Orbital Waste Disposal Market Report 2025

The orbital waste disposal market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $0.46 billion in 2024 to $0.57 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.9%. Growth during the historic period can be attributed to the expansion of commercial aviation, rising demand for enhanced passenger comfort, early integration in luxury automobiles, advancements in precision sensor technology, and the increase in industrial automation.

The orbital waste disposal market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.38 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.7%. Growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rise in defense modernization initiatives, the expansion of electric vehicle manufacturing, increasing demand for lightweight solutions, the enforcement of stricter noise emission standards, and a growing emphasis on cabin noise reduction. Key trends expected during the forecast period include ongoing innovation in control algorithms, rapid advancements in sensor technologies, rising research and development efforts, integration with intelligent systems, and the development of lightweight acoustic materials.

The increasing number of satellite launches is expected to drive the growth of the orbital waste disposal market in the coming years. A satellite is a human-made device placed in orbit around a planet to support functions such as communication, observation, or scientific research. The growth in satellite launches is largely due to rising demand for global connectivity and expanded data services. In the context of orbital waste disposal, satellites help by tracking space debris and utilizing technologies designed to capture, redirect, or deorbit non-functional objects. For example, in September 2022, the Government Accountability Office, a US-based government agency, reported that as of spring 2022, there were nearly 5,500 active satellites in orbit, with forecasts suggesting that an additional 58,000 could be launched by 2030. This trend is contributing significantly to the expansion of the orbital waste disposal market.

Key players in the orbital waste disposal market are investing in advanced technologies such as rendezvous and proximity operations, known as RPO, to improve debris identification, ensure safe removal procedures, and promote the long-term sustainability of satellite operations and orbital environments. RPO encompasses a series of maneuvers and operational procedures that allow a spacecraft to approach, operate near, and sometimes interact with other objects in space. For example, in February 2024, Astroscale Holdings Inc., a space technology company based in Japan, launched the Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) mission. This mission is an innovative demonstration aimed at approaching, inspecting, and characterizing large pieces of orbital debris. It supports future efforts in debris removal and the broader goal of maintaining a sustainable orbital environment. The ADRAS-J mission utilizes autonomous navigation, advanced debris characterization, and real-time awareness systems, allowing it to safely identify and assist in the removal of dangerous space debris. Its design offers flexibility in dealing with various types of debris using cutting-edge imaging and navigation technologies to support orbital sustainability.

In May 2022, OneWeb Communications Ltd., a telecommunications company based in the United Kingdom, entered into a partnership with Astroscale Ltd. to co-develop and test new spacecraft technologies for active debris removal in low Earth orbit. The aim of this collaboration is to protect the satellite economy and encourage more sustainable space practices. By advancing debris removal solutions, the partnership enhances satellite safety, extends operational lifespans, and contributes to the reliable functioning of end-of-life services within the expanding satellite industry. Astroscale Ltd. is a UK-based aerospace firm that focuses on satellite servicing and strategies for mitigating space debris.

Major players in the orbital waste disposal market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus SE, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, Maxar Technologies, MDA Ltd., Rocket Lab USA Inc., Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, Astroscale Holdings Inc., Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, ClearSpace SA, D-Orbit S.p.A, Starfish Space, Slingshot Aerospace Inc., Bellatrix Aerospace, Kall Morris Inc., Paladin Space Pty Ltd, Kurs Orbital S.r.l, Aviosonic Space Tech.

North America was the largest region in the orbital waste disposal market in 2024. Asia-Pacific and Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in orbital waste disposal report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the orbital waste disposal 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.

Orbital waste disposal involves the techniques and technologies used to manage, eliminate, or reduce space debris and non-functional satellites from Earth’s orbit to prevent collisions and maintain a secure space environment. This process is essential for ensuring long-term orbital sustainability and minimizing risks to space missions amid increasing congestion in low-Earth orbit.

The primary service types in orbital waste disposal include debris removal, satellite deorbiting, and spacecraft disposal. Debris removal entails the active detection, capture, and removal of space debris from orbit using advanced technologies such as robotic arms, laser systems, and tether-based mechanisms. These services are employed by various sectors, including government agencies, commercial space companies, defense entities, and others.

The orbital waste disposal market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides orbital waste disposal market statistics, including the orbital waste disposal industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the orbital waste disposal market share, detailed orbital waste disposal market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the orbital waste disposal market. This orbital waste disposal 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 orbital waste disposal market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as detection, tracking, and active removal. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

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.

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