Space Connectors Market Report 2025

The space connectors market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $0.93 billion in 2024 to $1.0 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the expansion of satellite communication, increased government funding for space programs, the rise of military and defense satellite initiatives, the emergence of international space agencies, and the proliferation of weather and earth observation satellites.

The space connectors market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.32 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The growth projected for the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for small satellites, the expansion of commercial spaceflight programs, a surge in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations, rising demand for radiation-hardened components, growth in space tourism, and more suborbital missions. Key trends during this period include a move toward high-density and miniature connectors, wider adoption of fiber optic connectors for high-speed data transmission, an emphasis on lightweight and compact materials, increased demand for radiation-resistant and thermally stable materials, and the development of plug-and-play connectors tailored for satellite constellations.

The space-grade connectors market is expected to grow due to the expanding commercial space industry. This sector involves private companies engaged in designing, launching, and operating spacecraft and satellites. The rise in private satellite launches is driven by increasing demand for communication, imaging, and broadband services from non-governmental organizations. Space-grade connectors ensure reliable electrical performance in extreme space environments, withstanding radiation, vibration, and severe temperatures. Their robustness minimizes failure rates, supporting safe and efficient operations of spacecraft and satellites. For example, in January 2024, the Space Foundation, a US-based nonprofit, reported a record high in global space launches for the third year in a row, with 223 attempts and 212 successful missions. Commercial launches rose by 50% from 2022, while the US saw a 33% increase in launch attempts. Therefore, growth in the commercial space sector is driving the space-grade connectors market.

Key players in the space connectors market are focusing on creating advanced products such as ruggedized, standards-compliant connectors to meet the rigorous requirements of modern satellites and spacecraft. These connectors are built to endure extreme shock, vibration, and temperature conditions while adhering to industry standards. They provide stable and dependable connections in demanding, high-performance settings. For instance, in June 2023, Smiths Interconnect, a US company specializing in high-reliability connectivity solutions, launched Space Qualified KVPX connectors. These embedded interconnects are intended for defense, aerospace, and space use and comply with EEE-INST-002 Level 1 standards. Featuring Hypertac hyperboloid contact technology, they resist shock, vibration, and corrosion caused by fretting. The connectors support data transmission speeds up to 16 Gbps, meet VITA 46 and VITA 48 standards, and include a front faceplate that protects against electrostatic discharge (ESD) and enhances mechanical toughness, making them ideal for critical missions where failure is not an option.

In December 2024, Molex LLC, a US company known for electronic, electrical, and fiber optic connectivity systems, acquired AirBorn for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enhances Molex's capabilities in ruggedized connectivity solutions for challenging environments by incorporating AirBorn’s expertise in advanced electronic components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. AirBorn Inc. is a US-based manufacturer specializing in space connectors.

Major players in the space connectors market are Eaton Corporation plc, TE Connectivity plc, Glenair, Molex LLC, ITT Inc., Littelfuse Inc., Samtec, Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc., HUBER+ SUHNER, Radiall, LEMO Connectors, Smiths Interconnect Inc., Axon' Cable, Amphenol Aerospace, Cinch Connectivity Solutions Inc., Fischer Connectors SA, PRECI-DIP, Positronic, Nicomatic, Harwin Plc.

North America was the largest region in the space connectors market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in space connectors report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the space connectors 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 connectors are sophisticated components engineered to provide secure electrical, optical, or data connections within spacecraft and satellites. They maintain consistent power and signal transmission even under the extreme conditions of space. These connectors are essential for linking vital subsystems, including communication, propulsion, navigation, and power. Their durable construction and high reliability make them crucial for both manned and unmanned space missions.

The primary types of space connectors include circular connectors, D-sub connectors, micro-D connectors, and others. Circular connectors are robust, multi-pin electrical connectors designed for fast and dependable signal or power transfer in harsh environments like space. They are manufactured from a variety of materials such as metal, plastic, composite materials, and ceramics, tailored for applications including printed circuit board (PCB) connections, panel mounting, basic and heavy-duty cable assemblies, test equipment, and more. These connectors serve diverse end-users including satellites, space stations, deep space robots, spacecraft, carrier rockets, ground support equipment, and others.

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

The space connectors market consists of sales of rectangular connectors, coaxial connectors, fiber optic connectors, and hermetic connectors. 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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