On-Orbit Propellant Depot Market Report 2025

The on-orbit propellant depot market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.58 billion in 2024 to $1.88 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increasing number of geostationary satellites, higher costs of satellite replacement, growing demand for extended satellite lifespans, the expansion of satellite-based communication services, and rising investments in space infrastructure.

The on-orbit propellant depot market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.77 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rising adoption of satellite servicing, increasing demand for in-orbit refueling, the expansion of commercial space missions, a stronger emphasis on space sustainability, and the growth of Earth observation satellite deployments. Key trends expected during this period include advancements in autonomous docking technologies, innovations in fluid transfer interfaces, progress in cryogenic propellant storage research and development, the emergence of modular depot architectures, and improvements in robotic satellite servicing.

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.

Major companies in the on-orbit propellant depot market are developing advanced solutions such as standardized refueling interfaces to support satellite servicing, extend mission lifespans, and foster a sustainable space ecosystem. These interfaces are universal ports and connection systems that allow servicing vehicles to dock with and transfer propellant to client satellites, regardless of manufacturer. For example, in September 2022, Orbit Fab Inc., a U.S.-based in-space refueling company, introduced the first commercially available hydrazine refueling service. This solution uses the company’s Rapid Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) port, a standardized refueling valve designed for integration with both new and existing satellites. The system also includes a refueling shuttle that carries the propellant and autonomously docks with a satellite’s RAFTI port to complete the transfer, enabling mission extensions without prior design collaboration between satellite operators and fuel providers.

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 players 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., and Kosmok Inc.

North America was the largest region in the on-orbit propellant depot market in 2024. The regions covered in on-orbit propellant depot report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the on-orbit propellant depot 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.

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 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.

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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