The primary customers for launch service providers come from a variety of sectors and have diverse requirements. Here are the main categories:
| Customer Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Government Entities | This includes space agencies such as NASA (United States), ESA (European Space Agency), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), CNSA (China National Space Administration), Roscosmos (Russia), and many others. These entities typically require launch services for missions related to scientific exploration, national security, climate monitoring, and more. |
| Commercial Satellite Operators | These companies provide services like global communication, broadcasting, Earth observation, and other satellite-based services. Major players include companies like SpaceX Starlink, SES, Intelsat, OneWeb, and Iridium. |
| Defense and Intelligence Organizations | Defense departments and intelligence agencies from various countries often use launch services for deploying spy satellites, defense satellites, and related national security apparatus. |
| Scientific and Research Institutions | Research institutions, and non-profit organizations often require launch services to send satellites into orbit for research purposes. |
| Educational Institutions | Schools and universities often participate in satellite projects for educational purposes. They may require launch services to put small, educational satellites (often CubeSats) into orbit, providing students with hands-on experience in satellite design, construction, and operation. |
| Commercial Space Stations and Space Tourism | With the advent of space tourism and commercial space stations, companies like Axiom Space, Blue Origin, and Northrop Grumman also require launch services to send space stations components, tourists or private astronauts to space. |
| Technology Companies | Some tech companies are interested in space-based ventures and require launch services. For instance, Google and Facebook have both explored the possibility of satellites to extend Internet connectivity to remote parts of the world. |
These customers each have unique needs and specifications for their payloads, making the launch services industry a complex and customized market.
