On-Orbit Propellant Depot Market Report 2026

The on-orbit propellant depot market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.88 billion in 2025 to $2.24 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing number of long-duration satellite missions, rising interest in reusable spacecraft, development of in-orbit refueling technologies, government and commercial space agency investments, increasing need to extend satellite operational life.

The on-orbit propellant depot market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.48 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of modular refueling interface kits, adoption of autonomous docking and fuel transfer systems, growth in deep-space mission support, rising use of miniature propellant tanks for small satellites, development of international in-orbit fuel supply infrastructure. Major trends in the forecast period include modular refueling interfaces and docking adaptors, miniaturized propellant storage solutions, autonomous fuel transfer systems, support for reusable space vehicles, in-orbit refueling for lunar and deep-space missions.

The growing focus on lunar and Martian exploration is expected to drive the expansion of the on-orbit propellant depot market in the coming years. Lunar and Martian exploration involves the development of human and robotic missions to explore, establish presence, and conduct research on the Moon and Mars. This rising prioritization is fueled by geopolitical competition, with nations striving to assert leadership in space to secure strategic, scientific, and economic advantages. On-orbit propellant depots play a critical role in supporting these missions by enabling in-space refueling, which makes long-duration missions more feasible. By allowing spacecraft to replenish fuel in orbit, they reduce reliance on multiple Earth launches, improving mission efficiency and sustainability. For example, in July 2023, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a U.S.-based government agency, allocated \$7.478 billion to Moon-to-Mars exploration under the Artemis program, an increase of \$687 million compared to 2022. This growing investment highlights how the prioritization of lunar and Martian missions is fueling demand for on-orbit propellant depots.

Key companies operating in the on-orbit propellant depot market are focusing on advanced technologies, such as zero-loss cryogenic propellant storage and transfer systems, to gain a competitive advantage. This technology - systems designed to store, manage, and transfer super-cold rocket fuels in space with minimal boil-off and precise fluid handling - enables spacecraft to refuel on orbit and extend mission capabilities. For instance, in October 2025, Rocket Lab, a U.S.-based space systems company, completed its Photon spacecraft build for the LOXSAT mission, featuring zero-loss liquid oxygen storage, automated docking interfaces, and integrated fluid-transfer hardware for deployment in 2026. The benefits include lower launch mass, reduced dependence on heavy-lift systems, and longer mission durations, however, the technology requires high-precision thermal control, introduces complexity in spacecraft docking operations, and depends on regulatory frameworks that are still evolving.

In January 2024, ClearSpace S.A., a Switzerland-based space debris removal company, partnered with Orbit Fab Inc. to advance in-space refueling services. The collaboration focuses on creating an integrated refueling service architecture by combining Orbit Fab’s fuel depot and RAFTI refueling interface with ClearSpace’s shuttle platform, aimed at accelerating the commercialization of in-space propellant transfer and depot capabilities. Orbit Fab Inc., based in the U.S., is a company specializing in the development of in-space fuel depots and the provision of on-orbit refueling services for satellites and spacecraft.

Major companies operating in the on-orbit propellant depot market are The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, SpaceX Corp., Moog Inc., Argo Space Corp, MT Aerospace AG, Gateway Galactic Inc., Sierra Space Corporation, Redwire Corporation, Axiom Space Inc., Astroscale U.S. Inc., Firefly Aerospace Inc., D-Orbit S.p.A., Nanoracks LLC, Orbit Fab Inc., Eta Space LLC, SAB Aerospace Inc., Altius Space Machines Inc., Momentus Inc., Kosmok Inc.

North America was the largest region in the on-orbit propellant depot market in 2025. The regions covered in the on-orbit propellant depot 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 have affected the on-orbit propellant depot market by increasing costs of critical components such as docking adapters, propellant storage modules, and fuel transfer systems, especially impacting manufacturing in regions like Asia-Pacific. Permanent depot systems and cryogenic propellant handling units are the most affected segments. While tariffs increase component costs and deployment timelines, they also incentivize domestic production, technology innovation, and regional partnerships, potentially strengthening local capabilities in space infrastructure development.

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

An on-orbit propellant depot is a space-based facility designed to store and deliver fuel to satellites, spacecraft, or space stations while in orbit. Its main function is to extend satellite lifespans, support deep-space missions, and enable spacecraft refueling without the need to return to Earth. This system allows spacecraft to launch with reduced fuel loads, lowers mission expenses, supports reusable vehicles, and enables long-duration missions, such as lunar or interplanetary exploration, by providing an in-space refueling point.

The primary types of on-orbit propellant depots are permanent and temporary. Permanent depots serve as long-term orbital storage facilities for propellants or supplies, supporting sustained space operations. They can store various fuel types, including cryogenic and non-cryogenic propellants, and are used in applications such as satellite refueling, deep-space exploration, spacecraft servicing, and more. The key end users include commercial enterprises, government and defense sectors, and research organizations.

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

The on-orbit propellant depot market consists of sales of modular refueling interface kits, autonomous docking adapters, fuel transfer subsystems, miniature propellant tanks, and in-orbit propellant storage modules. 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.

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