The US SATCOM on the Move (SOTM) market is a rapidly evolving sector, enabling seamless satellite communications for moving platforms in sectors such as defense, transportation, and maritime. Driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for uninterrupted connectivity, the market is witnessing significant investments and innovation, indicating strong growth potential from 2024 to 2035.
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Market Growth Drivers
Expansion of Defense Modernization Programs: The US Department of Defense is heavily investing in modernizing its communication infrastructure, emphasizing resilient, secure, and mobile SATCOM solutions for enhanced situational awareness and command. For instance, in March 2024, L3Harris Technologies secured a contract to upgrade SATCOM systems for the US Army’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative, ensuring real-time, secure communications across mobile platforms.
Proliferation of Connected Vehicles and Smart Transportation: Increasing adoption of connected vehicles, high-speed trains, and autonomous fleets has accelerated the need for robust SATCOM on the Move. Companies like Viasat Inc. have expanded partnerships with transportation operators—most recently in April 2024 with a major US intercity bus service—to equip fleets with reliable SATCOM connectivity, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Market Trends
Adoption of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Constellations: The emergence of LEO satellite networks is transforming mobile SATCOM by reducing latency and providing higher bandwidth for mobile users. For instance, Telesat and OneWeb announced pilot deployments with US government agencies in 2024, offering faster, more resilient connectivity solutions for land and maritime vehicles.
Shift Toward Compact, Electronically-Steered Antenna Systems: There is a noticeable trend towards lightweight, flat-panel antennas that offer rapid beam steering and can be integrated into a wider range of moving platforms. In June 2024, ThinKom Solutions deployed new low-profile electronically steered antennas for commercial trucks, optimizing SATCOM performance while simplifying installation and maintenance.
Market Opportunity
Emerging Use Cases in Commercial Aviation: As airliners seek to differentiate with enhanced inflight connectivity, new SATCOM solutions are being tailored for commercial aviation—driven by players like Intelsat, which announced in May 2024 an expanded partnership with a US airline to equip its feet with next-gen mobile connectivity solutions.
Expansion into Rural and Remote Connectivity: With increasing government support for bridging the digital divide, SATCOM on the Move providers are targeting underserved markets, enabling continuous internet for rural transport and logistics chains. Hughes Network Systems launched new initiatives in early 2024 catering to rural trucking firms operating across the Midwest.
US SATCOM on the Move Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The US SATCOM on the Move market demonstrates a robust growth trajectory from 2020 to 2035, propelled by technological advancements and expanding applications across sectors. Beginning at USD 760 million in 2020, the market exhibited steady incremental increases due to defense investments, commercial vehicle connectivity, and satellite infrastructure upgrades. A significant inflection is observed after 2025, correlating with new LEO satellite launches and adoption in commercial fleets. By 2035, the market is expected to reach USD 2,900 million, indicating a CAGR of approximately 11.8% over the forecast period. The continued push for connected, mobile, and resilient communication solutions is expected to sustain this upward momentum.
US SATCOM on the Move Market by Regions Share (%) - 2025
In 2025, the regional market shares within the US SATCOM on the Move market highlight the dominance of regions with strong defense presence and transportation infrastructure. The South region, home to major military bases and logistics routes, leads with 36%. The West and Northeast regions, benefitting from aerospace industries and urban mobility projects, account for 24% and 18% respectively. The Midwest holds 14% as a key node for rural connectivity initiatives, while the Mountain region, though smaller in population, contributes 8%, driven by specialized government and research projects. This distribution underscores the importance of both strategic defense locations and emerging connected vehicle markets.
Recent Developments
In June 2024, L3Harris Technologies announced fielding of its next-generation SATCOM on the Move terminal for US Army tactical vehicles, in line with the military’s push for rapid deployment and network-centric operations. The new terminals deliver enhanced bandwidth and anti-jamming features, supporting the Army’s evolving Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) ecosystem.
In May 2024, Viasat Inc. secured a new multi-year contract to provide SATCOM on the Move connectivity for a major US bus operator’s interstate fleet. This marks Viasat’s further expansion into ground transportation markets, leveraging its latest hybrid satellite-terrestrial networking solutions to ensure seamless connectivity in transit.
April 2024 saw ThinKom Solutions and OneWeb successfully complete on-the-move connectivity trials with US Department of Homeland Security emergency response vehicles. The trials demonstrated reliable, high-throughput LEO satellite links during rapid vehicle movement, highlighting the market’s shift toward LEO-enabled, real-time mobile communication for public safety and government users.
Press Releases