Global space robotics market was valued at USD 389 billion in 2019. It is expected to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR), of 5.2% between 2020 and 2027. Space robots are in high demand due to the need to efficiently repair, service and maintain geostationary satellites. Space robotics technology is highly sought after for its cost-effectiveness, improved productivity and ability to operate in extreme space environments. Advanced robotics systems are required for the successful implementation future space programs such as the International Space Station (ISS), on-orbit manufacturing and assembly, and the lunar surface innovation initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Market growth will be driven by technological advancements, increasing use of autonomous systems in orbit, and an increase in the number of space programs. NASA has identified several areas of robotics that NASA will need to address in its 2035 space technology roadmap. The European Space Agency (ESA), which funds several European Commission projects, is also planning technology roadmaps for space robotics. Project PERASPERA aims to develop a master plan for space robotics technology in the 2023-2024 timeline. Japan, India, China, Russia and India also announced space programs that involve robotics technology.
In the future and current space exploration missions, robotics and autonomous systems will be crucial. Robots for space are mission-specific machines that can perform many tasks such as satellite servicing and maintenance, exploration, and satellite servicing. Robots allow astronauts to explore and operate in space, and extend human capabilities. Space robots are a multidisciplinary approach to engineering and space science. The application base for space robotics technology has expanded, from supporting the crew to autonomously operating at a new planet surface.
Robotics is a hot field that uses emerging technologies such as Deep Learning (DL) and Artificial Intelligence, (AI). Many organizations are working to develop AI-based robots that offer greater exploration and better mobility in space. These robots are capable of operating with minimal human assistance and can perform complex tasks for longer periods. The German Aerospace Center (DLR), launched CIMON in 2018, an AI-assisted robot that assists astronauts with their daily tasks at ISS. Int-Ball, an AI-based robot designed by the JAXA for automatic photos and videos on the ISS, is called Int-Ball. Int-Ball has been successfully deployed in the Japanese Kibo module on the ISS and is now operational.
In 2019, the services segment dominated the market and was responsible for 38% of the total revenue. This segment will continue to be the dominant one, but the Remotely Operated Vehicles segment (ROVs), is expected to grow at the fastest rate between 2020 and 2027. Further, the ROVs segment can be classified into space probes, rovers/spacecraft landingers, and other. Rovers are planetary surface exploration robots. They are capable of performing many tasks such as image capture, planet exploration, digging and data analysis & transmit. Future space missions such as Luna 25 from Roscosmos, Spacebit Mission One (UK), ALINA by Germany and Mission One (NASA) are expected to increase demand for rovers/spacecraft landingers.
Over the forecast period, the Remote Manipulator System segment (RMS) is expected to experience a significant increase in its revenue. RMS is capable of retrieving, deploying, and handling satellite payloads. It can also assist astronauts with maintenance activities. RMS is expected to grow due to the growing demand for space-based services such as satellite servicing, surface mobility and de-orbiting, and resupply services. RMS can further be divided into robotic arms/manipulator system, gripping and docking systems, among others. As they assist astronauts with lifting and moving heavy objects in space, robotic arms will see significant growth. Canadarm, and Dextre are two robotic arms currently attached to the ISS.
Near-space applications accounted for 43% of the total revenue in 2019. Near-space or orbital robots are used to repair satellites, assemble large space telescopes and deploy assets in space for scientific exploration. The near-space segment can be further divided into space exploration and transportation, maintenance in-space, and other. Due to increased demand for resupply to the ISS and service to existing geosynchronous satellites, the space transportation segment will experience strong growth over the forecast period.
CAGR is expected to be the highest in the deep-space segment during the forecast period. Deep space robots and planetary robots are vital in the observation, surveying, extraction, and analysis of extra-terrestrial surface. Deep space exploration programs require a robotic system to expand human reach into space and increase planetary access capabilities. The robot system also supports the astronaut crew during space operations. Robotic systems are growing in popularity, including autonomous spacecraft, robotic exploration robots, human-assistive bots, and piloted planes.
In 2019, the government segment accounted for 84% of the total revenue. This segment is seeing an increase in demand for robotics technology due to several R&D activities and satellite launches. The segment's growth is also being driven by the increasing importance of space and satellite technology in military and defense activities. R&D in robotics and space is also funded by various governments. The FAIR-SPACE Hub program was funded by the U.K. in 2017 to develop robotics and AI for space missions. Future space robots will be able to repair satellites and make satellite parts in space. They can also assemble large space telescopes, remove debris from space, and set up infrastructure. These funding programs and government initiatives are creating opportunities for growth in the market.
As commercial space missions are increasing in scale, the commercial segment will see the fastest CAGR between 2020 and 2027. Private companies continue their successful mission to low earth orbit and provide space transportation as well as support for the International Space Station. Private companies have new opportunities due to the increased demand for satellite servicing, mission extension, and refueling. NASA plans to eliminate federal funding for the ISS in 2025 and to adopt a commercial approach by associating commercial partners with the Moon and Mars missions. India's government announced the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre. This centre will promote and guide private space companies through supportive policies and a favorable regulatory environment. The private sector will soon be able to develop new business models and capabilities in space.
NASA recently awarded contracts to private companies worth USD 370 millions for its moon exploration project. The contract was awarded to 14 companies, including Lockheed Martin and United Launch Alliance. Intuitive Machines, one of the 14 companies, is currently working on a mission to the moon's surface. This mission is scheduled to launch next year. These factors will drive the growth in the commercial segment during the forecast period.
North America was the region with the highest revenue share, at over 41% in 2019, NASA and CSA have strong space capabilities, which is why the region has grown. Both companies are investing large amounts in R&D to enhance their technology and execute space exploration projects. NASA wants to create the infrastructure in space for long-term space exploration. It is possible to achieve this by developing a complex lunar robot mission. This gateway also opens up the possibility of commercial missions to the Moon surface. It will allow for the development of new technologies such as robotic precursors, spaceflight systems, crew mobility, and spaceflight systems. These projects are all part of the industry development opportunity for space and moon exploration.
Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing regional market between 2020 and 2027. Asia Pacific was the first region to adopt a correlating approach, using space technology and geospatial data services to increase resilience and reduce disaster risk. A regional action plan is being developed to ensure a sustainable future. This allows countries with limited space capabilities like Mongolia to collaborate with space technology leaders such as China, India and Japan. The region's future space programs and exploration missions, like Chandrayaan-3, by India, and Chang'e 7 robotic moon exploration missions by China, will open up new opportunities.
The market's competitive landscape is rapidly changing. The market's main entities are the traditional national agencies, like NASA and ESA. Commercial enterprises have shown their interest and are now entering the market. Commercial companies are creating the technology necessary for space exploration and exploitation missions. Private entities also have programs for commercial purposes, such as the Mars mission by SpaceX and asteroid mining at Bradford Space. Blue Origin offers space tourism. Private players can also help to reduce investment costs and increase innovation. Therefore, NASA and ESA have teamed up with private companies to develop their space programs.
These companies are currently working to develop new solutions for space exploration and transport. Astrobotic Technology, Inc., for example, established Future Missions and Technology (FM&T), a team that develops new robotics technology to support future space missions. Altius Space is working on a new method that will make satellite operations easier, including refuelling and repair. The following are some of the most prominent players in the global market for space robotics:
Altius Space
Astrobotic Technology, Inc.
BluHaptics, Inc.
Honeybee Robotics
Intuitive Machines, LLC
Maxar Technologies
Metecs, LLC
Motiv Space Systems, Inc.
Northrop Grumman Corp.
Oceaneering International, Inc.
Up Market Research published a new report titled “Space Robotics Market research report which is segmented by Organization Type (Government, Commercial), by Application (Near Space, Deep Space), by Solution (Services, ROVs), By Players/Companies Northrop Grumman Corp, Astrobotic Technology Inc, BluHaptics Inc (Olis Robotics), Oceaneering International Inc, Maxar Technologies, Altius Space, Honeybee Robotics, Motiv Space Systems Inc, Metecs LLC, Intuitive Machines LLC”. As per the study the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% in the forecast period.
Report Attributes | Report Details |
Report Title | Space Robotics Market Research Report |
By Organization Type | Government, Commercial |
By Application | Near Space, Deep Space |
By Solution | Services, ROVs |
By Companies | Northrop Grumman Corp, Astrobotic Technology Inc, BluHaptics Inc (Olis Robotics), Oceaneering International Inc, Maxar Technologies, Altius Space, Honeybee Robotics, Motiv Space Systems Inc, Metecs LLC, Intuitive Machines LLC |
Regions Covered | North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, MEA |
Base Year | 2020 |
Historical Year | 2018 to 2019 (Data from 2010 can be provided as per availability) |
Forecast Year | 2028 |
Number of Pages | 222 |
Number of Tables & Figures | 156 |
Customization Available | Yes, the report can be customized as per your need. |
The report covers comprehensive data on emerging trends, market drivers, growth opportunities, and restraints that can change the market dynamics of the industry. It provides an in-depth analysis of the market segments which include products, applications, and competitor analysis.
The market is segmented by Organization Type (Government, Commercial), by Application (Near Space, Deep Space), by Solution (Services, ROVs).
Space Robotics Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders:
Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America region is further bifurcated into countries such as U.S., and Canada. The Europe region is further categorized into U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe. Asia Pacific is further segmented into China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, South East Asia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Latin America region is further segmented into Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America, and the MEA region is further divided into GCC, Turkey, South Africa, and Rest of MEA.
We have studied the Space Robotics Market in 360 degrees via. both primary & secondary research methodologies. This helped us in building an understanding of the current market dynamics, supply-demand gap, pricing trends, product preferences, consumer patterns & so on. The findings were further validated through primary research with industry experts & opinion leaders across countries. The data is further compiled & validated through various market estimation & data validation methodologies. Further, we also have our in-house data forecasting model to predict market growth up to 2028.
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