Space Launch Services Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Orbit Type (LEO, GEO, and Others), By Launch Vehicle (Small Lift Launch Vehicle, Medium Lift Launch Vehicle, and Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle), By Payload (Satellite, Cargo, Human Spacecraft, and Testing Probes), By End User (Civil & Military and Commercial), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global space launch services market size was valued at USD 4.28 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 4.91 billion in 2024 to USD 10.98 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period. North America dominated the space launch services market with a market share of 42.06% in 2023. Moreover, the space launch services market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 7480.1 million by 2030, the U.S. governmental norms in favor of launch services manufacturers propel the growth of the market size.

Space launch services refer to services offered by companies to assist in launching satellites, cargo, humans, or other payloads to Earth orbit or to deep space for interplanetary space exploration activities. The market was previously dominated by public entities across the globe. In the last two decades, with support from the government, private organizations in the U.S. space launch services market have developed their own low-cost launch vehicles. Prominent examples of such private players are SpaceX, Blue Origin, Orienspace Technology, and others. Such initiatives catalyze the growth of the U.S. space launch services market and the global market overall.

Innovations in reusable rocket technology, such as those developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin, are drastically reducing launch costs and increasing launch frequency, facilitating a new era of commercial space exploration and satellite deployment. For instance, in April 2024, NASA partnered with private companies to develop new space launch vehicles, aiming to reduce costs and increase launch frequency.

Moreover, 3D printed rocket engines or parts, reusable launch vehicle, spin launch, portable space launch vehicles, and others are the key technological developments which further propels the space launch service market across the globe. For instance, startups such as Relative Space, Agnikul, Skyroot Aerospace, JAXA, and others are developing 3D printed launch vehicles. In October 2023, Relative Space announced multiple launch services agreement with Intelsat. Such developments boost the market growth during forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the space launch services industry, especially in the areas of satellite launches, manned spacecraft, launch vehicles, space launch services, and post-launch services. For example, plans to launch the Landsat 9 satellite, a joint effort between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey, were hampered by the supply chain disruption due to COVID-19. In the first quarter of 2020, major companies such as Rocket Labs halted shipments until the end of 2020. Similarly, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) had proposed delaying the launch until 2022.

However, there has been an increased demand for space launch services post COVID-19 owing to major satellite constellation projects.

Space Launch Services Market Trends

Key Developments in 3D Printed Launch Vehicles Play a Major Role in Cost Reduction

Various public and private space organization across the globe are focused on adopting 3D printing technologies to manufacture and integrate launch ready space vehicle at a faster rate. 3D printing technologies, such as Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) can manufacture complex designs more accurately than traditional production processes. Furthermore, 3D printing speeds up the prototyping process by producing parts in hours. This allows the quick completion of each phase. Compared to prototyping, 3D printing makes design changes much more efficient as parts can be produced quickly and economically.

In March 2023, the first 3D printed launch vehicle, developed by Relative Space, was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Base, Florida, U.S. Nearly 85% of the parts were manufactured using 3D printing technology. Relative Space has claimed to develop launch vehicle from raw material in 60 days.

Furthermore, in August 2023, Ursa Major, a Rocket propulsion startup, received a funding of USD 1.2 million for a 3D printing manufacturing facility. The company claimed to reduce the delivery cycle from six months to one month using 3D printing compared to conventional methods.

Considering these developments, 3D printing will play a key role in meeting the rising space launch services demand for satellite constellation projects.

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Space Launch Services Market Growth Factors

Emergence of Private Space Organizations to Boost the Market Growth

Democratization of space industry has led to the implementation of new space policies across the globe to incubate startups in developing advanced and low cost technologies. For instance, in December 2023, the Indian government launched Space Policy 2023 which would encourage the active participation of non-government entities in space economy with support from Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). In addition, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has signed nearly 45 MoUs with NGEs to procure several space systems developed by such NGEs.

In December 2023, the Japanese government allocated more than USD 7 billion of funds to support space startups across the country. The country has aimed to double its space economy by the year 2030. Similar policy implementations have been witnessed across major countries such as China, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, UAE, U.K., U.S., and others. A majority of the startups aim to commercialize space-based services such as communication, navigation, remote sensing, earth observation, and others. Such services will require constellation of satellites which will proliferate the demand for space launch services across the globe.

Rising Satellite Constellation-based Services to Fuel the Market Growth

Satellite constellation-based services, especially satellite communication (SATCOM) services, from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is a major trend in the market. Communication services from LEO enable faster data transfer compared to data services from Geo Synchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). To provide continuous SATCOM services from LEO, these entities would require numerous satellites or satellite constellation in LEO. For instance, under the Starlink initiative, SpaceX has launched more than 5,000 satellites to provide seamless SATCOM services. In January 2024, SpaceX launched 21 satellites from California. Similarly, Amazon, Hughes, Hanwha Systems, LaserFleet, One Web, UNIO, and others are also planning to launch satellite constellations to provide SATCOM services.

Furthermore, the use of satellite constellations for IoT and M2M services is another prominent trend in the market. For instance, In December 2019, E-Space has planned to launch nearly 1,000 satellites to provide internet, IoT, M2M and space debris removal services. Sateliot, GeeSAT, Galaxy Space, and SatRev to name a few, are other emerging startups with upcoming satellite constellation launches. Such developments will proliferate the space launch services market share.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rise in Space Debris to Hamper Space Launch Services Demand

Objects in orbit around the Earth that are no longer useful are called orbital debris. Non-functioning spaceships, mission-related junk, abandoned launcher stages, and fragmented debris are examples of orbital debris. This debris can travel at speeds of up to 17,500 miles per hour. This velocity is fast enough for relatively small particles to damage satellites and spacecraft. The rising volumes of space debris pose a major threat to all spacecraft including the International Space Station. Such factors might become a major setback for the space launch services market growth.

In October 2023, the U.S. government imposed a fine of USD 150,000 on Dish Network, a U.S. based satellite Television Company due to dish network left one of its decommissioned satellites floating too low in space, and now it's being fined by federal regulators. Hence, the rising threat of space debris may hamper the space launch services market.

Space Launch Services Market Segmentation Analysis

By Orbit Type Analysis

LEO Segment Dominated the Market Owing to Rising Number of Satellite Launch in Low Earth Orbit

Based on orbit type, the market is segmented into LEO, GEO, and others.

The LEO segment dominated the market and is estimated to be the fastest growing during forecast period. This is owing to the rising number of satellite launches in LEO. Today, there are more than 2,500 active satellites around Earth, and more are seen by amateur astronomers and other observers every month. Historically, satellite communications involved geosynchronous (GEO) spacecraft, large systems that have become increasingly powerful over the years. Now, however, non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) communications constellations, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, are taking to the skies, and the number may soon grow. For instance, In December 2023, under project Kuiper, Amazon has planned to launch more than 3,200 satellite to LEO.

The GEO segment is estimated to grow significantly owing to rising demand for regional communication satellites. GEO satellites have been serving humanity for more than 50 years, and currently there are more than 400 satellites operating in geosynchronous orbit 35,786 kilometers above the Earth's equator. For instance, in November 2023, China launched ChinaSat-6E communications satellite to GEO.

By Launch Vehicle Analysis

Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle Dominated the Market Owing to Rising Ride Share Space Launch Mission

By launch vehicle, the market is divided into small lift launch vehicle, medium lift launch vehicle, and heavy lift launch vehicle.

The heavy lift launch vehicle segment dominated the market owing to increased number of ride share missions across the globe. For instance, in November 2023, SpaceX launched 90 satellites in a rideshare mission.

The small lift launch vehicle segment is estimated to be the fastest growing owing to lower cost and quick availability of facilities. Many startups and space organizations are developing small lift launch vehicles to meet the frequent demand for launch in short duration.

By End User Analysis

Commercial Segment Dominated the Market Owing to Rising Space-Based Commercial Services

By end user, the market is divided into commercial and civil & military.

The commercial segment dominated the market and is estimated to be the fastest growing market owing to rising space-based commercial services offered by private organizations.

For instance, in February 2024, India plans to launch up to 30 launches over 15 months, indicating a significant increase in both civilian and commercial launch activity. The launch plans are a mix of scientific, commercial, user-funded, and technical demonstration missions. In the last quarter of the financial year 2023-24 and in the financial year 2024-25. Seven test launches are under the auspices of India's Gaganyaan space flight project and another nine under the auspices of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

The civil & military segment is estimated to grow notably owing to increased demand from defense organization for space based communication and surveillance applications. Recent developments in tracking of hypersonic missiles through satellite will further proliferate this segment.

By Payload Analysis

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Satellite Segment Dominated the Market Due to High Demand for Small Communication Satellites and Surveillance Systems

Based on payload, the market is categorized into satellite, cargo, human spacecraft, and testing probes.

The satellite segment dominated the market owing to increased number of satellite launches across the globe. For instance, in March 2023, SpaceX launched 23 more Starlink Internet satellites from California in the second phase of the space flight. The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink spacecraft has lifted off from Vandenberg Space Base. It was the second Starlink mission in just over four hours; the company previously launched 23 broadband platforms from Florida's Space Coast.

The human spacecraft segment is estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period due to increased manned space missions and space tourism. The development of country specific space stations will also propel the market of this segment. For instance, in October 2023, China launched manned space mission, Shenzhou-17 spacecraft, with three astronauts toward Tiangogn space station.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

In terms of region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

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The North America market was valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2023. The dominant growth in this region is due to the rising adoption of private launch services for commercial purposes. SpaceX and Blue Origin are the prominent private players in the North America market.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to be fastest growing during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for space launches for telecommunications, communication satellites, and surveillance applications from China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The private space industry is also focusing on developing low-cost launch vehicles, further enhancing the market progress.

The Europe market will experience significant growth during the forecast timeframe due to increased demand for advanced satellites. In November 2023, Ariane Group announced to launch a new Ariane 6 by the mid-2024. The development of this new launch vehicle will assist European nations in reducing dependency on Russia for space launch services. Such important developments are driving the growth of the space launch services industry in this region.

The market in the Middle East will witness substantial growth in the future. The rising demand for investments in the space industry is a major factor expanding the regional market size. Countries, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, are investing in space technologies for commercial and defense applications.

The Latin America market is anticipated to witness moderate growth in the market during the forecast period. The rising number of space launch service contracts in countries, such as Brazil and Argentina, are projected to boost the market growth in the region. For example, in July 2022, Alya Nanosatellites Constellation E.O., a pioneer in the Brazilian space sector, and Vaya Space, Inc., a hybrid vortex rocket launcher and emerging leader in sustainable access to space, signed a long-term space launch services contract. The contract was signed for the placement of nanosatellite constellation in the orbit.

Key Companies in Space Launch Services Industry

Technological Advances and Collaborations by Key Players to Boost the Market Growth

The global market is growing at a substantial pace due to the presence of key market players such as Antrix Corporation Limited, Ariane Group, United Launch Alliance, SpaceX, and Roscosmos. Per-kg launch cost is an important aspect in the market to gain competitive advantage. Other factors, such as technological advances and collaborations, will help companies reduce overall cost and acquire more rideshare missions.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Antrix Corporation Limited (India)


• ArianeGroup SAS (France)


• Rocket Lab (U.S.)


• United Launch Alliance (U.S.)


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


• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, LTD. (Japan)


• Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (U.S.)


• Roscosmos (Russia)


• NASA (U.S.)


• Jaxa (Japan)


• CNSA (China)


• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In July 2023, Land Space, a private Chinese company developed and launched the world's first methane liquid oxygen rocket into orbit. The Suzaku-2 rocket took off from the Jiuquan satellite launch center in northwestern China at 9 am, completing its flight.


• In March 2023, OneWeb, announced the successful deployment and contact of 36 satellites launched by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, India. The launch took place on Sunday, 26^th March 2023, at 9:00 am local time.


• In February 2023, Montreal-based GHGSat Inc., planned to launch the world's first commercial carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring satellite in the fourth quarter of this year to more accurately measure emissions from industrial pollutants. THe GHGSat-C10, currently under construction, would use the same patented sensor technology the company uses for its methane detection satellites.


• In January 2023, Japan's National Space Policy Office signed an agreement with the U.S. Space Force to carry two optical sensor payloads on Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, QZSS. The first sensor flew on QZS-6 and the second on QZS-7 and would be launched in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The optical sensors were developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory under a 2019 U.S. Air Force contract.


• In November 2022, the U.S. Space Force announced that it had ordered three GPS-3F satellites from Lockheed Martin for USD 744 million. The Space Force exercised a fourth contract option granted to Lockheed Martin in 2018 under a USD 7.2 billion contract for up to 22 satellites.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Space Launch Services Market

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The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It comprises all major aspects such as key players, contracts, and others. Moreover, the report offers insights into the market trends and primarily highlights the key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, it mainly focuses on several factors that have contributed to the global market growth in recent years.

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