Middle East and Africa Electric Propulsion System Market

Market Overview

The Middle East and Africa electric propulsion system market size in 2023 is estimated to be USD 93.39 million, and in 2032, it is projected to reach USD 380.64 million at a CAGR of 19.2% during the forecast period (2024-2032).

Electric Propulsion (EP) is a technique of space propulsion that employs electrical power to accelerate propellant via various electrical and/or magnetic mechanisms. The efficacy of EP thrusters is superior to that of conventional chemical thrusters. They require less mass for spacecraft acceleration and can expel propellants up to twenty times faster than conventional chemical thrusters. This results in a system that utilizes mass more efficiently.

Market Dynamics

Middle East and Africa Electric Propulsion System Market Drivers

Growing Budget Allocation for Space Programs

The space industry is witnessing a notable surge in space activities as countries allocate significant funds to diverse space programs. These programs involve launching satellites and spacecraft for various purposes, such as plant observation, exploration, communication, weather monitoring, and defense. The increase in satellite launches is primarily attributed to advancements in smaller CubeSats, enabling the deployment of more satellites in a single mission.

Middle East and Africa Electric Propulsion System Market Restraint

Diverse Range of Choices

While electric propulsion is extensively utilized in satellites and spacecraft, it is not the exclusive choice. The market offers diverse alternative propulsion systems for these applications. Studies indicate that notable alternatives include chemical propulsion systems, bipropellant propulsion systems, unified propulsion systems, and monopropellant hydrazine propulsion systems. The selection of a propulsion system depends on the application's specific needs, and these technologies can be employed across satellites and spacecraft of varying sizes. Nevertheless, there is a growing demand for electric propulsion due to its cost-effectiveness and operational benefits.

Middle East and Africa Electric Propulsion System Market Opportunities

Establishing Innovation Labs and Centers

Satellites and spacecraft have various propulsion system options, and electric propulsion is not the only choice. The market offers various alternatives, including chemical propulsion systems, bipropellant propulsion systems, unified propulsion systems, and monopropellant hydrazine propulsion systems. The decision on which propulsion system to use depends on the application's specific requirements. These technologies are applicable across satellites and spacecraft of different sizes. However, there is a significant increase in the demand for electric propulsion due to its cost-effectiveness and operational advantages.

Regional Analysis

The Middle East and Africa region is experiencing growth in the electric propulsion system market. Factors such as increasing space exploration initiatives, satellite deployment, and advancements in satellite technology are driving the demand for electric propulsion systems. Key players focus on expanding their presence and offering innovative solutions in this market.

Segmental Analysis

The Middle East and Africa electric propulsion system market is segmented into type, techiques, power ratings, and applications.

Based on type, the market is categorised into gridded ion engine (GIE), hall effect thruster (HET), high efficiency multistage plasma thruster (HEMPT), pulsed plasma thruster (PPT), magneto plasma dynamic (MPD), and others.

HET is the most significant contributor to the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 19.5 % over the forecast period. HET is an electric propulsion system in which a perpendicular magnetic field rather than a grid system is utilized. The generated magnetic field captures electrons in an azimuthal Hall current traveling around the circumference of an annular ceramic channel. The electron then ionizes the onboard propellant, resulting in ionized plasma.

By application, it is further segmented into satellite based and marine based.

The satellite is the most significant contributor to the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 19.0% over the forecast period. A satellite that uses a hybrid or all-electric propulsion technology is said to be an electric propulsion satellite. Electrical propulsion is space propulsion that employs various electrical and electromagnetic techniques to speed up or spark propellant combustion. Electrothermal propulsion, electrostatic propulsion, and electromagnetic propulsion are all propulsion used in satellites. Its usefulness determines the range of space-based uses to which it can be put, from earth observation to navigation and communications to astronomy, exploration, and even environmental research.

Recent Developments

• February 2023- Starfish Space announced that its electric propulsion-powered Otter Pup satellite will be launched in the middle of 2023 and dock with another satellite by the end of 2023.
• Airflow, an electric short takeoff, and landing (eSTOL) aircraft business, has partnered with Pipistrel, the world’s first and presently one type-certified electric airplane designer and manufacturer. Pipistrel will supply the motors, motor controllers, and batteries for Airflow’s Distributed Electric Propulsion proof-of-concept aircraft as part of this agreement.
• BAE Systems announced Next-Generation Power and Propulsion System to Assist Marine Operators in Achieving Zero-Emissions Status.