GLOBAL SPACE ROBOTIC SOLUTION MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

The Global Space Robotic Solution market size was valued at US$ 5.04 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 15.20 Bn by 2030, grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% from 2023 to 2030. Space robotics refer to the development and applications of automated robots that are capable of surviving in the harsh environment of space. These robots are designed to perform challenging tasks in space exploration missions, on-orbit satellite servicing, asteroid mining, in-space manufacturing and assembly. The key advantages of space robots include ability to operate in dangerous environments, maneuverability, precision and customizability. The growth in the market is driven by factors such as increasing investments in space exploration missions, demand for on-orbit satellite servicing, and focus on developing reusable launch systems.

The Global Space Robotic Solution Market is segmented by solution, application and region. By solution, the market is segmented into products and services. The products segment accounts for the largest share owing to the high demand for critical components including robotic arms, sensors, end-effectors and associated software. Services related to technical support, maintenance and integration & assembly also hold a significant share.

Global Space Robotic Solution Market Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for Global Space Robotic Solution Market during the forecast period, accounting for over 40.5% of the market share in 2022. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the presence of major space organizations like NASA, investments in space robotics by government and private companies.
• The Europe market is expected to be the second-largest market for Global Space Robotic Solution Market, accounting for over 32.2% of the market share in 2022. The growth of the market in is attributed to increasing focus on developing orbital missions and satellite servicing capabilities by European Space Agency.
• The Asia Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for Global Space Robotic Solution Market, with a CAGR of over 19.3% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to the rising space budgets and investments in developing reusable rockets and robotic solutions, especially in China.

Figure 1. Global Space Robotic Solution Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

Global Space Robotic Solution Market Drivers:

• Increasing investments in space exploration missions: The increasing investments in space exploration missions by government space agencies and private companies is a major driver boosting the Global Space Robotic Solution Market. Various countries have announced ambitious space exploration programs. For instance, NASA plans to send astronauts to the Moon by 2025 under the Artemis mission and establish a lunar base camp. The agency also has future plans for crewed missions to Mars. Likewise, China, UAE, India and others have announced moon missions. SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic aim to offer private space travel. Robotic systems like rovers, robotic arms, grippers will be critical enablers for these missions. They can survive harsh environments, precisely collect samples and support astronauts. Thus, the expanding space exploration goals globally is driving uptake of space robotic solutions.
• Demand for reducing mission risk and human error: Robotic systems are finding increased usage in space applications to minimize mission risk and reduce dependency on astronauts for complex maneuvers. Human space flights are prone to errors and have huge associated costs and risks. Robots can undertake repetitive or dangerous tasks without fatigue or risk. For example, robotic arms can simplify in-space equipment repairs, maintenance and reduce need for astronauts to conduct spacewalks. Automating rendezvous and docking, surface mobility via rovers also enhances safety. Thus, space robotics is an effective way to reduce mission risk and human error which is fueling the market growth.
• Increased investments by private companies: The increasing involvement and investments by private companies in the commercial space industry is driving the Global Space Robotic Solution Market. Several private space companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, Maxar Technologies are developing new robotic systems for orbital operations, space tourism and deep space exploration. Advancements in miniaturization, better power sources are supporting development of nimble robots. Many startups are entering the market with innovative robotic solutions. Moreover, decreasing launch costs due to reusable rockets is improving access to space. This will open up new applications for robotics. Thus, the booming private space sector will generate significant demand for robotics.
• On-orbit satellite servicing: The growing interest in on-orbit satellite servicing capabilities such as inspection, repair, refueling and orbit management is fueling the need for service robots in space. Traditionally, satellites are discarded after their lifespan is over. However, companies are developing robotic solutions that can dock with satellites to extend their operational life and prevent early retirement. For example, spacecraft equipped with dexterous manipulators can repair and upgrade satellites. This increases asset utilization and eliminates costs of launching replacements. Satellite servicing is thus expected to be an emerging application segment for space robotic solutions.

Global Space Robotic Solution Market Opportunities:

• Asteroid Mining: Asteroid mining presents a major opportunity for the application of space robotics beyond 2030. Asteroids contain rare resources like iron, nickel, gold, platinum which could be mined. While crewed missions are challenging and expensive, robotic systems offer a viable option for resource extraction on asteroids. Robots equipped with cutting tools, grippers and drills can draw samples and ores from asteroids in the belt between Mars and Jupiter. NASA along with private companies like Planetary Resources are developing asteroid mining robots. Initial prototypes and small-scale operations could commence by 2030. This disruptive use case could expand the addressable market for space robots.
• In-space manufacturing and assembly: The capability to manufacture and assemble spacecraft and large structures directly in orbit can potentially transform the space industry. Robotic arms equipped with 3D printers can print components using in-situ resources and also assemble them. For instance, large antennas, solar panels and other systems can be manufactured on demand instead of being folded and carried onboard at launch. This will enable launching more compact hardware. On-orbit manufacturing via robots will thus be an enabler for more ambitious deep space missions, space stations and satellites over the long-term.
• Space infrastructure and logistics: There is growing interest in developing space infrastructure to support a sustained human presence and research. This includes modular space habitats, inflatable research labs, fuel depots, power stations etc. Building such infrastructure requires robotic automation for in-orbit construction, welding, integration of modules etc. which are challenging for astronauts. Moreover, an orbital economy will need logistics networks for cargo and supply delivery via robotic freighters and tugs. Thus space infrastructure and logistics is a long-term opportunity for robotic service providers.
• Lunar and Mars surface mobility: Surface mobility on Moon and Mars for exploration, sample collection and scientific research activities will require advanced robotic rovers, autonomous navigation and robotic sampling tools. While current rovers have limited range and capabilities, future variants could leverage developments in autonomy, manipulation and power systems to support large-scale ground exploration over months. Planetary robotic could thus be a niche market driven by government space agency missions beyond 2030.

Global Space Robotic Solution Market Trends:

• Advances in robotic manipulation and mobility: Key technology trends that will shape the development of space robotics are improvements in autonomous manipulation and mobility capabilities. Robots designed for zero-gravity mobility, dexterous in-orbit grasping and maneuvering require specialized solutions. For example, robotic arms with 7 or more degrees of freedom offer human-like flexibility. Mobility systems like quadruped robots provide stability in uneven terrain. AI/ML algorithms enable precise navigation and manipulation in unstructured environments. Such advances will drive broader adoption across use cases.
• Onboard processing and edge computing: Space robots will incorporate more onboard computation capabilities and edge intelligence to enable autonomous real-time decision making. Processing data on the robot using small but powerful chipsets mitigates reliance on ground stations. For example, edge computers allow rovers to navigate obstacles without delay caused by communicating with Earth. Onboard processing also enables swarm robotics and multi-agent collaboration. Transitioning from tele-operation to semi-autonomous operations will accelerate with self-contained, smart robots.
• Open robotic platforms and standards: Vendors are increasingly adopting an open or collaborative approach to develop robotic solutions for space applications. Common software frameworks and hardware standards help integrate subsystems and components from different vendors into complete customizable robots faster and at lower cost. Open interfaces and ROS middleware foster innovation by startups on top of stable core platforms. Modular designs also enable reuse across programs. These open ecosystem trends are helping accelerate technology development.
• Declining subsystem costs: The costs for critical subsystems and components used in space-grade robotics like sensors, actuators, chipsets and materials are coming down, driven by commercial applications and demand from drone and automobile industries. For instance, LiDAR sensors and vision systems are far more affordable today. Reusable launch vehicles also reduce launch costs. Falling costs of hardware, electronics and launch access are making space robotic missions more economically viable compared to 5-10 years ago. This is expanding adoption across new space startups and programs.

Global Space Robotic Solution Market Restraints:

• High upfront development and deployment costs: The high costs associated with designing, developing, testing and certifying robotic systems for reliable operations in space is a major restraint. Complex manipulation systems tailored for in-orbit operations require significant upfront investment. Long design cycles are needed to ruggedize and radiation harden components. Testing in simulated zero-gravity adds expense. Moreover, launch accounts for a major part of mission cost. Therefore budget constraints have been a key challenge, especially for smaller private companies and research institutes.
• Challenges of long distance mobility and operations: The communication delays and challenges involved in control and navigation of robots at vast distances in space is a key restraint. For example, it takes several minutes for signals to reach Mars or lunar rovers from Earth. This makes real-time teleoperation extremely difficult. Full autonomy with self-navigation in unknown harsh terrain is still a complex challenge. Robotic operations are also constrained by limited power availability and survivability in extreme radiation and temperature conditions. Thus the remote hostile environment makes robotic deployment difficult.
• Lack of infrastructure for support and maintenance: The lack of dedicated infrastructure for maintenance, repair, refueling and redeployment of space robots once deployed is a constraint. Robots cannot be easily retrieved or serviced in case of damage or for upgrades. The canceled Hubble repair mission in 2020 highlighted this issue. Moreover, recharging of surface robots via solar panels is challenging due to dust accumulation and night periods. Future infrastructure like robotic garages, fuel depots could alleviate these issues but significant investment is needed.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• In March 2021, Maxar Technologies launched its newest robotic arm, SAMPLR, designed for lunar and Mars exploration. It will provide precise soil sampling and transfer capabilities for landers and rovers.
• In January 2022, Altius Space Machines announced the development of remote-operated dexterous robotic arm for orbital operations, inspection and maintenance. The arm will provide precise manipulation capabilities.
• In June 2020, Astrobotic Technology unveiled its lunar lander Peregrine designed to deliver payloads to the lunar surface. It can carry up to 14 kg of payload.

Acquisition and partnerships

• In March 2022, Space Applications Services acquired majority stake in Space Initiatives Inc, a spacecraft autonomy software provider to strengthen its offerings.
• In May 2021, Northrop Grumman acquired NanoRacks, a provider of commercial space stations and in-space services. This expanded Northrop's capabilities in space logistics.
• In March 2020, Maxar Technologies partnered with NASA to build robotic assembler and manufacturing robots under Tipping Point contract to support on-orbit assembly.

Figure 2. Global Space Robotic Solution Market Share (%), By Solution, 2023

Top companies in Global Space Robotic Solution Market

• Maxar Technologies
• Motiv Space Systems
• Altius Space Machines
• Astrobotic Technology
• Made In Space
• Northrop Grumman
• Honeybee Robotics
• Effective Space Solutions
• Bradford Space
• Olis Robotics
• Metecs
• Astroscale
• D-Orbit SpA
• ClearSpace
• Space Applications Services
• Kepler Communications
• Kubos
• SpiderFab
• Tethers Unlimited
• MDA

Definition: The Global Space Robotic Solution Market refers to the global market for robotic systems designed for various applications in space exploration, orbital operations, and space travel and transportation. This includes advanced robotic arms, grippers, sensors, manipulators, rovers, software and associated services used across satellites, space stations, planetary landers and rovers.

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