Market Insights
“The global satellite propulsion market is expected to grow from USD 3.08 billion in 2024 to USD 6.18 billion by 2030, at a healthy CAGR of 12.48% during 2025-2030.”
Market Dynamics
Introduction:
Satellite propulsion refers to the technologies used to control satellites across space to maintain their orbit, alter their orbits, control orientation, avoid collisions, or deorbit following a mission. They involve chemical, electric, and other propulsion technologies, each appropriate for specific mission needs. Efficient propulsion is essential for maximizing satellite lifespan, guaranteeing mission accuracy, and facilitating the increasing demand for satellite positioning accuracy in space missions. The growth of the satellite propulsion market is driven by the growing demand for LEO-based services and the growing investments in space exploration programs by government agencies and the private sector.
Market Drivers:
Growth in Satellite Launches for Communication and Earth Observation Services
The rise in satellite launches for communication and Earth observation services is strongly driving the growth of the satellite propulsion market. For instance, as of 2025, there are 12,149 operational active satellites in various Earth orbits. It is predicted that on average, 2,800 satellites will be launched every year between 2023-2032, which in turn fosters the demand for satellite communication systems. Such satellites necessitate accurate orbital placement and long-term station-keeping capability, which calls for reliable and efficient propulsion systems. Moreover, the growing need for high-resolution imaging and global connectivity is pushing the evolution of propulsion systems to improve satellite maneuverability and mission duration.
Market Challenges:
Supply Chain Management Challenges
Supply chain disruptions pose a significant challenge to the satellite propulsion market due to the reliance on highly specialized components like thrusters and propellant tanks, which require precise manufacturing and stringent quality controls. Limited supplier availability increases vulnerability to shortages and production delays. Furthermore, strict regulatory requirements and certification procedures add complexity, as any deviations or delays necessitate thorough reevaluation and testing, extending project timelines. Thus, these factors hinder private-public collaboration, restrict technological innovation, and disrupt the overall supply chain for satellite propulsion systems.
Recent Product Development/News:
- In December 2024, Dawn Aerospace (New Zealand) revealed that it has been chosen by Infinite Orbits (France) to supply one of the propulsion systems on the 'Endurance' mission, which is France and Europe's first satellite servicing mission in Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
- In February 2024, France's Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between France’s Thales and Italy’s Leonardo, contracted the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) to supply an electric propulsion system for the inclusion of its GEO-KOMPSAT-3 (GK3) satellite.
Market Segments' Analysis
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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High-Growth Opportunity
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Propulsion Technology Analysis
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Chemical, Electric, and Other Technologies
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Electric Propulsion segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period.
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Platform Analysis
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Small, Medium, and Large
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Large Satellites segment is projected to have the highest growth rate during the forecast period.
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System Analysis
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Thrusters, Propellant Feed Systems, and Power Processing Units
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Power Processing Units segment is projected to account for the largest share of the satellite propulsion market during the forecast period.
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End-User Analysis
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Commercial, Government & Civil, and Defense
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Commercial segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period.
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Regional Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World
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North America is expected to be the dominant and fastest-growing region over the forecasted period.
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By Propulsion Technology Type
“Electric Propulsion segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period.”
The satellite propulsion market is segmented by propulsion technology into chemical, electric, and other technologies. The Electric Propulsion segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, driven by its efficiency, longer mission durations, and lower propellant requirements. Electric propulsion is particularly well suited for small satellites and LEO constellations, where weight and volume are essential considerations. Moreover, advancements in power generation, miniaturization, and reducing costs has enabled electric systems to be used more competently in commercial, scientific, and defense missions.
By End-User Type
“Commercial Segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period.”
The satellite propulsion market is segmented by end-user type into commercial, government & civil, and defense. The commercial Segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, driven by the growing demand for satellite-based internet and communication services in remote areas. Furthermore, the growing use of satellites in commercial applications like monitoring climate change, agriculture, and resource mapping applications is driving the demand and growth of the satellite propulsion market.
Regional Analysis
“North America is expected to be the dominant and fastest-growing region over the forecasted period.”
Based on region, the satellite propulsion market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the world. North America is expected to be the dominant and fastest-growing region over the forecasted period, supported by high investments from governments in space research and exploration and rising advancements in propulsion technologies within the region. The rise of commercial space activities, coupled with rising public-private collaborations, is also driving the adoption of advanced satellite technologies. Moreover, growing investments by the government and military, especially by entities like NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, in defense and surveillance propulsion technologies are pushing the demand for satellite propulsion systems.
Key Players
Most of the major players compete in some of the factors, including price, service offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the Satellite Propulsion Market -
- Northrop Grumman
- Orbion Space Technology
- L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
- Safran Group
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- VACCO Industries Inc.
- Thales Group
- Airbus SE
- Boeing
- Moog Inc.
Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.
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Report Features
This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept so that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:
- Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
- Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
- Market trend and forecast analysis.
- Market segment trend and forecast.
- Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
- COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve.
- Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
- Emerging trends.
- Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
- Key success factors.
The Satellite Propulsion Market is segmented into the following categories.
Satellite Propulsion Market, by Propulsion Technology Type
- Chemical (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Electric (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Satellite Propulsion Market, by Platform Type
- Small Satellites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Medium Satellites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Large Satellites (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Satellite Propulsion Market, by System Type
- Thrusters (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Propellant Feed Systems (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Power Processing Units (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Satellite Propulsion Market, by End-User Type
- Commercial (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Government & Civil (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Defense (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Satellite Propulsion Market, by Region
- North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
- Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, Italy, The UK, and Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
- Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Others)
Research Methodology
- This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s Satellite Propulsion market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period.
- The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner in order to provide a panoramic view of the market.
- The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants and investors in identifying the low-hanging fruits available in the market and formulating growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
- This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
- More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
- We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.
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Company Profiling
- Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
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Competitive Benchmarking
- Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances
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