Space Cryocoolers Market Report 2026

The space cryocoolers market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.23 billion in 2025 to $1.34 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to adoption of cryocoolers in infrared astronomy satellites, development of sorption and thermoelectric cryocoolers, demand for stable low-temperature conditions in scientific instruments, use of cryogenic cooling in superconducting electronics, growth of space instruments requiring micro cryocoolers.

The space cryocoolers market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.88 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to advancement of active magnetic regenerator cryocoolers, increasing integration with next-generation infrared and sensor satellites, development of higher efficiency cryogenic heat pumps, demand for miniaturized cryocoolers for small satellites, expansion of commercial space research requiring precise thermal control. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of high-reliability cryogenic systems for deep-space missions, growth in demand for long-life cryocoolers for satellite infrared payloads, advancements in vibration-free cooling for sensitive scientific instruments, miniaturization of cryocoolers for small satellite platforms, expansion of cryogenic systems supporting superconducting sensors in space telescopes.

The surge in commercial satellite launches is expected to drive the growth of the space cryocoolers market in the coming years. Commercial satellite launches involve deploying satellites into space by private companies or non-governmental entities for applications such as telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research. This surge is driven by the growing global demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity to support internet access, communication services, and data networks. Space cryocoolers support commercial satellite missions by maintaining onboard instruments and sensors at ultra-low temperatures, enhancing performance, reliability, and mission lifespan. For example, in January 2024, the Space Foundation, a US-based non-profit organization, reported that in 2023, global launch activity reached record levels for the third consecutive year, with 223 attempts and 212 successful missions. Commercial launches increased sharply, rising 50% compared to 2022, and this growth fueled strong demand for new launch vehicles, with 14 scheduled for their maiden flights in 2024. Consequently, the surge in commercial satellite launches is driving the growth of the space cryocoolers market.

Leading companies in the space cryocoolers market are developing advanced vibration-resistant cryogenic systems to deliver reliable, efficient, and easily manufacturable cooling solutions tailored for modern space missions. These systems are engineered to maintain stable low-temperature performance while enduring strong vibrations and mechanical stresses experienced during rocket launches and space operations. For example, in April 2023, Thales S.A., a France-based aerospace and defense firm, introduced the LPT6510 pulse tube cryocooler. This cryocooler features a lightweight, low-vibration design with a maximum input power of 60 watts and maintains strong performance under launch conditions without needing extra support structures for the cold finger. Its modular and manufacturable design enables flexible integration with spacecraft systems, combining cost-effective production with compliance to strict space standards.

In March 2023, Bluefors Oy, a Finland-based cryogenic measurement systems technology company, acquired Cryomech Inc. for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Bluefors aims to reinforce its global leadership in ultra-low temperature technologies by integrating Cryomech’s 60-year experience in cryocooler manufacturing, broadening its product range from room temperature to millikelvin levels, and strengthening its presence in the US supply chain for quantum computing, fundamental physics, life sciences, and clean energy applications. Cryomech Inc., based in the US, specializes in manufacturing cryocoolers designed for space applications, especially in environments demanding ultra-low temperatures and minimal maintenance.

Major companies operating in the space cryocoolers market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Air Liquide S.A., Thales Group, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., Chart Industries Inc, SunPower Corporation, Sierra Lobo Inc., Creare LLC, RIX Industries, West Coast Solutions, LLC, Stirling Cryogenics B.V., Ricor USA Inc., IHI Corporation, Absolut System, Advanced Research Systems Inc., Fabrum Solutions, Superconductor Technologies Inc., SATNow.

North America was the largest region in the space cryocoolers market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the space cryocoolers 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 increasing production costs for space cryocoolers by raising prices of precision components, alloys, sensors, and high-grade materials required for cryogenic systems. The most affected segments include Stirling and Pulse Tube cryocoolers, while regions with heavy reliance on imported aerospace components particularly North America and Europe face delays in satellite and scientific research missions. However, tariffs are also encouraging localized manufacturing investments, promoting domestic supply-chain development, and driving innovation in cost-efficient cryocooler technologies.

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

A space cryocooler is a mechanical refrigeration device designed to cool spacecraft instruments and components to very low temperatures often below 100 K without using consumable cryogens such as liquid helium. These devices play a vital role in reducing thermal noise in infrared sensors enabling superconducting electronics and maintaining stable cryogenic conditions for scientific instruments in space.

The primary types of space cryocoolers include Stirling cryocoolers pulse tube cryocoolers Brayton cryocoolers Gifford McMahon cryocoolers and others. Stirling cryocoolers operate using the Stirling cycle which involves cyclic compression and expansion of a working gas such as helium to reach precise cryogenic temperatures suited for spacecraft and satellite applications. They come with different cooling capacities low up to 1 watt medium 1 to 10 watts and high above 10 watts and are used in satellite systems space telescopes scientific research instruments and space probes and rovers. These cryocoolers serve a range of users including aerospace and defense sectors research institutions commercial space companies and government agencies.

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

The space cryocoolers market also includes sales of sorption cryocoolers, volumizer cryocoolers, thermoelectric cryocoolers, active magnetic regenerator cryocoolers, micro cryocoolers, and cryogenic heat pump systems. 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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