The satellite propulsion system market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• In the past few years, the satellite propulsion system market has experienced a rapid expansion. It is projected to increase from $5.05 billion in 2024 to $5.98 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.4%. The previous growth within this market is linked to early space exploration initiatives, chemical propulsion systems, advancements in miniaturization and efficiency, the evolution of electric propulsion and the expansion of mission extension services.
The Satellite Propulsion System market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• Forecasted to experience a significant expansion in the coming years, the market size of the satellite propulsion system is predicted to reach $11 billion in 2029, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.4%.
This prospective growth is due to several factors including increased small satellite deployments, advancements in electric propulsion technology, a growing interest in on-orbit services, the broadening of the earth observation market, and regulatory development in space traffic management. Key market trends to watch are heightened demand for in-space maneuverability, further improvements in electric propulsion, the increase in small satellite missions, satellite constellations deployment, and a focus on cost efficiency.
The advancement in space exploration research is anticipated to stimulate the market growth of satellite propulsion systems. The exploration of space entails observing and investigating cosmic bodies using constantly developing space technologies. Cutting-edge satellite propulsion systems have been instrumental in enhancing deep space exploration capabilities, offering options for both space travel and controlled landings. For example, as of January 2022, the Union of Concerned Scientists, a U.S- based nonprofit organization for science advocacy, reported a total of 5,465 active satellites, with an additional 703 satellites added in the year 2021. Moreover, in March 2022, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - a U.S- based independent entity in charge of civil space programs and aeronautics research, reported a 3% increase in their annual budget to approximately $24 billion, which provided $7.6 billion specifically for deep space exploration. Consequently, the surge in space exploration activities is catalyzing the market expansion of satellite propulsion systems.
The satellite propulsion system market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Chemical Propulsion, Electric Propulsion, Hybrid Propulsion, Other Types
2) By Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Beyond Geosynchronous Orbit
3) By Application: Commercial Use, Science And Environment, National Security And Military, Meteorology, Other Applications
Subsegments:
1) By Chemical Propulsion: Monomethyl Hydrazine (MMH), Hydrazine, Hypergolic Propellants, Solid Propellant Systems
2) By Electric Propulsion: Ion Thrusters, Hall Effect Thrusters, Pulsed Plasma Thrusters
3) By Hybrid Propulsion: Hybrid Rocket Motors, Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems
4) By Other Types: Cold Gas Thrusters, Green Propulsion Systems, Solar Sail Propulsion
Innovations in products are becoming increasingly prevalent in the satellite propulsion system market, a paramount trend that is gaining traction. Leading companies in this market are concentrating their efforts on producing cutting-edge technological solutions to solidify their standing. As an example, Valiant Space made a memorable impact in March 2024 when it launched its inaugural propulsion system, dubbed the Valiant VS-1 thruster. The successful launch, which used a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, was carried out aboard the Optimus Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV) of Space Machines Company's (SMC). This achievement is noteworthy as it's the premiere Australian bi-propellant propulsion system to reach this breakthrough, and was an integral part of the biggest Australian spacecraft ever to be launched.
Major companies operating in the satellite propulsion system market include:
• Airbus SAS
• Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc.
• Moog Inc.
• Busek Co Inc.
• Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited
• Exotrail SA
• ENPULSION GmbH
• Cobham Limited
• Ball Corporation
• The Boeing Company
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• OHB System AG
• Safran S A
• Thales Group
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• CU Aerospace
• Rocket Lab
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
• Ariane Group
• General Dynamics Mission Systems
• Blue Origin
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Bradford Space
• Sierra Nevada Corporation
• Clyde Space Ltd.
• Comtech AeroAstro Inc.
• Dawn Aerospace
• Deep Space Industries
• Firefly Aerospace
• General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
North America was the largest region in the satellite propulsion system market in 2024. The regions covered in the satellite propulsion system market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa