<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Space data, collected by satellites, holds immense potential in various industries.By 2030, Earth Observation data could contribute $700 billion/year to global GDP.Challenges in the space-data industry include data harmonization and limited downlink capabilities.Opportunities exist in creating data infrastructure, optical communications, and vertical SaaS solutions.Successful space-data startups require expertise in aerospace engineering, data science, and go-to-market strategies.Critical areas for innovation include harmonizing satellite data and developing specialized SaaS products.Building a unified schema across providers and focusing on specialized, high-value use cases are key.Capital deployment in the space-data industry has predominantly focused on launch and hardware platforms.There is significant potential for VC firms to invest in the growing space-data sector.Space-data presents an evolving landscape with opportunities for pioneering foundational tools and vertical solutions.