On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Market Worth $5.1 Billion by 2030: Report
The global On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Market, valued at $2.4 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $5.1 billion by 2030; registering a CAGR of 11.5 percent during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Increasing aging satellite constellations, need for satellite refueling are driving the growth of the on-orbit satellite servicing market.
Active debris removal (ADR) technologies can be used to capture and remove space debris from orbit, either by deorbiting it back to Earth or by moving it to a graveyard orbit where it will not pose a risk to another spacecraft. There are several different approaches to ADR, including using robotic arms, nets, tethers, and harpoons to capture and remove debris.
The benefits of active debris removal include reducing the risk of collisions between spacecraft and debris, reducing the amount of space debris in orbit, and improving the overall safety and sustainability of space operations. However, ADR is a complex and challenging undertaking, requiring advanced technologies and significant resources. It also raises legal and ethical questions, such as who is responsible for cleaning up space debris and how to prevent the creation of new debris in the future.
GEO Segment Expected to Lead the On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Market
The Geostationary Orbit (GEO) segment is projected to lead the market during the forecast period. On-orbit servicing allows for repairs and maintenance to be performed on satellites in GEO, which can help address unexpected failures or problems. This can provide greater flexibility and resilience to the satellite operator's network. On-orbit servicing can contribute to the long-term sustainability of space operations by reducing the amount of space debris that is generated from the launch and disposal of new satellites.
The North America region is expected to lead the On-Orbit Satellite Servicing industry in 2023. Canada is an emerging market, with companies such as MDA Space Ltd. and Canadensis Aerospace developing advanced robotic servicing technologies. In November 2020, MDA was awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency to develop a robotic servicing vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS).
Furthermore, the increasing use of small satellites and constellations in North America is expected to drive the demand for on-orbit satellite servicing, as these satellites require more frequent maintenance and upgrades to ensure optimal performance.
Major players operating in the on-orbit satellite servicing market include Maxar Technologies (US), Astroscale Holdings Inc. (Japan), SpaceLogistics LLC (US), Airbus SE (Netherlands), and Thales Alenia Space (France) among others. These companies have well-equipped manufacturing facilities and strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
(Source: MarketsandMarkets news release. Infographic provided, Image from file)