Small Launch Vehicle (SLV) Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Payload (Upto 100 Kg, 100 Kg ,500 Kg, 500 Kg ,1,000 Kg, and Above 1,000 Kg), By Platform (Land, Air, and Sea), By Propulsion (Solid and Liquid), By End User (Commercial, Government, and Military), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Small launch vehicles (SLVs) are defined as those which have the capacity to carry a payload less than 2,000 Kg to the lower earth orbit (LEO). SLVs are used for deploying satellites in the LEO, such as communication, remote sensing, and other nanosats and small satellites. The global small launch vehicle market size is poised to expand at a significant CAGR over the study period.

A small launch vehicle is primary used for carrying light and medium payload, such as nanosats and small satellites, to the lower Earth orbit. An SLV can be launched from land, sea, or air. For instance, Northrop Grumman Corporation was the first firm to provide aerial SLV launches, while Sea Launch was a multinational firm that provided orbital launches from sea. Launches from land stations are most common due to their simplicity compared to other platforms.

The SLV market is driven by the increasing demand for satellites in the low earth orbit, which subsequently creates demand for small launch vehicles. SLVs prove to be an efficient way of launching a constellation of satellites into the orbit, and the introduction of reusable rockets has further bolstered demand.

A major restraint towards the growth of the nanosats is the cost associated with the launch of these SLVs. It is due to the expensive nature of the industry that many nations are still not investing into the market. The uncertainty in the success of the SLV further hampers market growth.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Global SLV Market:

COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, and kept the world in its grip for almost half the year. The pandemic affected many nations, which subsequently led to nation-wide lockdowns in many places. Supply-chain disruptions led to a decrease in production and more financial losses. The space industry was also severely affected by the pandemic. Several launches were delayed, and the demand for SLVs went down. Travel restrictions also affected the production and slowed down the research and development of the technology. Overall, the pandemic had a negative impact on the small launch vehicle market.

The global small launch vehicle market is segmented into three broad categories- by payload, by platform, and by end user. Based on the payload, the market is divided into 10 kg – 100 kg, 100 kg – 500 kg, 500 kg – 1,000 kg, and above 1,000 kg.  Based on propulsion type the market is segmented into solid and liquid. Based on the platform, the market is divided into land, air, and sea. Based on the end user, the market is trifurcated into commercial, government, and military. Based on the region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

Key Insights:

The report will describe the following key insights:

• The report analyzes a detailed small launch vehicle industry overview, including qualitative and quantitative information.


• The report analyzes an overview and forecast of the global small launch vehicle market based on various segments.


• The report also analyzes comprehensive PEST analysis for all four regions, i.e. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and rest of the world, after evaluating economic, social, political, and technological factors affecting the global Small Launch Vehicle market in these regions.

Regional Analysis:

North America is the biggest contributor towards the growth of the small launch vehicle market. The region sees a high demand for SLVs owing to the satellite constellation launches by many private firms. Major players such as SpaceX and Blue Origin LLC are present in the region, which further aids the research and development of the SLV technology.

Asia Pacific is projected to grow the fastest in the upcoming years. The region is witnessing an increasing number of satellites launches into the orbit every year, due to investments by nations like India, China, South Korea, and others in communication and remote sensing satellites. Growing technological developments in the small launch vehicle by agencies such as ISRO and CASC is also boosting market growth in the region. Multiple independent players are also emerging in the region, which further helps the growth of the market.

Key Players Covered:

• Northrop Grumman Corporation


• Rocket Lab Inc.


• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)


• SpaceX


• Blue Origin LLC


• Boeing


• Arianespace SA


• ABL Space Systems

Small Launch Vehicle Market Segmentation:

Key Industry Developments:

• In March 2023, Avio SPA received more than USD 300 Million in funding from the Italian government for the development of a prototype small launch vehicle and a larger methane-fueled rocket engine. The firm will develop a small launch vehicle using methane-oxygen engines, and will be able to carry a payload of up to 200 Kgs to LEO.


• In March 2023, Rocket Lab Inc. successfully launched two spacecraft to lower Earth orbit for Capella Space on board its Electron rocket. This was the rocket’s 34^th flight, and the rocket successfully deployed two 100 Kg class satellites. Electron is one of the most prolific and dedicated small launch vehicle globally.