Space Debris Removal Market by Technique (Direct Debris Removal, Indirect Debris Removal), Orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO), Debris Size (1mm to 10mm, 10mm to 100mm, Greater than 100mm), End User, Operation and Region - Global Forecast to 2028
[170 Pages Report] The Space Debris Removal Market size is projected to grow from USD 0.1 billion in 2023 to USD 0.6 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 41.7% from 2023 to 2028.
Space Debris Removal Market Forecast to 2028
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, Request for Free Sample Report
Space Debris Removal Market Dynamics
Driver: Growing government initiatives
Government initiatives are instrumental in propelling the growth of the space debris removal market. The increasing menace of space debris to operational satellites and spacecraft has prompted governments worldwide to acknowledge the urgency of tackling this challenge. Consequently, they are actively providing financial support and policy frameworks to facilitate space debris removal projects, thereby creating a conducive environment for industry expansion. Government support manifests through substantial investments in research and development, innovative debris removal technologies, and the execution of removal missions. Simultaneously, regulatory frameworks are being established to streamline the coordination of space debris removal endeavors, both domestically and on an international scale. This governmental endorsement not only stimulates innovation but also lends credibility and legitimacy to the industry, encouraging private-sector enterprises to invest in and develop commercial space debris removal solutions. This collaborative approach between the public and private sectors fosters growth and innovation, reinforcing the space debris removal market's potential for expansion and establishing it as a promising sector within the space industry. In September 2022, the UK Space Agency disclosed the allocation of two Phase B demonstration contracts for active debris removal (ADR) to ClearSpace and Astroscale. The awarded contracts hold a value of £2.25 million ($2.4 million) for ClearSpace and £1.7 million ($1.8 million) for Astroscale.
Restraints: The absence of established regulatory standards for space debris removal
The absence of well-defined regulations is a significant challenge for the space debris removal market. Currently, the rules governing space activities are a complex mix of international agreements and national laws. This lack of clear and specific regulations tailored to space debris removal creates uncertainty, hindering market growth. One pressing issue is the lack of clarity regarding liability. When space debris is removed, there is a risk of unintentional damage or consequences. Determining who is responsible and accountable for such events, as well as the dispute resolution process, remains uncertain. This legal ambiguity discourages both private and public entities from investing in space debris removal projects as they seek legal clarity about their actions. Additionally, the absence of a unified regulatory framework hinders international cooperation. Effective collaboration in space debris removal requires shared guidelines and standards. Without such a framework, coordinating removal missions between different countries and organizations becomes less efficient.
Opportunities: Opportunity for robotic Service Providers in the space debris removal market
The space debris removal market presents a valuable opportunity for companies that specialize in robotics systems. These systems play a crucial role in capturing and managing space debris during removal missions. Robotics providers can develop and offer advanced solutions, such as robotic arms, autonomous navigation, and artificial intelligence algorithms, designed to enhance the efficiency and precision of debris removal operations.
Space is a challenging environment with unique conditions, and robotic systems must perform reliably in remote and harsh circumstances. Robotics system providers have the chance to adapt and create technologies tailored to the specific demands of space debris removal. Moreover, the space debris removal market encourages innovation in robotics, providing a platform for companies to develop cutting-edge systems. As the market expands, it opens doors for potential collaborations with space agencies, commercial space ventures, and international organizations.
Challenges: Lack of debris data management a challenge for space industry
A significant obstacle in the space debris removal market is the accurate tracking and data management of space debris. Dealing with the vast and ever-changing population of objects in space presents a complex challenge for industry players, space agencies, and governments. First, it's crucial to precisely identify and track space debris for effective removal efforts. This means knowing exactly where each piece of debris is, where it's headed, and what it's like. However, given the large number of debris pieces, each with its own size and shape, this task is quite formidable. Second, having complete and up-to-date data on all space debris is an ongoing challenge. Many small and hard-to-track objects often go unrecorded, leaving gaps in our knowledge about the debris situation. Accurate data is vital for assessing collision risks and deciding which debris to remove first. Third, sharing debris data and coordinating with other countries can be complicated due to security and national interests. Collaborative efforts require openness and information exchange, which can be hampered by political and strategic concerns. As of July 2023, there are over 128 million pieces of debris smaller than 1 cm, and approximately 800,000 pieces between 1 and 10 cm. Apart from this there are millions of tiny debris pieces which can not be tracked generally smaller than 1mm and can cause damage to satellites.
Based on the technique, the direct debris removal segment is estimated to lead the space debris removal market in 2023
Based on the technique, the space debris removal market has been segmented broadly into direct debris removal and indirect debris removal. Here direct debris removal is leading this segment in 2023. The surge in space debris threats is propelling the demand for direct debris removal techniques. Satellite collisions pose significant risks to operational spacecraft and satellite constellations, urging the need for active removal solutions. As the number of satellites increases, mitigating collision risks becomes critical. These techniques, designed for precise debris capture, cater to the pressing need for proactive measures, ensuring a safer orbital environment and safeguarding valuable space assets.
Based on the orbit, LEO segment is estimated to lead the space debris removal market in 2023.
Based on orbit, the space debris removal market has been segmented into LEO, MEO and GEO. LEO orbit is expected to lead the market in 2023. Increasing satellite constellations and commercial activity in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are boosting the demand for space debris removal. With more satellites in LEO, the risk of collisions with debris rises. Protecting these valuable assets is crucial, driving the need for precise debris removal methods tailored to LEO. Developing effective technologies for this orbit is vital to safeguard operational satellites and ensure the reliability of LEO-based services. This heightened demand arises from the urgency to maintain satellite functionality and secure the long-term sustainability of LEO activities.
Based on the end user, the government segment dominates the market & is projected to witness the largest share in 2023.
Based on the end user, the space debris removal market has been segmented into Commercial and Government. The government sector seems to dominate the market in 2023. The government end user segment in space debris removal is driven by the imperative to secure national and strategic interests in space. Governments worldwide rely on satellites for defense, communication, and surveillance purposes. Protecting these critical assets from potential collisions with space debris is paramount for national security and continuity of services. Governments invest in advanced space debris removal technologies to mitigate risks, ensuring the resilience of their satellite constellations and preserving their capabilities in space. Safeguarding these assets aligns with governmental agendas aimed at ensuring uninterrupted operations and maintaining a competitive edge in the global space arena.
Based on the operation, single technique to dominate this segment and is estimated to account for the larger share of the space debris removal market in 2023
Based on the operation, the space debris removal market has been segmented into single technique and multiple technique. The single technique segment to dominate the space debris removal market in 2023. The upsurge in satellite launches has propelled the demand for specialized single technique operations in space debris removal. Single technique operations, like using harpoons, nets, or robotic arms, offer focused and efficient methods to capture and remove debris. Also deorbiting systems like drag sail dispose of the satellites after end of its mission. With an increasing amount of debris threatening operational satellites, there's a pressing need for targeted solutions. These specialized techniques cater to the urgency for precise and reliable debris removal, ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Space Debris Removal Market by Region
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
The European market is projected to have the largest share in 2023 in the space debris removal market
Based on region, the space debris removal market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). Europe region seems to dominate the market in 2023. The European region's drive for space debris removal stems from its robust space industry and commitment to sustainability. With prominent space agencies and leading aerospace technology, Europe faces the challenge of safeguarding its space assets. The region's increasing reliance on satellites for navigation, communication, and scientific endeavors accentuates the need to mitigate space debris threats. Europe's emphasis on sustainable space practices aligns with its vision for secure and uninterrupted satellite operations. This impetus propels the development of advanced debris removal technologies, positioning Europe at the forefront of mitigating risks and ensuring the longevity of its space-based activities.
Key Market Players
The space debris removal companies is dominated by a few globally established players such as Astroscale (Japan), ClearSpace (Switzerland), Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK), Northrop Grumman (US), Kall Morris Incorporated (US), among others, are the key players that secured space debris removal contracts in the last few years. The primary focus was given to the contracts and new product development due to the upcoming government regulations about space sustainability across the world.
Get online access to the report on the World's First Market Intelligence Cloud
- Easy to Download Historical Data & Forecast Numbers
- Company Analysis Dashboard for high growth potential opportunities
- Research Analyst Access for customization & queries
- Competitor Analysis with Interactive dashboard
- Latest News, Updates & Trend analysis
Request Sample Scope of the Report
Get online access to the report on the World's First Market Intelligence Cloud
- Easy to Download Historical Data & Forecast Numbers
- Company Analysis Dashboard for high growth potential opportunities
- Research Analyst Access for customization & queries
- Competitor Analysis with Interactive dashboard
- Latest News, Updates & Trend analysis
|
Report Metric |
Details |
|
Estimated Value
|
USD 0.1 billion in 2023 |
| Projected Value | USD 0.6 billion by 2028 |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 41.7% |
|
Market size available for years |
2020–2028 |
|
Base year considered |
2022 |
|
Forecast period |
2023-2028 |
|
Forecast units |
Value (USD Million/Billion) |
|
Segments Covered |
By debris size, by orbit, by technique, by operation, by end user, and by region |
|
Geographies covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the world |
|
Companies covered |
Astroscale (Japan), ClearSpace (Switzerland), Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK), Northrop Grumman (US), and Kall Morris Incorporated (US) are some of the major players in the space debris removal market. (25 Companies) |
Space Debris Removal Market Highlights
The study categorizes the space debris removal market based on debris size, orbit, operation, technique, end user, and region.
|
Segment |
Subsegment |
|
By Debris Size |
|
|
By Orbit |
|
|
By Operation |
|
|
By Technique |
|
|
By End User |
|
|
By Region |
|
Recent Developments
- In October 2023, Astroscale Japan has been selected by Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (“MEXT”) to inspect and remove a non-operational satellite. It consists of 3 phases of which the first phase is to send a spacecraft and monitor and track the debris for which it has granted 18 million. The total value of the contract is USD 80 million.
- In August 2023, Trans Astronautica Corporation. announced that it has received a contract from NASA to build an develop an orbital debris removal capture bag. Under this Trans Astronautica Corporation. will build and demonstrate the product.
- In September 2022, the UK Space Agency granted ClearSpace a significant contract for the design phase of the CLEAR Mission. ClearSpace has secured a contract worth £2.2 million from the UKSA to proceed to the next mission phase. This design phase, scheduled until October 2023, will culminate in a preliminary design review, assessing design progress and the technical suitability of the proposed mission.
- In September 2022, Kall Morris Incorporated a leading firm in orbital debris research and solution development, has secured three research contracts totaling $750,000 from the United States Space Force (USSF) through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). These contracts, part of the USSF SpaceWERX Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I projects, align with the Orbital Prime initiative, focusing on the emerging market of In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Addressed by the Report:
Which are the major companies in the space debris removal market? What are their major strategies to strengthen their market presence?
Some of the key players in the space debris removal market are Astroscale (Japan), ClearSpace (Switzerland), Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK), Northrop Grumman (US), and Kall Morris Incorporated (US), among others are the key players that secured space debris removal contracts in the last few years. Contracts were the key strategies these companies adopted to strengthen their space debris removal market presence.
What are the drivers and opportunities for the space debris removal market?
Escalating satellite launches and expanded space endeavors propel the need for space debris removal. Safeguarding crucial assets from collisions and ensuring continuous satellite operations remain pivotal drivers. Opportunities flourish for pioneering technologies and services in debris removal. Government directives and global efforts further accelerate sectoral expansion. Collaborations and alliances foster advancements, providing fertile ground for companies investing in debris mitigation. With the increasing dependence on space-based services, mitigating debris threats emerges as a lucrative market.
Which region is expected to grow most in the next five years?
The market in North America is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028, showcasing strong demand for orbital debris removal in the region. One key factor driving the North America market is the rising threat of debris density particularly to the LEO belt satellites which play a significant role in real time data and connectivity.
Which technique of space debris removal will significantly lead in the coming years?
The direct debris removal segment of the space debris removal market is projected to witness the highest CAGR due to the increasing need for removal of debris from the space.
Which are the key technology trends prevailing in the space debris removal market?
Technological trends in space debris removal are reshaping the industry. Key technological trends in space debris removal encompass advanced capture techniques like robotic arms, nets, and harpoons for precision debris retrieval. Innovative propulsion systems and satellite servicing capabilities are emerging, enabling controlled deorbiting. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis and improved sensors for superior monitoring capabilities are prominent developments. These trends drive innovation in orbital debris removal, offering businesses growth opportunities and a competitive edge in the market.
To speak to our analyst for a discussion on the above findings, click Speak to Analyst
The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the Space Debris Removal Market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the space debris removal market, its adjacent markets, and its parent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Demand-side analyses were carried out to estimate the overall size of the market. After that, market breakdown and data triangulation procedures were used to estimate the sizes of different segments and subsegments of the space debris removal market.
Secondary Research
The market ranking of companies was determined using secondary data made available through paid and unpaid sources and by analyzing the product portfolios of major companies. These companies the performance on the basis of the performance and quality of their products. These data points were further validated by primary sources.
Secondary sources referred to for this research study included financial statements of companies offering space debris removal products and services and information from various trade, business, and professional associations. The secondary data was collected and analyzed to arrive at the overall size of the space debris removal market, which was validated by primary respondents.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted after acquiring information regarding the space debris removal market scenario through secondary research. Several primary interviews were conducted with market experts from both the demand and supply sides across major countries of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, ROW which includes the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews.
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Market Size Estimation
The market sizing of the market was undertaken from the demand side. The market was upsized at a regional level based on procurements and missions planned by the country. Such procurements provide information on each application demand aspects of space debris removal.
Note: An analysis of technological, funding, year-on-year investments, and operational cost was carried out to arrive at the CAGR and understand the market dynamics of all regions in the report. The market share for all technique, orbit, operation, and end user was based on the recent and upcoming planned missions of space debris removal in every region from 2023 to 2028.
Space Debris Removal Market Size: Bottom-up Approach
Space Debris Removal Market Size: Top-Down Approach
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall size from the market size estimation process explained above, the total market was split into several segments and subsegments. The data triangulation and market breakdown procedures explained below were implemented, wherever applicable, to complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics for various market segments and subsegments. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. Along with this, the market size was validated using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches.
The following figure indicates the market breakdown structure and the data triangulation procedure that was implemented in the market engineering process to make this report on the space debris removal market.
Market Definition
Space debris removal refers to the strategic process of eliminating defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from space orbits and the techniques to safely deorbit the satellites or spacecrafts after their mission. This burgeoning industry aims to mitigate orbital congestion, safeguard operational satellites, and ensure sustainable space exploration. By deploying innovative technologies and retrieval strategies, companies engage in the retrieval, capture, and disposal of space debris, fostering a cleaner orbital environment for continued commercial satellite launches and enhancing the long-term viability of space activities.
Key Stakeholders
- Manufacturers of space debris removal systems and solutions
- System Integrators
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)
- Space Organizations
- Regulatory Authorities
Report Objectives
- To define and describe the Space Debris Removal market based on debris size, orbit, operation, technique, end user, and region.
- To indicate the size of the various segments of the Space Debris Removal market based on four regions—North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the world—along with key countries in each of these regions.
- To identify and analyze key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market.
- To determine industry trends, market trends, and technology trends prevailing in the market
- To analyze micro markets concerning individual technological trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the market and analyze competitive growth strategies such as product launches and developments, contracts, partnerships, agreements, and collaborations adopted by key players in the market.
- To identify the detailed financial positions, product portfolios, and key developments of leading companies in the market
- To strategically profile key market players and comprehensively analyze their market rank analysis and core competencies.
Available Customizations:
MarketsandMarkets offers the following customizations for this market report:
- Additional country-level analysis of the Space Debris Removal Market
- Profiling of other market players (up to 5)
Product Analysis
- Product matrix, which provides a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company in the Space Debris Removal Market.
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Space Debris Removal Market