Space Launch Services Market Report 2025

The space launch services market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $10.34 billion in 2024 to $11.9 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to satellite deployment demands, global telecommunications expansion, national security and defense, commercial space industry growth, space tourism development, market competition and cost reduction.

The space launch services market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.18 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to mars exploration and beyond, lunar exploration initiatives, reusable launch vehicle adoption, global climate monitoring, national space policies and investments, space resource exploration. Major trends in the forecast period include growing commercial space activities, increase in small satellite launches, diversification of launch vehicles, integration of advanced technologies, rapid launch and on-demand services, public-private partnerships.

The growing number of satellite launches worldwide is anticipated to drive the expansion of the space launch services market in the future. A satellite launch involves transporting spacecraft from the Earth's surface into the atmosphere or placing them into orbits around the Earth using a carrier rocket capable of carrying a payload. Space launch services enhance the capabilities of satellites launched into Earth’s orbits to conduct successful space missions by providing pre-launch and post-launch support, including management services, integration, logistics, tracking data, telemetry support, and cargo services, among others. For example, in 2023, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a France-based intergovernmental organization, reported that the number of operational satellites in orbit increased to over 6,700 by 2022. Thus, the rise in satellite launches globally is fueling the growth of the space launch services market.

The increase in small satellite deployment is expected to further propel the growth of the space launch services market in the future. Small satellite deployment involves launching and placing small satellites into orbit around Earth. The rise of small satellites, such as CubeSats and nanosatellites, has altered the landscape of space launch exploration. Space launch services primarily facilitate small satellite deployment by providing affordable and frequent launch opportunities, including dedicated rideshare options. This accessibility and flexibility foster the growth of small satellites. For instance, in February 2024, NASA, a US-based government agency, noted that in 2022, 96% of the 2,510 total spacecraft launched were SmallSats weighing less than 600 kg, with 25% of those having a mass below 200 kg. Therefore, the increase in small satellite deployment is driving the growth of the space launch services market.

Technological advancement is a prominent trend gaining traction in the space launch services market. Leading companies are concentrating on product innovations that leverage new technologies to deliver improved solutions and enhance their market position. For example, in October 2021, SpinLaunch, a US-based firm specializing in spaceflight technology development, unveiled its Orbital Launch System (OLS). This system utilizes kinetic energy - the energy an object possesses due to its mass and velocity - to launch payloads into low Earth orbit, functioning as a suborbital accelerator technology demonstrator. The suborbital accelerator technology employs electric power to spin a small payload within a centrifuge located in a vacuum chamber, minimizing air resistance and payload heating. This approach allows the payload to achieve high speeds to propel it into the stratosphere using kinetic energy, as opposed to traditional chemical propulsion methods.

Key players in the space launch services market are concentrating on developing innovative products like satellites to reduce costs and enhance access to space. They are also exploring orbital services and space tourism, thereby expanding the commercial spaceflight sector. A satellite can be defined as an object that orbits a larger entity, such as a planet or moon, and may be natural (like the moon) or artificial (like communication satellites). For instance, in November 2022, Skyroot Aerospace, an India-based aerospace company, successfully launched Vikram-S, India’s first privately built rocket. Skyroot Aerospace aims to validate essential technologies for future missions while providing cost-effective launch solutions. This marks a significant advancement towards integrating private players into India's space ecosystem, fostering innovation and collaboration.

In June 2023, Firefly Aerospace, a US-based commercial company, acquired Spaceflight Inc. for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Firefly Aerospace seeks to enhance its end-to-end space transportation services and bolster its on-orbit capabilities, positioning itself to meet increasing market demands. This strategic move also combines advanced manufacturing and a skilled workforce to promote innovation and efficiency. Spaceflight Inc., a US-based aerospace engineering firm, specializes in space launch services by connecting customers with a variety of launch providers, with an emphasis on small satellite deployment. They streamline logistics and processes to make access to space more efficient and accessible.

Major companies operating in the space launch services market are Antrix Corporation Limited, Airbus SE, Arianespace SA, Blue Origin LLC, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, Eurockot Launch Services GmbH, International Launch Services Inc., International Space Company Kosmotras, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Inc., Rocket Lab USA Inc., Safran SA, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Space International Services Inc., Spaceflight Industries Inc., Starsem SA, The Boeing Company, United Launch Services LLC, Firefly Aerospace Inc., Gilmour Space Technologies Pty Ltd., iSpace Inc., Indian Space Research Organisation, Landspace Corp. Ltd., OneSpace Inc., Payload Aerospace S.L., Relativity Space, Roscosmos State Corporation, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Vector Space Systems Inc., Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc.

North America was the largest region in the space launch services market in 2024. The regions covered in the space launch services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the space launch services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Space launch services encompass a variety of offerings from organizations designed to ensure the successful execution of space missions, customized to meet specific mission needs. These services play a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of satellites and other payloads in space. Additionally, space launch services facilitate the deployment, operation, and maintenance of satellites, thereby supporting global communication, navigation, and Earth observation systems.

The primary categories within space launch services include pre-launch services and post-launch services. Pre-launch services involve activities spanning from the initial spacecraft design to its readiness for liftoff from Earth. The orbits targeted for these missions include low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), geosynchronous orbit (GEO), and orbits beyond geosynchronous orbit. Payloads transported by these services may consist of satellites, human spacecraft, cargo, testing probes, and stratollites. Launch platforms employed for these missions can be land-based, air-based, or sea-based. The end users of these services encompass commercial entities, military sectors, and government agencies.

The space launch services market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides space launch services market statistics, including space launch services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a space launch services market share, detailed space launch services market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the space launch services industry. This space launch services 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 space launch services market includes revenues earned by entities by providing mission management, launching services, environmental testing, in-space logistics services, and integration services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

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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