Applications and Use Cases of CubeSats
CubeSats have evolved from being primarily educational tools to serving critical roles in diverse space missions. One of the most prominent applications is Earth observation, where CubeSats equipped with high-resolution cameras and multispectral sensors capture detailed imagery for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and agricultural planning.
According to Market Research Future (MRFR), the global CubeSat market share was valued at USD 426.98 million in 2024 and is expected to surge to USD 1,898.60 million by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1% between 2025 and 2034
In the field of communications, CubeSats support the development of low-cost, low-Earth-orbit (LEO) networks that provide global internet coverage, especially in remote and underserved regions. CubeSats are also employed in scientific research, including atmospheric studies, space weather monitoring, and astronomical observations. Furthermore, space exploration missions have increasingly adopted CubeSats as secondary payloads to explore planetary bodies, asteroids, and the Moon. For defense and security purposes, CubeSats provide rapid-deployment surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. These versatile applications demonstrate the adaptability of CubeSats in both commercial and governmental contexts, solidifying their place in the modern space industry.
