Space Rocket Steering Systems Market Report 2025

The space rocket steering systems market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.63 billion in 2024 to $3.96 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth during the historic period is attributed to increasing military reliance on precision-guided missiles, a rise in commercial spaceflight activities, growing demand for reliable in-orbit maneuvering, increased adoption of advanced navigation systems, and a stronger focus on launch vehicle reusability.

The space rocket steering systems market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.54 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing collaboration between space agencies and private firms, a rising need for precise orbital insertion and maneuvering, escalating geopolitical tensions fueling defense space programs, growth in the number of small satellite constellations, and increased demand for reusable launch vehicles. Key trends during this period include advancements in thrust vector control technologies, advanced integration of AI in guidance systems, innovations in compact reaction control systems, use of digital twin models for system testing, and improvements in electromechanical actuator design.

The increasing number of satellite launches is expected to propel the growth of the space rocket steering systems market going forward. Satellite launches involve sending artificial satellites into space using launch vehicles or rockets. The rising demand for satellite launches is driven by the growing need for global connectivity as more regions seek reliable internet access via satellite-based broadband services. Space rocket steering systems support satellite launches by providing precise trajectory control, ensuring accurate placement of payloads into orbit. They improve launch reliability by stabilizing flight paths, contributing to the success of satellite deployment missions. For example, in September 2022, according to the Government Accountability Office, a US-based government agency, there were nearly 5,500 active satellites in orbit, with projections indicating an additional 58,000 launches by 2030. Therefore, the increasing number of satellite launches is driving the growth of the space rocket steering systems market.

Major companies operating in the space rocket steering systems market are focusing on developing advanced products, such as hydraulic actuators, to improve precision control and reliability during rocket flight and maneuvering. Hydraulic actuators are mechanical devices that use pressurized fluid to generate motion or force, allowing precise movement control in systems like rocket steering. For example, in January 2024, Moog Inc., a US-based aerospace and defense company, launched next-generation hydraulic thrust vector control (TVC) actuators, which successfully steered the inaugural flight of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. These actuators play a critical role in maintaining stable and accurate trajectory control during the mission, demonstrating their reliability and performance in advanced space launch systems. The new actuators offer enhanced durability and responsiveness, boosting steering efficiency and mission success for modern rockets. This innovation highlights the increasing focus on precision engineering in aerospace, where high-performance actuation systems are essential for safe and efficient space exploration.

In July 2023, L3Harris Technologies Inc., a US-based aerospace and defense technology company, acquired Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc. for $4.7 billion. Through this acquisition, L3Harris aims to strengthen its propulsion capabilities by integrating Aerojet Rocketdyne’s expertise in rocket engines and energetics, enhancing its position in missile defense, hypersonic technology, and space propulsion. Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc. is a US-based aerospace company that develops and manufactures steering systems for space rockets.

Major players in the space rocket steering systems market are The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Honeywell Aerospace, Safran S.A., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd., Blue Origin Enterprises L.P., Moog Inc., Thales Group, Relativity Space Inc., Rocket Lab USA Inc., Firefly Aerospace Inc., Avio S.p.A., Benchmark Space Systems Inc., Astra Space Inc., Gilmour Space Technologies Pty Ltd, HyImpulse Technologies GmbH, Skyrora Ltd., Masten Space Systems Inc.

North America was the largest region in the space rocket steering systems market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in space rocket steering systems report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the space rocket steering systems market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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.

The sharp hike in U.S. tariffs and the associated trade disputes in spring 2025 are notably impacting the aerospace and defense sector by raising costs for titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics materials largely sourced from global suppliers. Defense contractors, locked into fixed-price government contracts, absorb these added costs, while commercial aerospace firms face airline pushback on higher aircraft prices. Delays in component shipments due to customs bottlenecks further disrupt tight production schedules for jets and satellites. The industry is responding by stockpiling critical materials, seeking waivers for defense-related imports, and collaborating with allied nations to diversify supply chain.

Space rocket steering systems are the mechanisms and technologies used to control a rocket’s direction and orientation during flight. These systems ensure the rocket follows its planned path by adjusting thrust direction, commonly through gimbaled engines, control vanes, or reaction control thrusters.

The primary components of space rocket steering systems include actuators, sensors, controllers, software, and other elements. Actuators convert electrical or fluid energy into precise movements, allowing thrust vector control by adjusting engine nozzles or thrusters for accurate steering during launch and ascent. These systems use technologies such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and hybrid mechanisms. They are applied in various fields, including commercial launch vehicles, military launch systems, and space exploration missions. Key end users include aerospace companies, defense organizations, and space agencies.

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

The space rocket steering systems market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as guidance and navigation algorithm services, steering actuator manufacturing and testing, simulation and flight dynamics analysis, and real-time telemetry and monitoring services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The space rocket steering systems market also includes sales of thrust vector control (TVC) systems, reaction control systems, gyroscopes and inertial navigation systems, gimbaled engine mounts, and flight control computers and software. 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 and 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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