Satellite Manufacturing and Launch Systems Market Report 2025

This Satellite Manufacturing and Launch Systems report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.

The satellite manufacturing and launch systems market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $27.25 billion in 2024 to $29.84 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to space exploration and satellite deployments, defense and national security applications, commercial satellite communication services, increased demand for earth observation satellites, global navigation and positioning systems.

The satellite manufacturing and launch systems market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $42.11 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to small satellite manufacturing and constellations, mega-constellations for global connectivity, rapid satellite deployment and replacement, space debris mitigation and sustainability, space mining and resource exploration, advanced satellite propulsion and power systems. Major trends in the forecast period include 3D-printed satellite components, cubesat and nano-satellite technologies, on-orbit servicing and refueling capabilities, ai-driven satellite autonomous operations, satellite-as-a-service (saas) business models, reusable satellite launch systems.

The growing demand for satellites across civil/government, commercial, and military sectors is playing a major role in driving the expansion of the satellite manufacturing and launch market. Military forces worldwide are increasingly utilizing satellite technologies to strengthen their defense capabilities. Various tests and experiments are being conducted by government organizations and defense forces globally to develop space-attack capabilities. Types of space warfare include ground-to-space attacks (targeting satellites from Earth), space-to-space warfare (satellites attacking other satellites), and space-to-Earth warfare (satellites targeting objects on Earth). For example, according to SpaceNews, a US-based non-governmental organization, U.S. manufacturers produced approximately 85% of commercially procured satellites in 2023, with satellite manufacturing revenue growing by 9% to $17.2 billion, driven by flexible software-defined payloads and advanced small satellites. A record-breaking 190 commercially procured launches took place, representing an 18% rise from 2022. These launches deployed 2,781 commercial satellites, a 20% year-over-year increase, largely propelled by SpaceX. As a result, the rising demand for satellites across civil/government, commercial, and military sectors is expected to fuel the growth of the satellite manufacturing and launch market.

The rising government expenditure on space programs is expected to drive the growth of the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market in the coming years. Governments allocate funds for various purposes, including national security, defense, space exploration, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring. This financial backing increases the demand for specialized satellites and launch systems, encouraging technological innovation and fostering economic growth within the satellite industry. For example, according to the World Economic Forum, a Switzerland-based non-governmental organization, the space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, spurred by advancements in space-enabled technologies. Additionally, in July 2024, the Space Foundation, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, reported that the global space economy grew by 7.4% in 2023, reaching $570 billion, with commercial revenues contributing $445 billion, or 78% of the total. As a result, the increasing government investment in space programs is driving the expansion of the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market.

The integration of 3D technology in manufacturing is a prominent trend gaining traction in the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, enables the direct creation of a final product through computer-aided drafting (CAD) designing. This technology is increasingly adopted by the satellite industry to optimize costs, accelerate production, and enhance performance. It is used to design and manufacture various satellite components, including radiofrequency components and antennas. For example, Airbus, a Netherlands-based aerospace company, utilized additive layer manufacturing (ALM) or 3D printing to design a radiofrequency component for its telecommunication satellite in February 2021. Furthermore, Australian company Fleet Space achieved a significant milestone by developing the first fully 3D printed satellite, Alpha, which launched within the following 12 months. This innovation represents a major advancement in space technology.

Major companies in the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market are focusing on developing miniature and small satellites to gain a competitive advantage. Miniaturized satellites, such as CubeSats and SmallSats, offer cost-effective solutions for diverse applications, including Earth observation, communication, and scientific research. In May 2023, Rocket Lab, Inc., a US-based aerospace manufacturing company, launched a pair of NASA CubeSats known as the Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS). These CubeSats were deployed into a 550-kilometer orbit, providing vital data for monitoring tropical storms.

In September 2022, BAE Systems, a UK-based multinational company specializing in arms, security, and aerospace, announced the acquisition of In-Space Missions for $18 million. This strategic move aims to integrate diverse space capabilities, contributing to information advantage, multi-domain operations, and networking for BAE Systems' customers. In-Space Missions, a UK-based company, specializes in designing, building, and operating satellites and satellite systems.

Major companies operating in the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market include Northrop Grumman Corporation, ArianeGroup, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Blue Origin LLC, Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Thales Group, Maxar Technologies Inc., Dynetics Inc., NanoAvionics UAB, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., OHB SE, Airbus SE, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., SpaceQuest Ltd, GomSpace Group AB, Planet Labs Inc., United Launch Alliance LLC, Rocket Lab USA Inc., GeoOptics Inc., Honeywell International Inc., BAE Systems plc, Safran S.A., Parker Hannifin Corporation, Cobham plc., Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.

North America was the largest region in the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market in 2024. The Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. The countries covered in the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

Satellite manufacturing and launch systems encompass the technologies used for remote transmission, detection, inspection, communication, traffic control, and telemetry. Satellites, artificially designed machines, are placed in Earth's orbit to perform various applications, including navigation, weather monitoring, and space telescopes. Launch vehicles are utilized to place satellites into Earth's orbit.

The main technology types in the satellite manufacturing and launch systems market include satellite manufacturing and satellite launch systems. The satellite manufacturer, typically the prime contractor and manufacturer of the satellite, is a party to the satellite purchase agreement. Satellite manufacturing and launch systems involve different satellite types, such as lower earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO) satellites, and beyond GEO satellites. These satellites find applications in various sectors, including commercial communications, government communications, earth observation services, research and development, navigation, military surveillance, scientific applications, and other applications. End-users of satellite manufacturing and launch systems include military and government, commercial entities, and other users.

The satellite manufacturing and launch systems market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides satellite manufacturing and launch systems market statistics, including satellite manufacturing and launch systems industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a satellite manufacturing and launch systems market share, detailed satellite manufacturing and launch systems market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the satellite manufacturing and launch systems industry. This satellite manufacturing and launch systems market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The satellite manufacturing and launch system market consists of sales of satellite and launch systems such as highly elliptical orbit, near-polar sun-synchronous orbit, polar orbit, and geostationary transfer orbit. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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