Space Is Everywhere: How Satellite Data Powers Industries Beyond the Stars (Part 3)

On 4 November 2025 the UK Engagement with Space Committee published its report on the UK’s space economy, entitled “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out”. This wide-ranging inquiry examined the opportunities and challenges relating to the UK’s existing engagement with the space sector. Its conclusion was clear: the opportunities are huge, and with the right framework, the UK could be a global power in space. 

The UK is already heavily reliant on space – 18% of GDP is underpinned by satellite services – however, innovative companies are struggling to access the capital required to scale. If that funding cannot be secured in the UK, they will inevitably look elsewhere. Continuing to increase government funding of UK space tech is essential, while private investors must overcome knowledge gaps that often lead to undervaluation of technologies being developed. 

This third and final article of the series continues to explore how space and satellite data is integrated into everyday life, highlighting that space and space tech is not something of the future, it is a key component of modern day. Without sufficient investment, some of our most exciting tech may leave our UK space ecosystem in search of greater prospects elsewhere.

In this article, we focus on how satellite data is driving progress in our finance, insurance and retail sectors.

Finance & Insurance: Risk Assessment from Orbit

Insurance 

Satellite data is revolutionising finance and insurance by providing real-time, location-based insights that improve risk assessment and decision-making. 

Major insurers, such as AXA, are now integrating geospatial imagery and sensory data, including from satellites, throughout the insurance cycle, from underwriting, risk engineering and consulting, to claims management.

In recent years, satellite data has become an important tool for insurers, aiding claims assessment following natural disasters. During events such as earthquakes, storms or wildfires, satellite imagery enables insurers to quickly evaluate the nature and extent of losses, particularly when areas are inaccessible or hazardous. This capability supports more effective resource deployment , early loss mitigation measures, and faster claims processing. 

The better underwriters understand the risk, the more able they are to apply appropriate premiums and conditions, or recommend loss prevention actions. Wider use of satellite data in underwriting can streamline risk evaluation should also speed up the process of assessing risk and potentially reduce information requests for clients in the longer term. While satellite data does not provide a complete picture, it significantly strengthens risk assessment, informs pricing decisions, and prompts further investigation and dialogue where necessary.

Finance

In finance, hedge funds and investment firms increasingly analyse satellite imagery to track economic activity. For instance, monitoring car park occupancy at major retailers provides early indicators of consumer spending trends. Similarly, satellite-based crop monitoring offers insights into expected yields, influencing future pricing. Companies like Orbital Insight use satellite data to track oil storage levels globally by analysing shadows on tanks—giving traders an edge in predicting price movements.

Satellite-derived climate data also supports ESG compliance, enabling investors to evaluate environmental risks tied to assets. These applications show how space technology transforms raw imagery into actionable intelligence, driving efficiency and competitive advantage.

In addition, satellite connectivity architecture offers fintech companies a flexible and highly reliable way to extend digital financial services into underserved regions. It uses low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites to provide comprehensive coverage. Banks, payment processors and mobile money operators can harness this architecture to deliver secure and efficient digital payment solutions, even in the most remote markets.

Retail & Consumer Insights: Seeing Trends from Space

Satellite data is reshaping retail by providing real-time insights into consumer behaviour, supply chain efficiency, and market trends. As noted above, retailers and analysts are using high-resolution imagery to monitor footfall and carpark occupancy, which serve as key indicators of sales performance. For example, investment firms in the US track satellite images of major retailers such as Walmart or Target to gauge footfall before quarterly earnings reports—giving them an advantage in forecasting revenue.

Beyond consumer analytics, satellite data supports inventory and logistics management. Global retailers rely on satellite-based tracking to monitor shipping routes and port congestion, ensuring timely deliveries. During the pandemic, companies used satellite imagery to assess supply chain disruptions and re-route shipments proactively.

Agricultural satellite data also informs retail planning. Supermarket chains analyse crop health and harvest forecasts to anticipate pricing and availability of fresh produce. 

By converting space data into actionable insights, satellites enable retailers to optimise operations, predict trends, and respond quickly to market changes—creating a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven industry.

How We Can Help

Whether you’re considering investing in the space sector, pitching for investment, or are currently operating in the ecosystem, our dedicated space and satellites team can advise on investment rounds, commercial contracts, procurement, data security, navigating regulatory frameworks and more. 

Please reach out to me at [email protected].