U.S. Remote Sensing Technology Market Summary

The U.S. remote sensing technology market size was valued at USD 4.99 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2023 to 2030. The growth trajectory is largely supported by the broad applications of remote sensing technology across areas such as sustainable development, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management. Remote sensing plays a critical role in capturing detailed information about objects, land surfaces, and areas from a distance, which can then be analyzed and applied in multiple developmental fields including soil analysis, forestry, geology, and agriculture.

The U.S. is one of the leading global producers of major crops such as soybean and corn, with production recorded at 4.44 billion bushels and 15.1 billion bushels respectively in 2021, reflecting year-on-year increases of 7% and 5% compared to 2020. Agriculture, food, and related industries contributed 5.4% to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, highlighting the sector’s economic significance. This scale of agricultural activity has created strong demand for advanced and smart solutions such as remote sensing technology, which assists in precision farming by enabling real-time crop monitoring, soil health analysis, and resource optimization to improve productivity and sustainability.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• The passive remote sensing segment held the largest share of more than 58% in 2022 and is forecasted to register the highest CAGR during the analysis period. Passive sensing systems capture naturally emitted or reflected radiation in various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, including thermal, visible, infrared, and microwave ranges. Their wide applicability across agriculture, environment, and urban planning makes them the most utilized form of remote sensing.
• The military and intelligence segment dominated the market with a share of nearly 32% in 2022. Armed forces and defense agencies rely heavily on remote sensing technologies to obtain accurate information about target locations, terrain conditions, weather forecasts, and civilian proximity. These insights are essential for precise mission planning, situational awareness, and minimizing risks in combat or intelligence operations, thereby driving adoption in this domain.
• The aerial systems segment accounted for more than 69% of the market share in 2022, making it the largest platform category. The rapid adoption of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for aerial mapping is a key factor fueling this growth. Aerial systems significantly reduce operational costs and enhance the efficiency of data collection by covering large areas within shorter timeframes, making them valuable for agricultural monitoring, environmental assessments, and infrastructure planning.
• The satellite segment is also projected to register substantial growth over the forecast period. This growth is strongly linked to the increasing number of Earth observation projects initiated by leading agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Satellite-based remote sensing enables continuous monitoring of large-scale environmental changes, urban development, and natural disaster impacts, thereby extending its strategic relevance across multiple sectors.

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Market Size & Forecast

• 2022 Market Size: USD 4.99 billion
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 10.70 billion
• CAGR (2023- 2030): 9.8%

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key players operating in the U.S. remote sensing technology market include Maxar Technologies, Esri, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., Hexagon, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Orbital Insight, Planet Labs PBC, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, and Leidos. These companies are actively pursuing strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and geographic expansions to strengthen their market positions and broaden service offerings in a highly competitive environment.

For example, in January 2023, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated acquired ChartWorld International Limited, a company specializing in digital marine navigation hardware and software. The acquisition aimed to expand Teledyne’s customer portfolio by providing Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and additional geospatial solutions to commercial vessels that operate under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) classification.

In June 2023, Hexagon launched HxGN Smart Sites, an advanced real-time data visualization and location intelligence solution designed for complex operational sites such as airports, industrial facilities, hospitals, and entertainment venues. This platform integrates data from multiple sources including Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and workforce systems to offer a unified perspective of operations. By enabling comprehensive site awareness, it improves resilience, safety, workflow efficiency, and decision-making capabilities.

Key Players

• Maxar Technologies
• Esri
• General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
• Hexagon
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Orbital Insight
• Planet Labs PBC
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
• Leidos

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Conclusion

The U.S. remote sensing technology market is poised for significant expansion driven by strong agricultural demand, defense applications, and growing use of aerial and satellite-based systems. Increasing investments, technological advances, and strategic collaborations among key players are further propelling growth. The dominance of passive sensing systems and the growing role of UAVs and Earth observation satellites reflect the market’s evolving priorities. With its ability to provide accurate and timely data for diverse industries, remote sensing technology is set to become an indispensable tool in optimizing resources, improving decision-making, and enhancing resilience, positioning it as a transformative force in the U.S. economy.