Space Grade Circular Connector Market Report 2025

The space grade circular connector market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $0.79 billion in 2024 to $0.86 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The growth during the historic period is due to increased government funding for space missions, expanding use of satellite communication, heightened demand for radiation-resistant components, growth in defense-oriented space programs, and rising need for highly reliable interconnects.

The space grade circular connector market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.22 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The anticipated growth during the forecast period is driven by the expanding deployment of satellite constellations, increased investments in commercial spaceflight, growing demand for lightweight connector materials, a surge in private space infrastructure initiatives, and a rising need for high-speed data transmission in space. Key trends expected include improvements in radiation-hardened connector designs, the incorporation of fiber-optic technology into connectors, innovations in lightweight and durable materials, the development of modular connector architectures, and advancements in thermal management solutions.

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 players 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, and Harwin Plc.

North America was the largest region in the space grade circular connector market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in space grade circular connector report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the space grade circular connector 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.

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 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.

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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