Europe Space Launch Services Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Orbit Type (LEO, MEO, GEO, Others), By Launch Vehicle (Small Lift Launch Vehicle, Medium Lift Launch Vehicle, Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle), By Payload (Satellite, Cargo, Human Spacecraft, Testing Probes), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

Europe is predicted to capture a significant share in the global space launch services market. The regional market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period. The global market for space launch services is anticipated to grow from USD 8.07 billion in 2022 to USD 20.54 billion by 2030.

The growing adoption of space launch services has led key market players in the region to increase their R&D investments in space launches. Citing an instance, in January 2021, the European Space Agency (ESA) allocated the budget for various space projects in the coming years. Human spacecraft, micro, and exploration was allocated USD 0.67 billion, space transportation was allocated USD 1.26 billion, and earth observation was allocated USD 0.15 billion out of the total budget.

Our report on the Europe space launch services market covers the following countries/regions – the U.K., Germany, France, Russia, and the Rest of Europe.

LATEST TRENDS

Development of Ultra-flat, Scalable Active-Matrix Antennae for Satellites to Offer New Growth Opportunities

Advances in space communication are driven by the installation of sensors, receivers, and high-quality transponders. European startups are developing innovative communication antenna that does not cause interference from the Earth's atmosphere. Less interference also means that the antenna picks up the signal more efficiently. This facilitates the production of high-power satellite systems. Space companies, therefore, rely on antennas of higher frequency to avoid interference from other frequencies and ions in the atmosphere. Furthermore, Polish startup Thorium Space Technology is developing an ultra-thin, active matrix antenna. This antenna uses high radio frequencies in the E and K/Ka bands with transponders. Hence, rising demand for communication satellites will catalyze the Europe space launch services market growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Greater Focus on Lunar and Martian Missions to Accelerate Market Growth

Lunar missions are designed to collect information about the Moon and its surroundings, not only for scientific purposes but also for planning future missions, including manned ones to the Moon. The region is focused on increasing its investments in various projects related to Mars exploration. In November 2022, the European Space Agency (ESA) developed the region’s first Mars rover called “Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover” on a budget of USD 1.35 billion. The ExoMars program is expected to launch by 2028.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rise in Space Debris in Low Earth Orbit to Hamper Market Growth

According to a report by the European Space Agency (ESA), Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is becoming increasingly crowded as countries are accelerating their satellite launches. There are more satellite debris than functional satellites in the Earth’s orbit. Furthermore, the report says that the immense global push for space exploration will bring unimaginable amounts of space debris that could prove harmful to other missions, astronauts, and spacecraft. In the latest space environment report, European Space Agency (ESA) announced it has been monitoring 32,520 pieces of space debris regularly since November 2022. Such factors are anticipated to hamper the market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of the competitive landscape, Ariance Group SAS and Eurockot are the leading space launch service providers in the European market, thanks to strong product offerings and active involvement in R&D investments to accelerate satellite launches. These companies are also seeking approvals from various space agencies, which will help the Europe space launch services market share to grow.

Other prominent players, such as Avio, Skyrora, and HyImpulse, are also leading the market due to their successful space launches in 2022. In addition to the successful launch, Avio conducted several tests of its M10 Methalox upper-stage engine in 2021. This engine will be installed in the upper stage of the Vega E, the successor to the current Vega C. The vehicle is expected to debut in 2026.

Additionally, in 2022, HyImpulse received USD 0.04 million grant from the British Space Agency to upgrade its engine testing capabilities at its Shetland facility. From the municipality of Baden-Württemberg, the company received a grant of USD 2.7 million and signed space launch services contracts with Astos Solutions, enGits, and the University of Stuttgart with DCUBED and in Orbit Aerospace Inc.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Antrix Corporation Limited (India)


• ArianeGroup SAS (France)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)


• China Great Wall Industry Corporation (China)


• United Launch Alliance (ULA) (U.S.)


• Space International Services (U.S.)


• Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Space X) (U.S.)


• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, LTD. (Japan)


• Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (U.S.)


• Eurockot Launch Service Provider (Germany)


• Blue Origin Enterprises, L.P. (U.S.)


• Spaceflight Industries (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2023: The European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission, and Proms Ventures have jointly proposed the Space Index to be launched, developed, and maintained by Euronext. It is the first European Space Index to measure the stock market performance of the region’s companies involved in the space sector.


• June 2022: Relativity Space signed a contract worth USD 1.2 billion with OneWeb to launch a space program for the 3D-printed rocket TerranR.


• November 2022: The Governments of France, Germany, and Italy signed an agreement on the future of launcher exploitation in Europe. This agreement would improve the competitiveness of European space launch vehicles while ensuring the region an independent access to space.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides qualitative and quantitative insights on the market and a detailed analysis of the Europe space launch services market size & growth rate. Along with the market forecast, the report provides an elaborative analysis of the market dynamics and competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of the number of procedures, price analysis of launch vehicles, regulatory scenario in key countries, pipeline analysis, new product launches, key industry developments – mergers, acquisitions & partnerships, and impact of COVID-19 on the market.

Report Scope & Segmentation