Satellite Launch Vehicle Market Report 2026

The satellite launch vehicle market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $20.21 billion in 2025 to $22.74 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in satellite deployment for communication and earth observation increasing demand for pslv and gslv launches, rising government-led space programs supporting development of indigenous launch vehicles, advancements in multi-stage propulsion technologies improving payload capacity and mission reliability, expansion of commercial satellite operators boosting procurement of launch services, increased utilization of launch vehicles for scientific and interplanetary missions strengthening market activity.

The satellite launch vehicle market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $36.12 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to development of reusable launch vehicle technologies reducing launch costs and increasing market competitiveness, rising demand for small satellite constellations driving higher launch frequency, growth in international collaboration expanding access to global launch infrastructure, increasing investment in heavy-lift launch systems supporting deep-space and large-payload missions, advancement in digital mission planning and automated launch operations enhancing efficiency and throughput. Major trends in the forecast period include rise of reusable launch vehicles, miniaturization of satellite payloads, expansion of commercial satellite launch services, increased demand for low earth orbit (leo) launches, growth in defense and military satellite deployments.

The rise in satellite launches is anticipated to drive the growth of the satellite launch vehicle market in the coming years. Satellite launches refer to the process of deploying satellites into space using satellite launch vehicles. These vehicles, also known as rockets or space launch vehicles, are engineered to transport satellites and other payloads into space, providing the propulsion, guidance, and control systems needed to move the satellite from Earth’s surface to its intended orbit or trajectory. For example, in January 2024, the Space Foundation, a US-based nonprofit organization supporting space education, innovation, and global industry collaboration, reported that global launch activity reached a record high for the third consecutive year, with 223 launch attempts and 212 successful missions, while commercial launches increased by 50% compared to 2022. Therefore, the rise in satellite launches is fueling the growth of the satellite launch vehicle market.

A prominent trend gaining traction in the satellite launch vehicle market is the advancement of reusable launch vehicle technology. Leading companies in the market are strategically focusing on the development of products incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing, to enhance their market positioning. Notably, in April 2023, Relativity Space, a US-based aerospace manufacturing company, successfully launched Terran R. This reusable launch vehicle stands at an impressive 270 feet tall, featuring a two-stage configuration, an 8-foot diameter, and a 5-meter payload fairing. Constructed using advanced 3D-printed aluminum technology, Terran R prioritizes first-stage reusability, capable of launching payloads of up to 23,500 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) or 5,500 kilograms to a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), with the added capability of a controlled landing.

In February 2023, Vast, a US-based aerospace company, completed the acquisition of Launcher for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move positions Vast to broaden its portfolio of liquid rocket engine products, leveraging Launcher's expertise in orbiter space tug and hosted payload platforms. The acquisition also enables Vast to conduct on-orbit testing of its space station components and subsystems. Launcher, a specialized US-based company in the development of satellite launch vehicles and rockets for small satellites, brings valuable capabilities to Vast's operations and further solidifies its presence in the satellite launch market.

Major companies operating in the satellite launch vehicle market are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Boeing Company, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Airbus SE, Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited, Masten Space Systems Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Innovative Solutions In Space B.V., Indian Space Research Organisation, Blue Origin LLC, Arianespace SA, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), ArianeGroup, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Thales, United Launch Alliance LLC, ROSCOSMOS, Antrix Corporation, Astra Space Inc., CAS Space, Eurockot Launch Services, Firefly Aerospace Inc., International Launch Services (ILS), LinkSpace, HyImpulse Technologies Corporation, OneSpace, PLD Space, Stratolaunch Systems LLC, Virgin Orbit LLC.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the satellite launch vehicle market in 2025 and is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global satellite launch vehicle market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the satellite launch vehicle 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 have impacted the satellite launch vehicle market by increasing the cost of imported components such as propulsion systems, guidance electronics, and structural materials. The segments most affected include single-use/expendable launch vehicles and high-capacity payload launches, particularly in regions like North America and Asia-Pacific, which rely heavily on international suppliers. While tariffs have increased production costs and slowed some launch schedules, they have also encouraged local manufacturing and investment in domestic supply chains, creating opportunities for regional industry growth and innovation.

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

A satellite launch vehicle serves as a rocket-powered solution designed for transporting and deploying satellites or other payloads into space. These vehicles play a crucial role in delivering satellites to specific orbits or facilitating interplanetary missions, thereby creating favorable conditions for various applications.

There are two primary categories of satellite launch vehicles single-use, expendable, and reusable. Single-use or expendable launch vehicles are crafted for one-time use, prioritizing cost efficiency over reusability. They are ideal for missions focused on delivering satellites to specific orbits or deploying probes for interplanetary exploration. Key subsystems encompass structure, guidance, navigation, and control systems, propulsion systems, telemetry, tracking, and command systems, electrical power systems, and separation systems. Payloads can range from 500 kg to over 2,500 kg, and launches are conducted in low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO) for both civil and military applications.

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

The satellite launch vehicle market consists of sales of polar satellite launch vehicles (PSLV), and geosynchronous satellite launch vehicles (GSLV). 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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