Satellite technology already contribute to the achievement and monitoring of Earth’s complex challenges, including satellite-based earth observation, satellite communication and satellite positioning amongst others. Although there have been many examples of benefits from applying these technologies, there are still gaps in the available technology and barriers that increase the challenge for many classes of users. This presentation analyzes the unique barriers that increase the difficulty for end users to apply satellite technology. For example, in the area satellite-based earth observation, a key challenge is to ensure that large, specialized datasets are transformed into visually intuitive maps that support decision making by end users who manage aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals. In the area of satellite communications, a key challenge is to identify the combination of private sector business models, government regulation and public sector services that will provide access to phone, internet, radio and television services for isolated or low-income communities. The barriers are different for each type of satellite technology and for various types of end users. The presentation considers end users at the multilateral, national, subnational and local level, and provides recommendations on how to reduce barriers for end users of space technology at each level. The recommendations are based on a decade of research and professional experience by the presenter who has studied and worked to advance the use of satellite technology for development in the academic, government and non-profit sectors. The presentation will include findings from this long term research program, including trends in the use of satellite-based technology within African countries and management approaches among emerging space programs in Latin America, Africa and Asia.