Laser Guide Star System Market Report 2026

The laser guide star system market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.46 billion in 2025 to $1.61 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early implementation of high-power laser modules for adaptive optics, adoption of beam steering mechanisms in telescopes, development of wavefront sensors for atmospheric correction, initial integration of optical calibration tools, expansion of observatory installations using laser guide stars.

The laser guide star system market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.32 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to advancements in next-generation adaptive optics systems, rising demand for ultra-precise astronomical imaging, development of high-stability laser projection systems, increasing adoption of automated calibration and alignment tools, expansion of global astronomical research infrastructure. Major trends in the forecast period include enhanced laser power and beam quality, miniaturization of adaptive optics components, integration of real-time wavefront correction algorithms, expansion of space situational awareness applications, increasing demand for multi-wavelength guide star systems.

The increasing number of operational satellites is expected to drive the growth of the laser guide star system market. Operational satellites are actively functioning spacecraft that are fully deployed in orbit and performing their intended missions, such as communication, navigation, Earth observation, scientific research, or defense activities, while transmitting data or services as planned. The rise in the number of operational satellites is fueled by the growing demand for global connectivity, with more nations and companies launching satellites to expand broadband access and strengthen communication networks worldwide. Laser guide star systems support the growing number of operational satellites by enhancing ground-based tracking and monitoring, enabling clearer imaging and more precise navigation by correcting atmospheric distortions. For example, in May 2025, the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), a US-based trade association, reported that 11,539 satellites were operational in Earth orbit by the end of 2024, driven by 259 launches that deployed 2,695 satellites that year. As a result, the increasing number of operational satellites is propelling the growth of the laser guide star system market.

Major companies operating in the laser guide star system market are prioritizing the development of innovative solutions, such as next-generation sodium laser guide star (LGS) systems, to address the rising need for higher-resolution adaptive optics in astronomy, space surveillance, and defense applications. Advanced LGS systems create artificial reference stars in the upper atmosphere to correct atmospheric distortion, delivering superior imaging performance compared with traditional ground-based optical systems that depend on natural stars and are limited by restricted sky coverage. For example, in September 2025, Areté, a U.S.-based defense and advanced sensing technology company, introduced its “SLGS” (Sodium Laser Guide Star) system, built on an Optically Pumped Semiconductor Laser (OPSL). This design is reportedly the first application of OPSL technology for sodium guide-star generation. The system is more compact than conventional lasers and mounts directly on the telescope - eliminating the need for a separate laser room - while using a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber to transmit light to the launch telescope.

In July 2024, Bertin Technologies, a France-based provider of high-end instrumentation for critical and scientific applications, acquired ALPAO for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Bertin Technologies aims to strengthen its expertise in photonics, particularly in astronomy and space, and solidify its position as a European leader in advanced optical solutions. ALPAO, based in France, specializes in adaptive optics systems and components that improve image quality in demanding scientific and industrial environments.

Major companies operating in the laser guide star system market are Northrop Grumman Corporation, Coherent Corp, Lumentum Operations LLC, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., IPG Photonics Corporation, JENOPTIK AG, Thorlabs Inc., Edmund Optics Inc., Demcon Focal, TOPTICA Photonics AG, Bertin Technologies, MPB Communications Inc., EKSPLA, OptoSigma Corporation, Shanghai Optics, Laser Components, Holo/Or Ltd, Boston Micromachines Corporation, Imagine Optic, AeroDIODE.

North America was the largest region in the laser guide star system market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the laser guide star system 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 introduced complexities in the laser guide star system market by increasing costs and disrupting supply chains for key components such as laser modules and optical elements, particularly affecting manufacturers and suppliers in Asia-Pacific and North America. The increased tariffs have impacted segments relying heavily on imported high-precision components, including adaptive optics technology and laser sources. However, tariffs have also driven investment in localized manufacturing and innovation, fostering supply chain diversification and resilience within the market.

The laser guide star system market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides laser guide star system market statistics, including laser guide star system industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a laser guide star system market share, detailed laser guide star system market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the laser guide star system industry. This laser guide star system 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 laser guide star system is an astronomical technology that projects a laser beam into the upper atmosphere to create an artificial reference star. This artificial star is used by adaptive optics systems on telescopes to measure and correct atmospheric distortions in real time, enabling astronomers to capture sharper and clearer images of celestial objects.

The primary types of laser guide star systems are Rayleigh guide stars and sodium guide stars. Rayleigh guide stars are artificial light sources generated by projecting a laser into the lower atmosphere to measure and correct atmospheric distortions in adaptive optics systems. The components include laser sources, optical components, control systems, and detection systems, utilizing technologies such as adaptive optics, wavefront sensing, photonics, and control software. These systems are applied in astronomy, space situational awareness, laser communication, and other areas, and are used by end-users including research institutes, defense and military organizations, space agencies, and others.

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

The laser guide star system market consists of sales of adaptive optics systems, high-power laser modules, beam steering mechanisms, wavefront sensors, and optical calibration tools. 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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