Space Sensors and Actuators Market Report 2026

The space sensors and actuators market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $8.47 billion in 2025 to $9.98 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing deployment of satellites for communication services, early adoption of basic attitude and orbit control technologies, increased government investments in space research programs, rising need for environmental and earth observation satellites, initial integration of sensor miniaturization in spacecraft systems.

The space sensors and actuators market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $18.55 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of commercial space missions and constellations, advancements in high-precision sensors and actuators for autonomous satellite operations, increasing demand for real-time navigation and positioning capabilities, rising adoption of ai-enabled sensing and control systems, growing need for robust sensors and actuators to support deep space and interplanetary missions. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of miniaturized sensors for small satellite platforms, rising use of advanced radiation-hardened components in space missions, growing integration of high-precision actuators for deep-space navigation, advancements in thermal and environmental sensing technologies for harsh space conditions, expansion of sensor-aided autonomous attitude and orbit control solutions.

The increasing frequency of satellite launches is driving the growth of the space sensors and actuators market. Over time, the number of satellites placed into orbit has expanded significantly to collect essential data for various purposes, including communications, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), Earth imaging, climate and environmental monitoring, and scientific research. These satellites rely on sensors and actuators to provide feedback on velocity and position. For example, in May 2025, the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), a US-based nonprofit trade association, reported that 259 launches were conducted in 2024, including 224 commercial launches, with global commercial launch revenues rising 30% to $9.3 billion compared to 2023. Therefore, the increasing number of space launches is expected to elevate demand for space sensors and actuators.

Companies in the space sensors and actuators market are developing innovative technologies such as scalable satellite sensor deployment systems to accelerate satellite missions and reduce launch costs. These scalable systems consist of modular platforms that allow multiple sensors to be integrated and deployed efficiently on small and medium-sized satellites, helping reduce preparation time, lower launch costs, and support faster, more flexible mission timelines. For instance, in March 2023, NASA, a US-based government space agency, began testing scalable satellite technology designed to speed up sensor deployment in low Earth orbit. The system includes modular payload slots capable of accommodating different sensor types, automated deployment mechanisms to shorten preparation time, and advanced communication interfaces for real-time data transmission. Notable features include lightweight structural components, rapid mission configuration, and compatibility with CubeSat and other small satellite platforms.

In March 2024, Honeywell International Inc., a US-based integrated technology and manufacturing company, acquired Civitanavi Systems S.p.A. for approximately $231.44 million (€200 million). The acquisition aims to enhance Honeywell’s autonomous aerospace operations offerings, expand its presence in Europe, and strengthen its portfolio of high-precision navigation and stabilization technologies for commercial and defense customers. These capabilities support more advanced autonomous systems, improve vehicle performance and safety, and contribute to the development of both traditional aviation and emerging Advanced Air Mobility markets. Civitanavi Systems S.p.A. is an Italy-based company specializing in high-performance inertial navigation, geo-referencing, and stabilization solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.

Major companies operating in the space sensors and actuators market are TE Connectivity Ltd., Ametek Inc., Analog Devices Inc., Bradford Space Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Maxar Technologies Inc., MinebeaMitsumi Inc., Moog Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Teledyne UK Limited, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Cedrat Technologies SA, InnaLabs Limited, Leonardo DRS Inc., Sierra Nevada Corporation, Rüstungs Unternehmen AG, STMicroelectronics N.V., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Digi-Key Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Minebea Intec GmbH, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., BAE Systems PLC, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Thales Group, Airbus Defence and Space, Safran Electronics & Defense, Sensata Technologies Holding PLC, Kistler Holding AG, First Sensor AG, MTS Systems Corporation, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Woodward Inc., Eaton Corporation PLC, Spanish Society of Engineering and Construction, Space Inventor A/S.

North America was the largest region in the space sensors and actuators market in 2025. The regions covered in the space sensors and actuators market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are influencing the space sensors and actuators market by raising import costs for critical electronic components, precision materials, and semiconductor parts used in spacecraft manufacturing. These added expenses particularly affect satellite platforms, launch vehicle avionics, and government and commercial space programs in regions reliant on foreign space-grade electronics. While increased tariffs slow sourcing and raise integration costs, they also encourage localized production and stimulate domestic innovation in sensor and actuator technologies. As a result, some regions benefit from strengthened supply chain resilience and reduced dependency on external suppliers.

The space sensors and actuators market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides space sensors and actuators market statistics, including space sensors and actuators industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a space sensors and actuators market share, detailed space sensors and actuators market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the space sensors and actuators industry. This space sensors and actuators market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Space sensors are crucial devices onboard satellites that measure various quantities while the satellite is in flight, functioning as the satellite's 'eyes' and 'ears'. Conversely, actuators are employed to apply force or torque to the satellite's body, facilitating the attainment of the proper orientation.

The primary products within space sensors and actuators consist of sensors and actuators themselves. Sensors measure diverse parameters during a satellite's flight, serving as key components for data collection and analysis. Actuators, on the other hand, enable adjustments to the satellite's orientation, ensuring optimal positioning and functionality. These sensors and actuators are utilized across a range of platforms, including satellites, capsules or cargo, interplanetary spacecraft and probes, rovers/spacecraft landers, and launch vehicles. They find applications in various systems such as attitude and orbital control systems, command and data handling systems, telemetry, tracking, and command systems, thermal systems, propellant feed systems, rocket motors, surface mobility and navigation systems, berthing and docking systems, robotic arms or manipulator systems, and thrust vector control systems. The end-users of space sensors and actuators encompass commercial entities, government agencies, and defense sectors, all relying on these technologies for space missions and related applications.

The countries covered in the space sensors and actuators market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The space sensors and actuators market consists of sales of pressure sensors, attitude measurement sensors, humidity or temperature sensors, image sensors, position and velocity sensors, GPS sensors, vacuum-ultraviolet photodetectors, linear actuators, and rotary actuators. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

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.

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