Solid Rocket Propellant Market Report 2026

The solid rocket propellant market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.16 billion in 2025 to $3.36 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing use of double-base propellants in early missile and launch systems due to simpler manufacturing, development of high-energy propellants to achieve greater thrust for defense and space missions, rising adoption of low-smoke formulations to improve visibility and reduce detection during launches, advancements in propellant processing improving burn uniformity and reliability, expansion of government and defense programs driving sustained demand for solid propulsion materials.

The solid rocket propellant market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.22 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing interest in green propellants supporting environmental and regulatory compliance, innovation in nano-composite formulations enhancing energy density and thermal stability, rising investment in energetic thermoplastic elastomer propellants improving safety and recyclability, increased demand for high-performance missiles and launch vehicles driving adoption of next-generation solid propellants, advancements in automated manufacturing improving consistency and scalability of solid propellant production. Major trends in the forecast period include advancement in high-energy propellant chemistry, shift toward low-smoke and green propellant formulations, increased use of nano-composites for enhanced performance, rising demand for reliable solid boosters in defense programs, expansion of commercial space launch activities.

The increasing demand for satellite launches is expected to drive the growth of the solid rocket propellant market in the coming years. Satellite launches involve sending artificial satellites into space using launch vehicles or rockets. The growing demand for satellite launches is driven by the rising need for global connectivity, as more regions seek reliable internet access through satellite-based broadband services. Solid rocket propellant supports satellite launches by providing reliable, high-thrust propulsion, making it well-suited for lifting payloads into orbit. It streamlines launch systems by eliminating complex fuel mechanisms, enabling faster response times and cost-effective mission execution. For example, in June 2024, the Satellite Industry Association, a U.S.-based organization, reported that the commercial satellite sector in 2023 experienced record-breaking growth, launching 2,781 satellites - a 20% increase compared to 2022. The space industry also reached a new milestone with 190 total launches, the highest ever recorded. By the end of the year, the number of operational satellites rose to 9,691, reflecting a 361% increase over the past five years. Therefore, the rising demand for satellite launches is contributing to the expansion of the solid rocket propellant market.

Leading firms in the solid rocket propellant industry are prioritizing the development of enhanced solutions, such as medium-lift launch vehicles, to support larger payloads and broader mission applications. These rockets are designed to carry between 2,000 and 20,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, offering a middle ground between small- and heavy-lift capabilities and addressing various satellite and mission needs. As an example, in January 2024, Orienspace Technology Co. Ltd., a space technology firm based in China, introduced the Gravity-1 rocket, a solid-propellant medium-lift vehicle. This launch represented a significant milestone in the commercial space industry, with the rocket capable of lifting approximately 6,500 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The Gravity-1 features a three-stage core and four solid-fuel side boosters, generating around 600 tons of thrust during liftoff.

In January 2025, MBDA Inc., a defense company based in France, acquired Roxel S.A.S. for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition is intended to enhance MBDA’s tactical missile propulsion capabilities and increase its manufacturing output in response to rising demand for sophisticated missile technologies. Roxel S.A.S., also based in France, is known for its expertise in the development, engineering, and production of solid rocket propellants and propulsion systems for defense and aerospace applications.

Major companies operating in the solid rocket propellant market are Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems plc, L3Harris Technologies Inc., IHI Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Elbit Systems Ltd., Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd., ArianeGroup SAS, Roketsan A.S., Nammo AS, General Dynamics Ordnance And Tactical Systems, Eurenco S.A., TNO Defence Safety and Security, Roxel Group, Avibras Industria Aeroespacial S/A, Avio S.p.A., Black Sky Industries, Ursa Major Technologies Inc., Indian Space Research Organisation, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the solid rocket propellant market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the solid rocket propellant 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 chemical oxidizers, binders, and metallic fuel additives used in solid rocket propellant formulations have increased raw material costs and extended supply lead times, particularly impacting composite and homogeneous propellant manufacturers in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. These duties disrupt established procurement channels for ammonium perchlorate, aluminum powder, and specialty elastomers, raising production costs and slowing output for military and aerospace programs. However, tariffs have also encouraged onshore production, capacity expansion, and diversification of domestic sourcing, which may strengthen regional supply security and stimulate innovation in cost-efficient propellant formulations.

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

Solid rocket propellant is a form of fuel used in rocket propulsion systems, comprising a solid-state blend of fuel and oxidizer. It ignites rapidly and burns evenly, generating significant thrust without the requirement for intricate pumping mechanisms. Its primary function is to provide dependable and continuous propulsion for aerospace and defense operations.

The primary categories of solid rocket propellants include composite, homogeneous, heterogeneous, and liquid propellants. Composite propellants are solid fuels formed by mixing a solid oxidizer with a fuel binder, designed to ensure stable combustion and thrust. Common ingredients in these propellants include ammonium perchlorate, potassium nitrate, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), and aluminum powder. These materials are widely used across various end-use industries such as military, aerospace, and commercial applications.

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

The solid rocket propellant market consists of sales of double-base propellants, low-smoke propellants, high-energy propellants, green propellants, nano-composite propellants, and energetic thermoplastic elastomer propellants. 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.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.