Space Launch Services Market Forecast to Grow to $32.41 Billion Globally by 2027
A rise in government investment in space exploration activities, along with a surge in demand for commercial non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) space launches, and an increase in satellite launches are expected to propel the growth of the global space launch services market. However, high initial investment and issues related to interoperability hinder the market growth. On the other hand, R&D activities related to price reduction for space launch services with innovations and space tourism create new opportunities in the coming years.
The data is in a new report from Allied Market Research titled, "Space Launch Services Market by Payload (Satellite, Human Spaceflight, Cargo, Testing Probes, and Stratollite), Launch Platform (Land, Air, and Sea), Service Type (Pre-Launch and Post-Launch), Launch Vehicle (Small [Less than 300 ton] and Heavy [Above 300 ton]), and End-User (Government & Military and Commercial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020–2027." According to the report, the global space launch services industry garnered $9.88 billion in 2019, and is estimated to reach $32.41 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 15.7%from 2020 to 2027.
The satellite segment is forecast to maintain its dominance in terms of revenue by 2027. Based on payload, the satellite segment accounted for the highest market share in 2019, holding more than half of the global space launch services market, and is expected to maintain its dominance in terms of revenue during the forecast period. This is attributed to its commercial usage in communication and earth observation to achieve accuracy & relevancy of data. However, the strotallite segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 70.5% from 2020 to 2027, owing to its ability to stay in the space for long durations and ongoing innovations.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, space launches have not been affected much, according to a report from the Space Foundation. For the first half of 20202, from January 1 to June 30, the number of space launches was 41, which is so close to the five-year average of 43 at the same time of the year.
However, some of the crucial launches have been postponed due to unavailability of significant resources. Owing to lockdown restrictions, the industries that supplied vital components were closed down.
Based on launch platform, the land segment contributed to more than 90% of the global space launch services market in 2019, and is estimated to maintain its lion's share throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to cost-effectiveness and technologically advanced platforms in comparison to other platforms. Moreover, the sea segment would witness the largest CAGR of 16.9% during the forecast period. This is due to increased R&D activities and developments to develop sea platforms as an alternative to land.
The U.S. accounted for nearly two-fifths of the global space launch services market in 2019, and is expected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Moreover, this segment would grow at the highest CAGR of 17.2% from 2020 to 2027. This is due to the focus of manufacturers on business expansion and surge in government spending on satellites and space exploration activities. The research also analyzes regions including Russia, other European countries, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and Rest of the World.
Leading market players include:
Antrix Corporation Ltd.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SPACEX)
AIRBUS S.A.S (Arianespace)
Safran (Arianespace)
The Boeing Company (United Launch Alliance)
Lockheed Martin Corp. (United Launch Alliance)
Rocket Lab USA
S7 Space (Sea Launch)
Starsem
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corp.
(Source: Allied Market Research news release. Image from file)