rose to $74 billion.
2026-2035: An estimated 2,306 defense ISR satellites are expected to launch.
2028: Government space defense budgets are forecast to reach $121 billion.
The Big Picture
This trend follows the projections in the 2026-2035 Novaspace defense ISR launch forecast. The rapid deployment of thousands of satellites marks a fundamental shift toward space-based persistent surveillance as a cornerstone of national defense strategy.
The proliferation of defense satellites could eventually lead to more affordable and accessible satellite data for civilian researchers and commercial industries. However, the increased density of operational systems, projected at up to 100,000 by 2036, presents significant challenges for space traffic management.
The takeaway
The rapid expansion of space-based intelligence assets is fundamentally altering the requirements for global orbital traffic management. As the number of systems in orbit multiplies, international cooperation will become increasingly critical to prevent collisions and maintain security in space.
Further reading
Explore more analysis regarding the growing commercial and military use of the cosmos in our Space section.
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Should governments prioritize increasing spending on space-based defense and intelligence capabilities?
