Space Propulsion Market by Platform (Satellite, Launch Vehicle), Propulsion Type (Chemical Propulsion, Non-Chemical Propulsion), Component (Thrusters, Propellant Feed System, Nozzle), Orbit, End User, Orbit, Support Service, and Region - Global Forecast to 2028
[293 Pages Report] The Global Space Propulsion Market Size is estimated to be USD 10.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 18.1 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 11.3% from 2023 to 2028. The Space Propulsion Industry is driven by factors such as rising space exploration programs and a focus on the development of reusable launch vehicles.
Space Propulsion Market Forecast to 2028
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Space Propulsion Market Dynamics:
Drivers: Surge in the number of space exploration missions
Space exploration provides the possibility of tangible as well as intangible benefits for humanity in the long term. For instance, research and exploration of the low Earth orbit help in providing solutions for various global services, such as communication, global positioning, oceanography, surveillance, and astronomy.
Hence, global expenditure has grown in the last five years, driven by programs in leading countries investing in space exploration, which is being enabled by the development of high-tech propulsion systems. Technological breakthroughs and insights from past space missions have also inspired new players to invest in this niche market due to the significant opportunities provided by it.
In the coming years, there is likely to be an increase in public and private initiatives in space exploration with a converging global interest in Moon exploration. The space sector has obtained record government investment totaling over USD 92 billion in 2022, an 8% increase compared to 2020, as declared by major space consulting and market intelligence firm Euroconsult’s ‘Government Space Programs’ report for 2021. In terms of applications, Moon and Mars exploration are expected to account for most space missions to be launched by 2027, as lunar exploration becomes the focus of private and public stakeholders. A total of more than 10 missions are anticipated to be launched for other deep space exploration by the ESA, NASA, Blue Origin, SpaceX, and others, while the remaining missions will be dedicated to Mars exploration.
Restraints: Complex government frameworks and stringent policies
Government policies at both the nation-state and international levels directly or indirectly influence the evolution of the small satellite ecosystem and industry. Currently, there is no comprehensive global or domestic on-orbit regulation regime.
Also, the Copernicus project, which is believed to be at the forefront of European space policy, is particularly hit by a lot of shortcomings. A weak data distribution system, mixed with a complex government framework and inadequate European industrial and space policy support actions, are the most significant obstacles holding back a faster development of products and services based on Copernicus data.
Satellite operators have expressed interest in developing regulations that would provide certainty to investors. However, there are concerns over burdensome regulations that could drive companies to move from country to country. Given that the timeline in which operators’ and policymakers’ functions do not always align and that there are significant efforts involved in creating international community agreements, developing policies and regulations for the quickly evolving commercial space industry will be a hurdle for the next 10 years.
Opportunities: Technological upgrade in electric propulsion to improve efficiency and reduce cost
Electric propulsion (EP) with increased capabilities and higher-efficiency thrusters is being developed to reduce costs and risks and enable credible space missions. EP has been used by many commercial satellite providers for on-orbit station keeping due to its total life-cycle cost advantages.
Currently, NASA’s Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) project is developing advanced technologies to extend the length and capabilities of future space exploration missions. An advanced propulsion technology like SEP allows deep-space missions to carry more cargo and use smaller launch vehicles while reducing mission costs. SEP also provides a high fuel economy; it reduces the volume of propellants required onboard vehicles for deep-space missions by as much as 90%.
Electric propulsion used for space applications has benefited a variety of NASA, military, and commercial missions. In 2019, NASA signed a contract with Maxar Technologies to provide solar electric propulsion for orbital adjustments as well as electricity with solar arrays for its Gateway’s service module. Also, in the last two decades, space start-up firms have proved they can compete against heavyweight aerospace contractors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. As of 2021-2022, a SpaceX rocket launching can be 97% cheaper than a Russian Soyuz ride cost in the ’60s. Thus, due to these reasons, electric propulsion technology will boost the space propulsion market during the forecast years.
Challenges: Emissions due to space missions
Space launches can lead to a hefty carbon footprint due to the burning of solid rocket fuels. Every time a rocket is launched, it produces a plume of exhausts filled with materials that can collect in the air over time, potentially altering the atmosphere in dangerous ways. Rockets utilizing unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (N(CH3)2NH2) and dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) propellants account for about one-third of all stratospheric rocket engine emissions, comparable to solid-fueled rocket emissions.
Small pieces of soot and alumina are created in the wake of rocket launches. These materials may build up in the stratosphere over time and slowly lead to the depletion of the ozone layer. For instance, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, the world’s heaviest operational rocket, burns about 400 metric tons of kerosene and emits more carbon dioxide in a few minutes than an average car would in more than two centuries. With a significant increase in the number of space missions, the emission scale of harmful gases is also expected to increase, which poses a challenge.
Space Propulsion Market Ecosystem
Prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially stable manufacturers of space propulsion systems with a global presence. These companies have been operating in the market for several years and have a diversified product portfolio, state-of-the-art technologies, and robust global sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies include Safran S.A. (France), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), IHI Corporation (Japan), Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) (US), and Northrop Grumman Corporation (US).
Based on platform, the rovers/spacecraft landers segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the Space Propulsion Market during the forecast period.
Based on the platform, the space propulsion market has been segmented into satellites, capsules/cargos, interplanetary spacecraft & probes, rovers/spacecraft landers, and launch vehicles.
A rover (or planetary rover) is a planetary surface exploration device designed to move across the solid surface of a planet or other planetary mass celestial bodies. Some rovers have been designed as land vehicles to transport members of a human spaceflight crew; others are partially or fully autonomous robots. Rovers are typically created to land on a planet (other than Earth) via a lander-style spacecraft, tasked to collect information about the terrain and take crust samples such as dust, soil, rocks, and liquids. They are essential tools in space exploration.
Based on component, the propellant feed systems segment held the second largest share in the base year.
Based on components, the space propulsion market has been segmented into thrusters, propellant feed systems, rocket motors, nozzles, propulsion thermal control, power processing units, and others.
Among these, the propellant feed systems segment held the second-largest share in 2023. The propellant feed system of a spacecraft determines how the propellant is delivered from the tanks to the thrust chamber. It is generally classified as either pressure-fed or pump-fed. A pressure-fed system is simple and relies on tank pressures to feed the propellants into the thrust chamber. This type of system is typically used for space propulsion applications and auxiliary propulsion applications requiring low system pressures and small quantities of propellants. Propellant feed systems are further classified into tanks for keeping propellants and oxidizers, regulators, valves, turbopumps, and combustion chambers.
Cobham Mission Systems (UK), VACCO Industries (US), and Ram Company (US) are some of the players providing propellant feed systems.
North America holds the largest share in 2023.
North America holds the largest share in 2023. This large share is due to several factors, such as High spending on the space sector, a strong focus on the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies, and the presence of leading players in the region.
Space Propulsion Market by Region
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Key Market Players
Major players operating in the space propulsion companies include Safran S.A. (France), SpaceX (US), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US), IHI Corporation (Japan), and Northrop Grumman Corporation (US).
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Report Metric |
Details |
Market Size Available for Years |
2019–2028 |
Base Year Considered |
2022 |
Forecast Period |
2023–2028 |
Forecast Units |
Value (USD Million/Billion) |
Segments Covered |
Propulsion Type, System Component, Orbit, Platforms, End User, and Region |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America |
Companies Covered |
Safran S.A. (France), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US), Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (US), IHI Corporation (Japan), Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (US), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Moog, Inc. (US), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel), Thales Alenia Space (France), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), and others |
Space Propulsion Market Highlights
This research report categorizes the space propulsion market based on propulsion type, system component, orbit, platforms, end user, and region.
Segment |
Subsegment |
By Platform: |
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By Propulsion Type: |
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By Component: |
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By Orbit: |
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By End User: |
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By Support Service: |
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By Region: |
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Recent Developments
- In June 2023, Safran SA’s subsidiary Safran Electronics & Defense signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Terran Orbital to examine and verify the requirements for the American manufacturing of a new generation of electric propulsion systems for satellites based on Safran's PPSX00 plasma thruster.
- In April 2023, Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc announced that it had received a USD 67 million worth contract from the Lockheed Martin Corporation to deliver propulsion systems for the Orion spacecraft that are planned to launch on Artemis missions VI-VIII.
- In December 2022, the Spanish Ministry of Defense awarded a contract to Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Airbus Defence and Space SAU, Dassault Aviation, Indra, and Eumet (a Joint Venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and MTU Aero Engines) for the development of next phase of NGWS/FCAS project.
- In August 2022, NASA awarded USD 1.4 Bn worth of five astronaut mission contracts to SpaceX. This contract was made under NASA’s Commercial Crew program, which delivers astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the current size of the space propulsion market?
Response: The space propulsion market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 10.6 billion in 2023 to USD 18.1 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 11.3% from 2023 to 2028.
What are the key sustainability strategies adopted by leading players operating in the space propulsion market?
Response: The organic and inorganic strategies adopted by key players to strengthen their position in the space propulsion market are high R&D investment, new product launches, acquisition, collaborations & expansions, contracts, partnerships, and agreements, to expand their presence in the market further.
What factors support space propulsion market growth during the forecast period?
Response: Increasing investments in space exploration programs is the key factor supporting space propulsion market growth during the forecast period.
Which region is expected to hold the highest market share in the Space Propulsion market?
Response: Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of 40.6% of the market in 2023.
Who are the leading players in the Space Propulsion market?
Response: Safran S.A. (France), SpaceX (US), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US), IHI Corporation (Japan), and Northrop Grumman Corporation (US) are the leading players in the space propulsion market.
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The research study conducted on the space propulsion market involved extensive use of secondary sources, including directories, databases of articles, journals on space propulsion, company newsletters, and information portals such as Hoover’s, Bloomberg, and Factiva to identify and collect information useful for this extensive, technical, market-oriented study of the Space Propulsion market. Primary sources include industry experts from the core and related industries, alliances, organizations, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), vendors, suppliers, and technology developers. These sources relate to all segments of the value chain of the space propulsion market.
In-depth interviews were conducted with various primary respondents, including key industry participants, subject-matter experts, C-level executives of key market players, and industry consultants, among others, to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information and assess future market prospects.
Secondary Research
In the secondary research process, various secondary sources were referred to identify and collect information for this study on the space propulsion market. Secondary sources included annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies; white papers and certified publications; articles from recognized authors; manufacturer's associations; directories; and databases. Secondary research was mainly used to obtain critical information about the supply chain of the space propulsion industry, the monetary chain of the market, the total pool of key players, market classification and segmentation according to the industry trends to the bottom-most level, regional markets, and key developments from both market- and technology-oriented perspectives.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative information for this report on the space propulsion market. Several primary interviews were conducted with the demand- and supply-side market experts across major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Primary sources from the supply-side included industry experts such as business development managers, sales heads, technology and innovation directors, and related key executives from various companies and organizations operating in the Space Propulsion market.
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Market Size Estimation
Extensive research into space propulsion sources and the concurrent advances in the space industry in terms of satellites, propulsion systems, reusable launch vehicles, payloads, and other spacecraft systems. The pace of technological upgrades will continue to accelerate, and the number of new commercial space technology firms will continue to grow in the upcoming 3-5 year timeframe due to the growing government and commercial demand for propulsion technologies, new, low-cost, rapid methods of developing and testing evolving technologies, and the persisting accessibility of investment capital, from both, the private and government sectors.
The top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the space propulsion market. The figure below represents the overall market size estimation process employed for this study.
The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following details.
- Key players in the industry and markets were identified through secondary research, and their market share was determined through primary and secondary research. This included an extensive study of annual and financial reports of top market players and interviews with CEOs, directors, and marketing executives.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
- All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data.
This data was consolidated, enhanced with detailed inputs, analyzed by MarketsandMarkets, and presented in this report.
The research methodology used to estimate the market size also included the following details:
- All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data. This data was consolidated, enhanced with detailed inputs, analyzed by MarketsandMarkets, and presented in this report.
- Market growth trends were defined based on approaches such as the product revenues of the significant 10-15 companies from 2019 to 2022, space budgets, exports/imports of space propulsion systems and components by different countries from 2019 to 2022, historic procurement patterns between 2019 to 2022, among others.
Market size estimation methodology: Bottom-Up Approach
Market size estimation methodology: Top-Down Approach
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall size of the space propulsion market 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 to complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the estimated sizes of different market segments and subsegments, wherever applicable. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. Additionally, the market size was validated using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
Propulsion (space) is the thrust required in spacecraft, launch vehicles, capsules/cargos, and rovers/spacecraft landers for orbit insertion, station keeping, lifting of launch vehicles into space, and attitude control, among others.
It involves the use of chemical technologies such as solid, liquid, hybrid, and cold gas propulsion, as well as non-chemical technologies such as electric, solar, nuclear, and laser propulsion.
Key Stakeholders
- Propulsion System Manufacturers
- Raw Material Providers
- Component Providers
- National Space Agencies
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Regulatory Bodies
- Departments of Defense
- Space Propulsion Service Providers
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, and forecast the size of the space propulsion market based on propulsion type, system component, platform, orbit, end user, support service, and region
- To forecast the size of market segments across five regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America, along with their major
- To identify and analyze key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the market
- To identify industry trends, market trends, and technology trends currently prevailing in the market
- To analyze the impact of the recession on the market and its stakeholders
- To analyze micromarkets1 with respect to individual technological trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To analyze the degree of competition in the market by identifying key players
- To analyze the competitive growth strategies, such as new product launches, acquisitions, expansions, partnerships, and agreements, of key players in the market
- To strategically profile key players in the space propulsion market and comprehensively analyze their market share and core competencies2
1. Micromarkets are defined as the further segments and subsegments of the space propulsion market.
2. Core competencies of companies were captured in terms of their key developments and strategies adopted by them to sustain their position in the market.
Available customizations
Along with the market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations per the specific needs of companies. The following customization options are available for the report:
Product Analysis
- Product matrix, which gives a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company
Regional Analysis
- Further breakdown of the market segments at country-level
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to 5)
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Space Propulsion Market