Non-Chemical Space Propulsion System Market Report 2026

The non-chemical space propulsion system market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.32 billion in 2025 to $1.51 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing adoption of electric propulsion systems for satellite station-keeping and orbit raising, advancements in power processing units improving efficiency and thrust control, rising deployment of deep-space missions requiring long-duration propulsion solutions, growth in small satellite launches driving demand for compact non-chemical thrusters, expansion of research in ion and hall-effect propulsion technologies.

The non-chemical space propulsion system market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.52 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing investment in high-power electric propulsion for interplanetary and lunar missions, increasing demand for scalable propulsion systems for large satellite constellations, rising development of nuclear-based and plasma propulsion concepts for next-generation exploration, expansion of commercial space activities requiring efficient in-space mobility systems, accelerating innovation in thermal management and propellant feed technologies to enhance propulsion performance. Major trends in the forecast period include miniaturization and modularization of non-chemical propulsion systems for small satellites and mega-constellations, integration of power and propulsion subsystems (pps) for higher system efficiency and mass savings, rising adoption of high-specific-impulse propulsion for deep space and long-duration interplanetary missions, standardization of non-chemical propulsion interfaces for rideshare missions and orbital transfer vehicles, growing demand for propulsion solutions for in-orbit servicing, debris removal, and active life-extension missions.

The increasing number of space exploration missions is expected to drive the growth of the non-chemical space propulsion system market in the coming years. Space exploration missions are organized efforts by humans or robotic spacecraft to investigate and collect information about outer space beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The rise in these missions is fueled by scientific curiosity to understand the universe, technological advancements enabling deep-space travel, and the pursuit of new resources and potential habitats beyond Earth. This surge in space exploration missions supports current and future space initiatives by promoting technological innovation, encouraging international collaboration, and expanding scientific knowledge. For example, in May 2024, the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), a UK-based government agency, reported that the number of active satellites in orbit had surpassed 9,000 as of April 2024, with projections suggesting that by 2030, there could be more than 60,000 active satellites in space. Consequently, the rise in space exploration missions is driving the growth of the non-chemical space propulsion system market.

Leading companies involved in the non-chemical space propulsion system market are prioritizing the development of next-generation technologies such as electric propulsion to improve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Electric propulsion leverages electrical energy to produce thrust, allowing for more streamlined, efficient, and eco-friendly spacecraft movement without relying on conventional chemical propellants. For example, in May 2025, Austria-based aerospace and defense firm Enpulsion GmbH unveiled Nexus, an advanced propulsion solution. Designed for spacecraft weighing up to 500 kilograms, Nexus delivers enhanced thrust and optimized orbit-raising capabilities, tailored for high-demand, high-performance small satellite missions. The system boasts a modular and compact build, producing up to 7.1 mN of thrust and a specific impulse of 4,500 seconds using a non-toxic, safe indium propellant. Its plug-and-play configuration, absence of pressurized tanks, and scalable system design contribute to outstanding performance, adaptability, and safety for a wide variety of satellite applications.

In July 2023, L3Harris Technologies Inc., a US-based defense contractor, completed the acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, L3Harris aimed to fortify the defense industrial base, stimulate competitive advancements, and accelerate technological innovation in propulsion systems, particularly for civil space and national security programs. Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc. is a US-based company known for producing non-chemical space propulsion systems.

Major companies operating in the non-chemical space propulsion system market are Airbus SE, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Safran SA, Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies Inc., IHI Corporation, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd., Moog Inc., ArianeGroup, Sierra Space Corp., Benchmark Space Systems, Dawn Aerospace, Bradford Space, Busek Co. Inc., Comat Aerospace Corp., CU Aerospace LLC, Ad Astra Rocket Company, Enpulsion GmbH, LIA Aerospace Ltd., ThrustMe.

North America was the largest region in the non-chemical space propulsion system market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the non-chemical space 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 specialty materials, radiation-hardened electronics, precision optics, and advanced power-processing components are increasing the cost base and lead times for non-chemical space propulsion systems, particularly in electric, nuclear, and laser-based platforms. This is most evident in commercial satellite and space launch service provider segments, as well as government and defense programs in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific manufacturing hubs, where supply chains rely heavily on cross-border sourcing. Nuclear propulsion concepts and laser propulsion subsegments are especially affected due to their dependence on imported high-value alloys, fuels, and laser components, while smaller civil and Earth observation missions often face delayed procurements and redesigns. At the same time, tariffs are nudging OEMs and integrators to localize manufacturing, develop regional supply chains, and accelerate innovation in more efficient, modular non-chemical propulsion architectures that can offset higher unit costs with improved lifetime mission economics.

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

A non-chemical space propulsion system refers to any method of propelling a spacecraft that does not depend on chemical reactions (like combustion) to produce thrust. Instead, these systems utilize physical, electrical, or nuclear principles to move spacecraft, often allowing for greater efficiency and enabling missions of longer durations.

The primary types of non-chemical space propulsion systems include nuclear propulsion and laser propulsion. Nuclear propulsion utilizes a nuclear reactor to generate energy that drives the movement of spacecraft or vessels. These systems are used by commercial satellite operators and owners, space launch service providers, government and defense organizations, national space agencies, and others, supporting a wide range of applications such as civil and earth observation, military and government missions, and commercial space endeavors.

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

The non-chemical space propulsion system market consists of sales of electric propulsion thrusters, power processing units, propellant feed systems, and thermal management systems. 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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