Space Debris Monitoring and Removal Market

Market Overview

The global space debris monitoring and removal market size was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2.0 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The growing concern about the sustainability of space activities and the escalating risk of orbital debris to operating satellites and spacecraft is the prime reason behind the growth of the global space debris monitoring and removal market.

Space debris monitoring and removal refer to the techniques and technology used to track and mitigate the growing amount of space junk orbiting Earth. As human activity in space has expanded, so has the accumulation of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and collision fragments, known together as space junk or orbital debris. 

Global space debris monitoring and removal market share is predicted to grow at an 8.6% CAGR because of growing concern about the sustainability of space activities and the escalating risk of orbital debris to operating satellites and spacecraft. The launch of multiple satellites for varied purposes is accelerating market expansion. When network-based platforms encourage satellite launches, the growth rate of the space debris monitoring and removal market grows. The rise of space solution service providers has been a driving force in the market's growth. Small-scale businesses involved in designing, testing, and monitoring debris are assisting the market in improving its trend. These companies are cooperating with key parties to deliver better space solutions. To make the system run more smoothly, the monitoring features of the debris are being improved.

Market Dynamics

Global Space Debris Monitoring and Removal Market Drivers

Increasing Space Activities

The deployment of satellite mega-constellations, which consist of hundreds or even thousands of tiny satellites, is an example of the expanding space activities that contribute to space debris. Companies, including SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon, are contemplating huge constellation launches to give global internet coverage. While commercial insights into space debris monitoring and removal reveal that these constellations provide several benefits, they also raise worries about the possible increase in space debris. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), there were more than 3,400 operational satellites in orbit around Earth as of August 2021, and this number is likely to expand dramatically due to planned satellite mega-constellations. According to the Satellite Industry Association's (SIA) 25th annual State of the Satellite Industry Report, the global space economy will generate $384 billion in revenue in 2022, a 4% increase over 2020. The commercial satellite industry contributed $281 billion, accounting for more than 73% of global space activity. SpaceX has launched over 5,000 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) as of August 2023. The corporation intends to install almost 12,000 satellites, possibly increasing to 42,000.

Global Space Debris Monitoring and Removal Market Restraints

Lack of Regulatory Norms

The lack of clear and globally agreed legal rules for space debris removal is a serious barrier that can hinder the expansion of the space debris monitoring and removal sector. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) (France), and other space agencies have defined a set of regulatory norms to curb space debris through monitoring and removal. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) highlighted the lack of a defined legal framework for space debris cleanup. Discussions within international organizations on the establishment of debris disposal standards are ongoing but have yet to result in widely agreed recommendations. This absence of regulatory guidance causes stakeholders to be uncertain, has an impact on investment decisions, and can delay the implementation of successful debris removal initiatives. 

Global Space Debris Monitoring and Removal Market Opportunity

Technological Innovation

The development of more advanced capturing devices is one area of technological innovation in space debris monitoring and clearance. Robotic arms, nets, and harpoons have evolved into more precise and flexible devices. For example, academics and firms are investigating using multiple-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, sophisticated grasping mechanisms, and adaptive algorithms for debris collecting. These technologies improve debris capture success rates and reduce the chance of collisions throughout the removal process. The European Space Agency (ESA) has funded programs, including "e.Deorbit," which intends to develop sophisticated technology for catching and deorbiting big debris pieces. These initiatives show a dedication to technological innovation in debris removal. The advancement of AI and machine learning algorithms enables more precise navigation, enhancing debris tracking and prediction accuracy. This is essential for successful debris clearance missions. Propulsion system advancements, such as ion thrusters and solar sails, provide more energy-efficient options for trash removal spacecraft, allowing for longer missions and more precise control. The space debris monitoring and removal market trend benefits from technological improvements that improve debris removal operations' efficiency, accuracy, and success rate. These technologies propel industrial growth, attract investment, and contribute to creating a more secure and sustainable space environment. Hence, the space debris monitoring and removal market will grow.

Regional Analysis

North America dominates the market

Global space debris monitoring and removal market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

North America holds a sizeable global market share and is expected to boost at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. The North American market is expected to stay dominating during the projection period. Compared to European and Asian countries, the United States has the most space-based companies. As a prominent actor in space technology, the United States has launched several projects for space debris monitoring. One example is the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Space Surveillance Network, managed by the United States Space Command. This network monitors the movement and placement of space debris by tracking thousands of objects in Earth's orbit. This data is critical for forecasting probable collisions and averting disastrous collisions with operating satellites.

Additionally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) actively participates in space debris research and monitoring. NASA's Orbital Debris Program is critical in assessing the space debris environment and developing debris mitigation techniques. Furthermore, the US Department of Defense invests much in space debris monitoring to reduce space debris in the coming years. Furthermore, significant space businesses such as Altius Space, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and the Boeing Company drive market expansion in North America.

Europe is predicted to rise at a substantial CAGR of 7.4% throughout the forecast period. The "CleanSpace One" mission of the Swiss Space Center at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is Europe's involvement in space trash clearance. The mission aims to show that capturing and deorbiting a dead satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is possible. CleanSpace One will capture a small satellite with a robotic arm, removing it from orbit and reducing the risk of collision. The presence of the European Space Agency (ESA) and other space-based organizations is critical in monitoring and removing space debris from orbit. ESA inked a USD 106 million contract with the Swiss start-up Clearspace SA in December 2020. The ESA will purchase a one-of-a-kind service for the first removal of a piece of space debris from orbit under this contract. During this mission, the Vespa (Vega secondary payload adapter) will be removed from orbit.

Asia-Pacific is expected to grow based on the space debris monitoring and removal Market insights. The increase might be attributed to India, China, and Japan's increasing demand for space situational awareness capabilities. Chinese companies are involved in designing and developing their optical sensor network, known as the Asia Pacific Optical Satellite Observation System (APOSOS), in partnership with the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO). Digantara, an India-based start-up, will launch India's first in-orbit space debris monitoring and tracking system in July 2020. Launching a constellation of cost-effective nanosatellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) will give global real-time Earth coverage. It will also provide a space-based air surveillance payload for precise tracking of both space objects and aircraft.

The Middle East and Africa, and Latin America are also expected to grow steadily in the coming years. The expansion can be attributed to the rising collaboration among non-US governments for space situational awareness capabilities. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA), for example, worked with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) to install a space debris tracking station within the Optical Space Research (OSR) Laboratory. As part of the Small Aperture Robotic Telescope Network (SMARTnet), the OSR facility features a space debris monitoring and removal tracking telescope. This is an exclusive sensory network built on telescope systems.

Segmental Analysis

The global space debris monitoring and removal market is segmented based on application, debris size, orbit type, end-user, and region.

The segment can be bifurcated by application into Space debris monitoring and removal.

Space debris removal holds the major share of the market

To reduce the risk of collisions, space debris removal entails physically catching, modifying the trajectory, or deorbiting defunct satellites and debris bits. This phase necessitates advanced technologies and worldwide collaboration. 

Space debris monitoring entails detecting and classifying hundreds of objects in Earth's orbit to predict probable collisions and assess the risk to operational satellites and spacecraft. This phase is critical for maintaining situational awareness and making informed decisions to avoid collisions.

Based on debris size, the market is fragmented into 1mm-1cm debris, 1cm-10cm debris, and>10cm debris.

1mm-1cm debris influenced the market growth.

Due to their high velocity, debris in the 1mm-1cm size range, often known as "micrometeoroids" or "small debris," poses a substantial hazard to functioning satellites and spacecraft. Despite their small size, these pieces can do significant harm when they collide.

Larger chunks of debris in the 1cm-10cm range can cause catastrophic damage to functioning satellites. Smaller debris is easier to track and monitor than larger fragments.

Based on orbit type, the market is sub-segmented into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO).

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) influenced the market.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is a zone distinguished by its closeness to Earth and high traffic density. Numerous satellites, including communication, navigation, Earth observation satellites, and the International Space Station (ISS), are housed in LEO. Effective space debris monitoring and clearance procedures are required because of LEO's congestion and high collision risk.

Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) is distinguished by its greater altitude and is used mostly for communication and weather satellites. GEO is less congested than LEO, but it still confronts the potential of debris collisions because of the extended lifetimes of operating satellites and the presence of defunct spacecraft.

Based on end-users, the market is divided into commercial defense.

Commercial led the market growth

Satellite operators, private space companies, and organizations providing space-based services such as telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, and more are all part of the commercial sector. The threats presented by space debris to operating satellites and investments have a direct impact on commercial stakeholders.

Military agencies and organizations in charge of national security and defense-related space activities are included in the defense sector. While commercial services are not their primary focus, they acknowledge the need for space debris monitoring and clearance to preserve operating capabilities.

Recent Developments

• August 2023- Airbus is extending ramp-up capacity and upgrading its industrial system by opening a new automated A321XLR equipping hangar today by Hamburg's First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and German Aerospace Coordinator Anna Christmann. With this, Airbus continues modernizing and digitalizing its industrial system while increasing its capacity for the A320 rate ramp-up to 75 in 2026.
• May 2023- ClearSpace planned to utilize Arianespace Vega C to launch the first active debris removal mission.
• August 2023- EM Solutions entered space after successfully testing the Telesat LEO 3 satellite transponder in orbit.