Satellite Propulsion System Market Report 2026

The satellite propulsion system market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $5.93 billion in 2025 to $6.92 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing deployment of satellites requiring reliable station-keeping propulsion systems, growth in use of hydrazine monopropellant thrusters for orbital maneuvering, advancements in chemical propulsion technologies improving thrust efficiency, expansion of commercial and government satellite programs boosting demand for propulsion components such as propellers and turbines, rising need for orbit adjustment and attitude control in communication and earth observation satellites.

The satellite propulsion system market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $12.22 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing adoption of electric propulsion systems offering higher fuel efficiency for small and large satellites, rising demand for lightweight and high-performance propulsion solutions supporting mega-constellations, development of hybrid propulsion technologies enabling flexible mission profiles, increasing satellite launches driving requirement for advanced propulsion subsystems, expansion of in-orbit servicing and debris mitigation initiatives increasing demand for precise and efficient maneuvering systems. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of electric propulsion for high-efficiency orbital maneuvers, growing demand for green propellants as alternatives to hydrazine, rising deployment of small satellites requiring compact propulsion modules, integration of modular propulsion subsystems for multi-orbit missions, expansion of in-orbit servicing requiring advanced maneuvering capabilities.

The growth in space exploration is expected to support the expansion of satellite propulsion systems in the coming years. Space exploration involves the discovery and study of celestial bodies using continually advancing and expanding space technologies. This increase is driven by rising demand for scientific discovery, commercial opportunities, and technological progress that extends human reach beyond Earth. Advanced satellite propulsion systems are essential in space exploration, enhancing deep space mission capabilities by enabling travel through space and supporting controlled landings. For example, in January 2025, according to a report published by Space Foundation, a US-based nonprofit organization, orbital launch attempts increased by 16% in 2024, reaching 259 launches - averaging one every 34 hours, five hours more frequent than in 2023. Therefore, the growth in space exploration is driving the satellite propulsion systems market.

Companies in the satellite propulsion systems market are developing innovative propulsion technologies, such as electric propulsion systems, to strengthen their competitive position. Electric propulsion systems use electric or electromagnetic principles to generate thrust for spacecraft and satellites. For instance, in January 2023, APT Satellite Holdings, a Hong Kong-based satellite telecommunications company, launched APSTAR-6E at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The APSTAR-6E communication satellite features a high-power electric propulsion system and is recognized as China’s first all-electric satellite. It incorporates advanced ion and Hall-effect propulsion technology and is designed for a 15-year operational lifespan. The satellite functions autonomously and jettisons all rocket engines once in near-Earth orbit. This propulsion technology provides improved efficiency and extended mission duration. Equipped with artificial intelligence, the satellite ensures fast and reliable communication services for Southeast Asia, offering total bandwidth exceeding 30 Gbps.

In June 2023, Anduril Industries, a US-based defense technology company specializing in autonomous systems, acquired Adranos for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition positions Anduril as a supplier of solid rocket motors to major defense contractors involved in key Department of Defense programs. The move aims to enhance competition in the solid rocket motor market, which has been largely dominated by major players such as Northrop Grumman and Aerojet Rocketdyne. Adranos is a US-based manufacturer specializing in solid rocket motors.

Major companies operating in the satellite propulsion system market are Airbus SAS, Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc., Moog Inc., Busek Co Inc., Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited, Exotrail SA, ENPULSION GmbH, Cobham Limited, Ball Corporation, The Boeing Company, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, OHB System AG, Safran S A, Thales Group, Northrop Grumman Corporation, CU Aerospace, Rocket Lab, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Ariane Group, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bradford Space, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Clyde Space Ltd., Comtech AeroAstro Inc., Dawn Aerospace, Deep Space Industries, Firefly Aerospace, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems.

North America was the largest region in the satellite propulsion system market in 2025. The regions covered in the satellite propulsion system 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 on aerospace components and specialty propellants have increased production costs for satellite propulsion systems by disrupting supply chains and raising import expenses for critical materials. These tariffs particularly affect electric and chemical propulsion segments, with regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific experiencing delays due to dependence on cross-border sourcing. Commercial and national security satellite programs face the greatest cost pressures, though tariffs have also encouraged localized manufacturing and investment in alternative materials, creating limited positive opportunities for regional industry development.

The satellite propulsion systems market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides satellite propulsion systems market statistics, including satellite propulsion systems industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a satellite propulsion systems market share, detailed satellite propulsion systems market segments, market trends and opportunities and any further data you may need to thrive in the satellite propulsion systems industry. This satellite propulsion systems 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.

A satellite propulsion system is a mechanism designed to propel a satellite through air and space by converting external energy sources into thrust, essential for the satellite's basic operations and velocity adjustments.

The primary categories of satellite propulsion systems include chemical propulsion, electric propulsion, hybrid propulsion, and other variations. Chemical propulsion relies on a chemical reaction, typically the combustion of fuel, to generate thrust. Satellites operate in various orbits, including low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), geostationary earth orbit (GEO), and beyond geosynchronous orbit, catering to diverse applications such as commercial use, scientific and environmental purposes, national security and military operations, meteorology, and other applications.

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

The satellite propulsion system market consists of sales of propellers, turbines, hydrazine monoprops and ramjet. 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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