Orbital Waste Disposal Market Report 2026

The orbital waste disposal market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $0.57 billion in 2025 to $0.71 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising accumulation of legacy space debris increasing demand for mitigation solutions, early government initiatives for orbital debris monitoring and tracking, growth of satellite launches leading to higher collision-risk awareness, initial development of active debris removal prototypes by public agencies, regulatory pressure for end-of-life satellite deorbiting compliance.

The orbital waste disposal market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.72 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of commercial active debris removal services driven by escalating orbital congestion, increasing adoption of autonomous detection and tracking technologies, growth of mega-constellations necessitating continuous debris-removal operations, strengthening international regulations for mandatory deorbiting and disposal protocols, rising investment in multi-mission spacecraft capable of debris capture and controlled deorbiting. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for active debris removal missions, increased deployment of end-of-life satellite deorbiting solutions, growing focus on orbital sustainability regulations, expansion of commercial debris mitigation services, rising investment in multi-mission disposal platforms.

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 man-made device orbiting a planet to support communication, observation, or research activities. The rise in satellite launches is driven by growing demand for global connectivity and data services, fueled by the need for faster internet access, enhanced communication networks, and the expansion of remote sensing and Earth observation technologies. Orbital waste disposal utilizes satellites to track space debris and deploy technologies to capture, redirect, or deorbit defunct objects. For example, in April 2024, Slingshot Aerospace, a US-based software company, reported that there were approximately 9,241 active satellites in orbit in 2023, compared to 6,718 at the end of 2022. Consequently, the increasing satellite launches are driving the growth 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 April 2025, Katalyst Space Technologies Inc., a US-based space technology company, acquired Atomos Space for an undisclosed sum. Through this acquisition, Katalyst Space Technologies aims to enhance and accelerate its in-space servicing capabilities by integrating Atomos Space’s technologies, expertise, and infrastructure to carry out spacecraft life extension, upgrades, and space domain awareness missions more efficiently and cost-effectively. Atomos Nuclear & Space Corp is a US-based defense and space manufacturing company specializing in orbital waste disposal.

Major companies operating 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 2025. Asia-Pacific and Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the orbital waste disposal 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 are influencing the orbital waste disposal market by raising the cost of advanced materials, sensors, propulsion units, and robotic components that are essential for debris removal missions. These added expenses particularly affect segments such as debris removal, satellite deorbiting systems, and robotic disposal technologies, with regions dependent on imported aerospace technologies such as Europe and Asia-Pacific facing the greatest pressure. However, tariffs also stimulate domestic manufacturing of key space-systems components and encourage regional supply-chain development, supporting long-term innovation and resilience in orbital waste disposal capabilities.

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.

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 countries covered in the orbital waste disposal market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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 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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