Space Grade Circular Connector Market Report 2026

The space grade circular connector market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $0.86 billion in 2025 to $0.94 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising demand for high-reliability connectors in satellites, adoption of hermetic sealing technologies, growth in military and aerospace space programs, standardization of connector specifications, increased use of fiber optic connectors.

The space grade circular connector market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.33 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion in small satellite constellations, demand for high-speed data transmission connectors, adoption of hybrid power and signal connectors, development of lightweight connector materials, growth in commercial space missions. Major trends in the forecast period include high-reliability connector design, hermetic sealing technologies, hybrid power and signal transmission, miniaturization and weight optimization, space-grade material innovations.

The rising number of satellite deployments is expected to drive growth in the space-grade circular connector market. Satellite deployments involve launching and positioning artificial satellites into Earth’s orbit or beyond for functions such as communications, navigation, and Earth observation. This increase is mainly fueled by the expansion of mega constellations, where companies launch thousands of satellites to provide global internet access and other commercial services. Space-grade circular connectors play a vital role by ensuring reliable electrical connections within satellites, withstanding harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, vibrations, and radiation. These connectors enable secure power and data transfer between satellite components, supporting efficient deployment, operation, and in-orbit communication. For example, according to NASA, 2,938 spacecraft were launched in 2023, a 17% rise compared to 2022, with most weighing under 600 kg. This growing satellite activity is a key factor propelling the space-grade circular connector market forward.

Leading companies in the space-grade circular connector market are developing advanced ruggedized, standards-compliant connectors to meet the demanding needs of modern satellite and spacecraft systems. These connectors are engineered to endure harsh conditions such as shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable and stable connections in critical aerospace environments. For example, in June 2023, Smiths Interconnect, a US-based provider of high-reliability connectivity solutions, introduced the Space Qualified KVPX connectors. This series offers superior mechanical durability, high-speed electrical performance, and resistance to extreme environments. Qualified to EEE-INST-002 Level 1 and made from materials compliant with NASA outgassing standards, these connectors are well-suited for high-reliability applications in defense, space, and commercial aerospace sectors.

In December 2024, Molex LLC, a US company specializing in electronic, electrical, and fiber optic connection systems, acquired AirBorn for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition merges Molex’s global engineering and manufacturing strengths with AirBorn’s expertise in rugged, high-reliability connectors and electronic components. The deal enhances Molex’s footprint in the rapidly growing aerospace, defense, and space exploration markets. AirBorn, also based in the US, is known for manufacturing rugged connectors tailored for space exploration applications.

Major companies operating in the space grade circular connector market are Eaton Corporation plc, TE Connectivity plc, Glenair, Molex LLC, ITT Inc., Littelfuse Inc., Samtec, Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc., HUBER+ SUHNER, Radiall, LEMO Connectors, Smiths Interconnect Inc., Axon' Cable, Amphenol Aerospace, Cinch Connectivity Solutions Inc., Fischer Connectors SA, PRECI-DIP, Positronic, Nicomatic, Harwin Plc.

North America was the largest region in the space grade circular connector market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the space grade circular connector 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 created both challenges and opportunities for the space grade circular connector market by disrupting global supply chains and affecting the availability of high-precision metals, polymers, and optical components. This has led to increased costs and potential delays, particularly impacting metal, composite, and optical circular connectors sourced from Asia-Pacific and Europe. Satellite systems and launch vehicle segments are most affected due to reliance on imported connectors. However, tariffs are encouraging localized production, investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, and the development of cost-efficient, space-qualified connectors.

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

Space grade circular connectors are highly reliable electrical connectors designed to provide secure power and signal transmission in aerospace and space environments. They function effectively under extreme conditions such as vacuum, intense radiation, and large temperature variations. Their sturdy circular design features precise mating and locking systems, offering resistance to vibration, shock, and corrosion, which ensures dependable operation in critical space missions.

The main categories of space grade circular connectors include metal, plastic, composite, and optical circular connectors. Metal circular connectors typically have rugged aluminum or stainless-steel shells that safeguard the internal contacts, withstand harsh environments, provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and guarantee reliable power and signal transfer in challenging aerospace settings. These connectors come in various mounting styles such as panel mount, cable mount, inline mount, and flange mount connectors. They are available in different current ratings: low current (up to 5A), medium current (5A to 20A), high current (20A to 50A), and ultra-high current (above 50A). Technologies used encompass standard, custom, high-performance, and rugged circular connectors, serving a wide range of applications including satellite systems, launch vehicles, space rovers and probes, International Space Station (ISS) operations, and space robotics.

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

The space grade circular connector market consists of sales of ruggedized circular connectors, fiber optic circular connectors, hermetically sealed connectors, high-speed data connectors, and hybrid power and signal connectors. 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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