Orbital Waste Disposal Global Market Report 2025

Orbital Waste Disposal Market Overview

• Orbital Waste Disposal market size has reached to $0.46 billion in 2024

• Expected to grow to $1.38 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.7%

• Growth Driver: Rising Satellite Launches Fueling The Growth Of The Market Due To Increasing Space Traffic And Debris Management Needs

• Market Trend: Advancing Orbital Debris Removal Through Autonomous Rendezvous And Proximity Operations

• North America was the largest region in 2024 and Asia-Pacific and Europe is the fastest growing region.

What Is Covered Under Orbital Waste Disposal Market?

Orbital waste disposal refers to the methods and technologies used to manage, remove, or mitigate space debris and defunct satellites from Earth's orbit to prevent collisions and maintain a safe space environment. This practice is critical for ensuring long-term orbital sustainability and reducing risks to space missions amid growing congestion in low-Earth orbit.

The main service type of orbital waste disposal are debris removal, satellite deorbiting, and spacecraft disposal. Debris removal involves the active identification, capture, and elimination of space debris from Earth’s orbit. This uses advanced technologies such as robotic arms, laser-based systems, and tether mechanisms. These services are utilized across various sectors, including government agencies, commercial operators, defense organizations, and others.

What Is The Orbital Waste Disposal Market Size 2025 And Growth Rate?

The orbital waste disposal market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $0.46 billion in 2024 to $0.57 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in commercial aviation, increased demand for passenger comfort, early adoption in luxury vehicles, development of precision sensors and rise in industrial automation.

What’s The Trade War Impact On Aerospace And Defense Industry?

The sharp hike in U.S. tariffs and the associated trade disputes in spring 2025 are notably impacting the aerospace and defense sector by raising costs for titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics materials largely sourced from global suppliers. Defense contractors, locked into fixed-price government contracts, absorb these added costs, while commercial aerospace firms face airline pushback on higher aircraft prices. Delays in component shipments due to customs bottlenecks further disrupt tight production schedules for jets and satellites. The industry is responding by stockpiling critical materials, seeking waivers for defense-related imports, and collaborating with allied nations to diversify supply chain.

How is the Orbital Waste Disposal Market Segmented?

1) By Service Type: Debris Removal, Satellite Deorbiting, Spacecraft Disposal

2) By Technology: Robotic Systems, Laser Systems, Tether Systems, Other Technologies

3) By End-User: Government, Commercial, Defense, Others End-Users

Subsegments:

1) By Debris Removal: Robotic Arm Systems, Harpoon-based Systems, Net-based Systems, Laser Ablation Systems

2) By Satellite Deorbiting: Controlled Re-entry Systems, Uncontrolled Re-entry Systems, Propulsion-based Systems, Tether-based Deorbiting

3) By Spacecraft Disposal: In-orbit Recycling, Controlled Burn-up Re-entry, Deep Space Disposal, Graveyard Orbit Relocation

What Is Driving The Orbital Waste Disposal Market? Rising Satellite Launches Fueling The Growth Of The Market Due To Increasing Space Traffic And Debris Management Needs

The rising satellite launches are expected to propel the growth of the orbital waste disposal market going forward. A satellite is a man-made device orbiting a planet to support communication, observation, or research activities. Satellite launches are increasing due to the rising demand for global connectivity and data services. Satellites are used in orbital waste disposal by tracking space debris and deploying technologies to capture, redirect, or deorbit defunct objects. For instance, in September 2022, according to the Government Accountability Office, a US-based government agency, as of spring 2022, there are nearly 5,500 active satellites in orbit, with projections suggesting the launch of an additional 58,000 by 2030. Therefore, the rising satellite launches is driving the growth of the orbital waste disposal market.

What Is Driving The Orbital Waste Disposal Market? Rising Satellite Launches Fueling The Growth Of The Market Due To Increasing Space Traffic And Debris Management Needs

The rising satellite launches are expected to propel the growth of the orbital waste disposal market going forward. A satellite is a man-made device orbiting a planet to support communication, observation, or research activities. Satellite launches are increasing due to the rising demand for global connectivity and data services. Satellites are used in orbital waste disposal by tracking space debris and deploying technologies to capture, redirect, or deorbit defunct objects. For instance, in September 2022, according to the Government Accountability Office, a US-based government agency, as of spring 2022, there are nearly 5,500 active satellites in orbit, with projections suggesting the launch of an additional 58,000 by 2030. Therefore, the rising satellite launches is driving the growth of the orbital waste disposal industry.

Who Are The Major Players In The Global Orbital Waste Disposal Market?

Major Companies operating in the orbital waste disposal market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus SE, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, Maxar Technologies, MDA Ltd., Rocket Lab USA Inc., Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Astroscale Holdings Inc., Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, ClearSpace SA, D-Orbit S.p.A, Starfish Space, Slingshot Aerospace Inc., Bellatrix Aerospace, Kall Morris Inc., Paladin Space Pty Ltd, Kurs Orbital S.r.l, Aviosonic Space Tech

Who Are The Major Players In The Global Orbital Waste Disposal Market?

Major Companies operating in the orbital waste disposal market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus SE, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, Maxar Technologies, MDA Ltd., Rocket Lab USA Inc., Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Astroscale Holdings Inc., Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, ClearSpace SA, D-Orbit S.p.A, Starfish Space, Slingshot Aerospace Inc., Bellatrix Aerospace, Kall Morris Inc., Paladin Space Pty Ltd, Kurs Orbital S.r.l, Aviosonic Space Tech

What Are The Key Trends Of The Global Orbital Waste Disposal Market? Advancing Orbital Debris Removal Through Autonomous Rendezvous And Proximity Operations

Major companies operating in the orbital waste disposal market are focusing on technological advancements such as rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), to enable precise debris identification, enhance safe removal capabilities, and support the long-term sustainability of satellite operations and orbital environments. Rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) refer to a set of maneuvers and activities conducted by spacecraft to approach, operate near, and sometimes interact with other space objects. For instance, in February 2024, Astroscale Holdings Inc., a Japan-based space technology company, launched the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) mission, a pioneering demonstration designed to approach, inspect, and characterize large orbital debris, supporting future debris removal and orbital sustainability initiatives. This innovative orbital waste disposal system features autonomous navigation, precision debris characterization, and real-time situational awareness, enabling it to safely identify, assess, and support the removal of hazardous space debris to ensure a sustainable orbital environment. The Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) mission is highly adaptable, enabling the safe inspection and assessment of various types of space debris by leveraging advanced autonomous navigation and imaging technologies for enhanced orbital sustainability.

What Are The Key Trends Of The Global Orbital Waste Disposal Market? Advancing Orbital Debris Removal Through Autonomous Rendezvous And Proximity Operations

Major companies operating in the orbital waste disposal market are focusing on technological advancements such as rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), to enable precise debris identification, enhance safe removal capabilities, and support the long-term sustainability of satellite operations and orbital environments. Rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) refer to a set of maneuvers and activities conducted by spacecraft to approach, operate near, and sometimes interact with other space objects. For instance, in February 2024, Astroscale Holdings Inc., a Japan-based space technology company, launched the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) mission, a pioneering demonstration designed to approach, inspect, and characterize large orbital debris, supporting future debris removal and orbital sustainability initiatives. This innovative orbital waste disposal system features autonomous navigation, precision debris characterization, and real-time situational awareness, enabling it to safely identify, assess, and support the removal of hazardous space debris to ensure a sustainable orbital environment. The Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) mission is highly adaptable, enabling the safe inspection and assessment of various types of space debris by leveraging advanced autonomous navigation and imaging technologies for enhanced orbital sustainability.

What Are Latest Mergers And Acquisitions In The Orbital Waste Disposal Market? Oneweb Partners With Astroscale Ltd. To Advance Space Debris Removal And Sustainability

In May 2022, OneWeb Communications Ltd., a UK-based telecommunications company, partnered with Astroscale Ltd. to develop and demonstrate new spacecraft technology for active debris removal in low Earth orbit, aiming to safeguard the satellite economy and promote space sustainability. This partnership boost space sustainability by developing debris removal technology that ensures safer satellite operations, extends spacecraft lifespans, and supports the growing satellite economy with reliable end-of-life services. Astroscale Ltd. is a UK-based aerospace company that specializes in satellite servicing and space debris mitigation.

What Are Latest Mergers And Acquisitions In The Orbital Waste Disposal Market? Oneweb Partners With Astroscale Ltd. To Advance Space Debris Removal And Sustainability

In May 2022, OneWeb Communications Ltd., a UK-based telecommunications company, partnered with Astroscale Ltd. to develop and demonstrate new spacecraft technology for active debris removal in low Earth orbit, aiming to safeguard the satellite economy and promote space sustainability. This partnership boost space sustainability by developing debris removal technology that ensures safer satellite operations, extends spacecraft lifespans, and supports the growing satellite economy with reliable end-of-life services. Astroscale Ltd. is a UK-based aerospace company that specializes in satellite servicing and space debris mitigation.

What Is The Regional Outlook For The Global Orbital Waste Disposal Market?

North America was the largest region in the orbital waste disposal market in 2024. Asia-Pacific and Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the orbital waste disposal market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the orbital waste disposal market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

What Is The Regional Outlook For The Global Orbital Waste Disposal Market?

North America was the largest region in the orbital waste disposal market in 2024. Asia-Pacific and Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in this market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in this market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

What Defines the Orbital Waste Disposal Market?

The orbital waste disposal market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as detection, tracking, and active removal. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

What Defines the Orbital Waste Disposal Market?

The orbital waste disposal market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as detection, tracking, and active removal. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

How is Market Value Defined and Measured?

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

How is Market Value Defined and Measured?

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

What is the Market Assessment and Strategic Outlook for the Orbital Waste Disposal Industry?

The orbital waste disposal market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides orbital waste disposal market statistics, including the orbital waste disposal industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the orbital waste disposal market share, detailed orbital waste disposal market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the orbital waste disposal market. This orbital waste disposal market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

What is the Market Assessment and Strategic Outlook for the Orbital Waste Disposal Industry?

The orbital waste disposal market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides market statistics, including the orbital waste disposal industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the market share, detailed market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the orbital waste disposal market. This orbital waste disposal market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.