Space Robotics Market

Market Overview

The global space robotics market size was valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 7.67 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The rising space exploration missions and robotics autonomy and the growing demand for satellites across the globe stimulate market growth.

Robots in space are devices that can control themselves and are autonomous. They are composed of subassemblies that are mechanical, electrical, and electronic. They are superior to the robots in performing the required functions. Robots that have been developed expressly for use in space have a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to the following: construction, exploration, maintenance, and servicing of satellites in space. These robots are capable of withstanding the severe conditions of space and are useful for various tasks.

The study of space robotics is going through a phase of remarkable growth right now due to its many benefits. Greater productivity, lower operational expenses, and the ability to act as a human replacement in potentially hazardous situations are some of the benefits that come along with the use of robotic technology. In the not-too-distant future, it is anticipated that space robots will be the ones to conduct our exploration in deep space.

Market Dynamics

Global Space Robotics Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Satellites Across the Globe

Robotics are needed for on-orbit servicing and assembly as satellite launches rise. The enormous number of satellites launched in recent decades has littered the space environment around Earth, putting present and future space missions at risk. Such conditions have raised the demand for orbital debris removal and servicing robotics. In addition to ISRA and EVA, dexterous robotic manipulators capture, maintain, and de-orbit damaged and operational satellites in on-orbit servicing and active debris removal operations. Such missions will increase space robotics demand. Satellite data is growing as space exploration missions rise. Managing such massive data requires AI and ML.

Planetary exploration robots cannot traverse wider or topologically distinct locations to gather all the data. Multi-robot systems are predicted from such issues. Combining many specialized vehicles for planetary exploration will increase locomotion with multiple robots. A multi-robot system is predicted to lead the market soon.

Rising Space Exploration Missions and Robotics Autonomy

Because of recent technological advances, pursuits like space flight and others like it are more exciting than ever. However, exploring space is a challenging and dangerous endeavor. Because they have such a comprehensive understanding of the atmosphere, surface conditions, temperature, and soil composition, engineers, astronauts, scientists, and space agencies, for example, are encouraged to perform additional exploration but not at the expense of humanity. Robotics-based solutions might be an option for dealing with this problem. Robotics and autonomous technology are becoming increasingly important in conducting current and future space exploration missions.

In addition to the expansion of space exploration activities, national space agencies such as Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities in Russia, the European Space Agency, NASA in the United States of America, China National Space Administration, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) are providing funding for a variety of space robotics programs.

Global Space Robotics Market Restraint

Extreme Environment Conditions in Space

Space has the harshest conditions. Spacecraft risk radiation damage and severe temperatures above Earth's shielding atmosphere. Spacecraft launch is the first dangerous and intense condition. The rocket that launches the spacecraft shakes and blasts it with high-pitched sound waves. Such circumstances may damage delicate equipment. These conditions prompted designers and engineers to construct and test a spacecraft's structural and thermal model.

At ESTEC (ESA's European Space Technology Centre), Netherlands, the acoustic chamber and vibration table replicate launching circumstances. Space temperatures range from hundreds of degrees above if a spacecraft approaches the Sun to hundreds of degrees below freezing. Since space has no air, radiation from the Sun heats planets, spaceships, and other celestial bodies.

Global Space Robotics Market Opportunities

Growing Adoption Rate in Emerging Nations

Emerging economies are adopting robotics technology incrementally. The market for robotics technology is anticipated to assist these economies in expanding rapidly and increasing their manufacturing capacity. In healthcare, agriculture, and food and beverage, robotics further enhances the infrastructure of these economies. These nations' economies provide the market with vast expansion potential. In addition, developing nations' use of artificial intelligence (Al) machines in manufacturing and agriculture presents a lucrative opportunity for the industry.

Emerging economies are adopting robotics technology incrementally. Robotic technology will help these economies expand rapidly and increase their manufacturing capacity. In healthcare, agriculture, and food and beverage, robotics further enhances the infrastructure of these economies. These nations' economies provide the market with vast expansion potential. In addition, developing nations' use of artificial intelligence (AI) machines in manufacturing and agriculture presents a lucrative opportunity for the industry.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global space robotics market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global space robotics market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period. The North American market for space robotics generated the highest revenue share. Significant investments in research and development by prominent government agencies, such as NASA, play a crucial role in the revenue growth of this region's market. Rapid advances in industrial technologies, such as sensors and others, have also contributed to the growing demand for space robotics. Governments in this region are investing heavily in space exploration activities to gain a competitive advantage over other regions and to ensure that space operations are conducted safely and effectively. Major space companies in this region, including SpaceX, Orbital Sciences, and others, collaborate with the International Space Station (ISS) to develop cost-effective maintenance solutions for low-Earth-orbit satellites.

Additionally, the American market accounted for the greatest revenue share due to rising demand from the defense industry. The Defense Advanced Research Projects and National Security Foundation of the United States are collaborating with major corporations to develop space robots that are lightweight, compact, and assist in crucial space operations. Such initiatives are anticipated to continue supporting the revenue expansion of the North American market.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period. The vast availability of skilled labor and substantial investments by prominent research agencies such as the European Space Agency and others play a significant role in propelling the revenue growth of the market in this region. These organizations are developing robotic arms and structures to assist future space explorations. The European Robotic Arm (ERA) is the first robot capable of walking around the Russian section of the International Space Station (ISS).

Moreover, the robot will be the primary manipulator for the Russian portion of the International Space Station. Its joints are robust and capable of withstanding multiple-ton payloads with a wide range of motion for assembly duties. Increasing demand in this region can also be attributed to the educational institutions' efforts to expand their robotics capabilities. Due to swift advancements in existing industrial technologies, Germany's market accounted for the largest revenue share. In addition, 33% of all European robots were sold in Germany.

Asia-Pacific has emerged as one of the fastest-growing regions in the global market. The presence of prominent space research organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and others significantly impacts expanding market revenue. In addition, nations such as China, Japan, and South Korea have simple access to many hardware components necessary to produce space robots. This has substantially contributed to the expansion of the market in this region.

In addition, regional governments collaborate with major corporations to develop space robotics with sensors and other Internet of Things-enabled devices. This enables research institutions and organizations to have access to crucial information regarding space operations, lifeforms in outer galaxies, and other topics. Companies are investing in the development of multi-armed space robotics. This is predominantly due to the necessity of minimizing satellite downtime and recovering them.

In space robotics, Latin America is a market that is just beginning to emerge. Countries such as Brazil and Argentina have demonstrated a growing interest in space technology and exploration and increased investment in these fields. The Brazilian Space Agency, or AEB, has been actively involved in various space initiatives and partnerships with foreign organizations. The National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) of Argentina has also been making significant headway in terms of research and development in the space sector. It is anticipated that Latin America's growing interest in space technology and exploration will contribute to the region's expanding demand for space robotics, which will, in turn, drive market growth.

The nations of the Middle East and Africa are making gradual but steady progress toward exploring space technologies, notably robots. This is particularly true in the Middle East. As a direct consequence of the successful launch of the Mars mission "Hope Probe," the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established itself as a pivotal player in this business. It is projected that the United Arab Emirates' focus on the exploration of space and the development of technologies associated with it would enhance the growth of the space robotics market in the region. This growth will directly result from the United Arab Emirates' efforts. South Africa and Egypt are only two examples of countries in the Middle East and Africa region that have shown an interest in space research and development. Other countries in this region include Saudi Arabia and Algeria.

Segmental Analysis

The global space robotics market is bifurcated into solution, application, and organization types.

Based on the solution, the global market is bifurcated into remotely operated vehicles (ROV), remote manipulator systems (RMS), software, and services. 

The Remote Manipulator System (RMS) segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period. The Remote Manipulator System (RMS) segment is anticipated to demonstrate a strong growth rate throughout the upcoming period. The Remote Manipulator System (RMS) can recover, deploy, and manage satellite payloads. It may also aid astronauts in performing maintenance chores. The RMS segment is anticipated to expand due to the expanding demand for space-based services such as satellite servicing, surface mobility, de-orbiting, and re-supply services.

Additional subcategories of RMS include robotic arms and manipulator systems, grabbing and docking systems, and others. Robotic arms are positioned to see significant expansion in advanced space systems because they aid astronauts in lifting and moving heavy objects in space. This increase is expected to occur shortly. The International Space Station (ISS) now has two robotic arms called Canadarm and Dextre attached to it.

The global market is bifurcated based on deep space, near space, and ground applications. 

The near-space segment owns the highest space robotics market share and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period. Robots operating in tight space or orbit can be used for various tasks, including assembling huge space observatories, repairing satellites, and deploying assets in space for scientific investigation. The near-space market is broken down even further into submarkets, such as the space transportation and exploration market, the in-space maintenance market, and others. The demand for resupply for the International Space Station (ISS) and servicing the current geosynchronous satellites is predicted to drive a significant increase in the growth rate of the space transportation segment throughout the projection period.

Based on end-users, the global market is divided into commercial, government, and others. 

The commercial segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 12.57% over the forecast period. The successful mission of private firms to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is being continued by supplying the International Space Station with space transportation and space and flight support. New commercial possibilities present themselves to private businesses due to the increased need for servicing and refueling satellites and mission extension services.

In addition, NASA intends to discontinue direct federal funding for the International Space Station by 2025 and replace it with a commercial approach, associating several private partners with the trip to the Moon and Mars. The government of India has announced the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, often known as IN-SPACe. The mission of this organization is to encourage and direct private enterprises interested in the space business by fostering beneficial regulatory environments and policies. As a direct consequence, the private sector is anticipated to develop a fresh commercial model and new capabilities in space.

Recent Developments

• May 2022- Redwire Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high-performance components for the next generation of space economy headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S., announced the opening of a manufacturing facility in Luxembourg City. This new facility will be utilized for developing and designing critical robotic arms during orbital and lunar missions.
• April 2022- Astrobotic Technology, a leading manufacturer of space robotics technology for lunar and planetary missions headquartered in Pittsburg, unveiled its robotic lunar lander designed to carry loads to the moon's surface. The Peregrine lunar lander spacecraft is roughly the size of a refrigerator and includes five main engines. These engines will enable the lander to touch down on the lunar surface.