Space-Based Metal Mining Market Report 2026

The space-based metal mining market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.65 billion in 2025 to $1.9 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early research and feasibility studies on asteroid and lunar mining, development of robotic space mining prototypes, government and private funding for in-orbit resource extraction, advancements in spacecraft propulsion and navigation technologies, initial deployment of remote monitoring and data analytics tools for space mining missions.

The space-based metal mining market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.26 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for rare metals and minerals for in-space manufacturing, expansion of commercial asteroid and lunar mining initiatives, development of advanced robotic mining and ore processing equipment, growth in space logistics and transportation infrastructure for mined materials, increased collaboration between aerospace firms and resource extraction companies for in-orbit mining operations. Major trends in the forecast period include in-space resource processing and refinement, expansion of space logistics and transportation networks, development of advanced robotic mining equipment, increasing demand for rare and precious metals from space, growth in space data analytics and remote monitoring services.

The rising demand for rare minerals is anticipated to drive the growth of the space-based metal mining market in the coming years. Rare minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances found in limited quantities on Earth that possess distinct chemical or physical properties, commonly used in high-tech, energy, and defense sectors. The growing demand for rare minerals is fueled by increasing electric vehicle (EV) production, as these minerals are crucial for manufacturing EV batteries, motors, and electronic components. Space-based metal mining supports access to rare minerals by enabling the extraction of valuable and scarce elements from asteroids and other celestial bodies, thereby reducing dependence on Earth’s limited supplies. For example, in May 2025, the International Energy Agency, a France-based intergovernmental organization, reported that demand growth for key energy minerals has been strong in recent years, with lithium demand increasing by nearly 30% in 2024. Therefore, the rising demand for rare minerals is accelerating the growth of the space-based metal mining market.

Major companies operating in the space-based metal mining market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as on-orbit metal refining systems, to improve the efficiency of extracting and processing rare minerals in space, reducing the need to transport raw materials back to Earth. On-orbit metal refining systems are space-based technologies designed to extract and purify metals directly in space from mined asteroids or celestial bodies, minimizing reliance on Earth-based processing. For instance, in January 2023, AstroForge, a US-based aerospace company, launched two missions, Brokkr-1 and Brokkr-2. Brokkr-1, a 6U CubeSat, aimed to demonstrate on-orbit metal refining technology but encountered technical issues that prevented it from achieving its objectives. In contrast, Brokkr-2, built by OrbAstro on a larger 100-kilogram satellite platform, was designed to simulate asteroid mining by vaporizing asteroid-like material in space. These missions represent initial steps toward testing and validating key technologies needed for future space-based metal mining.

In October 2024, AstroForge, a US-based provider of space mining solutions and asteroid resource exploration technologies, acquired the rights to operate its Odin mission under the first-ever commercial deep space license granted by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, AstroForge aims to establish private-sector operations in deep space, enabling asteroid exploration and metal harvesting while strengthening its technological capabilities and partnerships for in-orbit communications. The Odin mission license is a United States-based authorization that allows AstroForge to conduct spacecraft communications and navigation for deep space asteroid missions.

Major companies operating in the space-based metal mining market are Northrop Grumman Corporation, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Anglo American Platinum Limited, Helios Project Ltd, ispace, inc., Dawn Aerospace B.V, AstroForge Inc., Bradford Space Group Inc., Astrobotic Technology Inc., Moon Express Inc., OFF-WORLD INC., Asteroid Mining Company UAB, Deep Space Industries Inc., Karman+ Inc., Kleos Space S.A., Planetary Resources Inc., Shackleton Energy Company Inc., SpaceFab.US Inc, Trans Astronautica Corporation, Origin Space Technology Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the space-based metal mining market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the space-based metal mining 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 introduced complexities and cost pressures in the space-based metal mining market by increasing expenses on advanced robotic mining equipment, spacecraft components, and propulsion systems, particularly affecting manufacturers and suppliers in Asia-Pacific and North America. Segments such as spacecraft development and launch services, as well as metal storage and transport container manufacturing, are most impacted due to their reliance on global supply chains. However, tariffs have also encouraged some companies to diversify sourcing, localize production, and innovate more efficient technologies, which may boost long-term sustainability and resilience in the market.

The space-based metal mining market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides space-based metal mining market statistics, including space-based metal mining industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a space-based metal mining market share, detailed space-based metal mining market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the space-based metal mining industry. The space-based metal mining 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-based metal mining involves the extraction of valuable metals and minerals from celestial bodies such as asteroids, the Moon, or Mars using advanced robotic and space technologies. This process is intended to support in-space manufacturing and supply chains while reducing reliance on Earth-based resources for future space exploration and commercial activities.

The primary mining types in space-based metal mining include asteroid mining, Moon mining, and Mars mining. Asteroid mining, which focuses on extracting valuable materials from asteroids, is a central component of this field, as asteroids are rich sources of rare and economically significant metals. These metals include platinum group metals, gold, silver, rare earth elements, and others. The extracted resources have applications across multiple industries, including construction, electronics, aerospace, and more.

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

The space-based metal mining market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as asteroid prospecting services, spacecraft development and launch services, in-orbit resource extraction services, space logistics and transportation services, and data analytics and remote monitoring services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The space-based metal mining market also includes sales of robotic mining equipment, onboard ore processing units, spacecraft propulsion systems, advanced navigation and sensing tools, and metal storage and transport containers. 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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