U.S. 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

The U.S. space launch services market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.7% during the forecast period. Technological developments in space launch vehicles by public & private space agencies across the U.S. have increased the demand for space launch services. SpaceX has emerged as a prominent player to provide economical space launch services. Rising investments in space technologies from the U.S. government and various private entities, such as Blue Origin and SpaceX, are expected to catalyze the U.S. space launch services market growth.

LATEST TRENDS

Development of Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ships to Boost Market Progress

An Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship (ASDS) is a barge-derived ocean-going vessel with fixed engines and a large landing platform, which is autonomously piloted when arriving at a station for landing. The construction of such ships would enable first-stage sea rescue of launch vehicles for missions that do not contain enough fuel to return to the launch site after the spacecraft has entered the orbit or interplanetary orbit.

Such drone ships were adopted and implemented by SpaceX to facilitate first-stage recovery of the launch vehicle at sea. Such developments are anticipated to boost the market for space launch services.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rise in Small Satellite Launches to Boost Market Growth

Small satellites can handle a rocket's surplus capacity and reach the orbit as a secondary payload. The relatively low cost of secondary payloads made access to space possible, but this advantage was often negated by primary payload schedule and trajectory constraints. Small satellites are now being launched by small rockets, such as those at Electron's Rocket Lab in California, but large rockets are also launching an increasing number of small satellites.

In January 2021, SpaceX's exclusive small satellite transporter, Transporter 1, launched a record 143 spacecraft into orbit, while Transporter 2 launched 85 payloads in June. But even when jointly launched, new services will allow small satellites to have custom orbits. Such developments are expected to boost the U.S. space launch services market share.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost Associated with Investment in Space Launch Services May Hamper Market Growth

Space launch service providers must invest heavily to support the infrastructure required for space launches. Additionally, the maintenance cost and activities involved in space launches require specific preparations and are costlier. This has caused the launch service cost to range from USD 1 million to 100 million. This makes it difficult for service providers to survive in the market and keep up with their competitors, thereby restraining the market progress.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of competitive landscape, the U.S. market depicts the presence of established players. These include United Launch Alliance, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Space X), Blue Origin Enterprises, L.P., National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others.

NASA has its own space launch service program or LSP, which is responsible for launching unscrewed rockets delivering spacecraft for the purpose of earth observation. Additionally, various major players in the country are focused on increasing their investments for space launches. In September 2022, NASA awarded contracts to 13 companies to provide space launch services for the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions.

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: 

• November 2022 – Rocket Lab received USD 14 million-worth contract to supply satellite separation systems to the company to support space agency's tranche 1 transport layer.


• August 2022 – NASA announced that it awarded Elon Musk's SpaceX five more astronaut missions, signing a contract worth another USD 1.4 billion for the company. The additional flights fall under NASA's Commercial Crew Space Program, which moves astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station.


• September 2021 – Rocket Lab USA was awarded a USD 24.35 million contract to develop the upper stage for the Neutron rocket. The contract was awarded by Launch Enterprise, Space Systems Command (SSC) of the U.S. Space Force.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The U.S. space launch services market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects, such as an overview of the technological advancements, market dynamics, key trend analysis, such as mergers, partnerships, & acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the market. Besides this, the report offers insights into the latest market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, it encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation