Reusable Launch Vehicles Market Size 2024-2028 

The reusable launch vehicles market size is forecast to increase by USD 820.1 million and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.03% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by trends such as the adoption of deep space habitat concepts and the design and deployment of reusable upper stages. These advancements aim to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of space launches. However, the high costs of development remain a major challenge for market players. The RLV market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 15% from 2021 to 2026, according to a recent market trends and analysis report. Key players in the market include SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Arianespace, among others, who are investing heavily in RLV technology to gain a competitive edge. The report also highlights the importance of government funding and international collaborations in driving the growth of the RLV market.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

For More Highlights About this Report, Request Free Sample

Market Dynamic and Customer Landscape

Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) have revolutionized the space industry with their ability to reduce the cost and increase the frequency of space missions. Companies like Blue Origin LLC and SpaceX are at the forefront of this technology, with SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and Starlink internet satellites leading the way. RLVs are essential for various applications, including defense, military surveillance, communication, navigation, Earth observation, scientific research, and space exploration. ISRO, a prominent space agency, is also developing RLVs, aiming to make space travel more affordable and accessible. The Artemis Accords, an international agreement for peaceful cooperation in space exploration, further emphasizes the importance of RLVs in the space community. RLV design involves advanced materials and propulsion systems, such as Hall Effect Thrusters, to ensure optimal performance. Exotrail and Isar Aerospace are other key players in the RLV market. The integration of RLVs in satellite launching systems has significantly impacted the space industry, enabling more frequent and cost-effective space missions. In summary, the market is a dynamic and growing sector of the space technology industry, driven by advancements in materials, propulsion systems, and the increasing demand for affordable and frequent space missions. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Major Market Driver

The adoption of deep space habitat concepts is notably driving market growth. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing focus on deep space habitation concepts. These concepts are anticipated to drive advancements in low Earth orbit commercial technologies, facilitating the development of long-duration space habitats for human habitation near the moon.

Moreover, this lunar region will serve as a crucial testing ground for Mars exploration during the forecast period. NASA, in collaboration with six US-based partners, including Bigelow Aerospace, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Orbital ATK, Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Systems, and NanoRacks, is pioneering the next phase of human spaceflight with the creation of self-sufficient habitats. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends

Design and deployment of reusable upper stages is the key trend in the market. The reusability concept in launch vehicles has progressed from recovering the shuttle to having a reusable system that remains in orbit. United Launch Alliance (ULA), a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, engineered the Advanced Cryogenic Evolved Stage (ACES), which functions as a reusable platform for satellite launches.

Moreover, the ACES design resembles a compact fuel tank with four rocket engines at one end. This system boasts advanced insulation for efficient fuel storage in space and a streamlined electrical system, resulting in weight reduction and the capacity for restarting and refueling in orbit. Thus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

High costs of development is the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. Reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) represent a significant advancement in space technology, enabling the reduction of manufacturing time and cost for satellite launches by eliminating the need to build a new prime rocket for each mission. The concept of RLVs was first introduced nearly four decades ago, with various countries experimenting with their usage.

Moreover, NASA was the first to put this concept into practical application through its Space Shuttle Program from 1981 to 2011. During this period, the program flew 135 missions, with a total budget of over USD 209 billion, equating to approximately USD 1.5 billion per mission. Hence, the above factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Exculsive Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Airbus SE: The company offers Themis, powered by the Prometheus engine, that will enable Europe to develop technologies for future low-cost reusable launchers.

The market research and growth report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Beijing Interstellar Glory Space Technology Co. Ltd.
• Blue Origin Enterprises LP
• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.
• European Space Agency
• exos Aerospace Systems and Technologies Inc.
• Firefly Aerospace Inc.
• Indian Space Research Organisation
• Masten Space Systems
• NASA
• Orbex
• Payload Aerospace SL
• Relativity Space Inc.
• Rocket Lab USA Inc.
• Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
• The Boeing Co.
• UP Aerospace Inc.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Market Segmentation

By Type 

The partially reusable launch vehicle segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for cost-effective satellite launching systems. Companies such as SpaceX with their Starlink internet satellites, Isar Aerospace, and Blue Origin are leading the charge in this sector.

Get a glance at the market share of various regions Download the PDF Sample

The partially reusable launch vehicle segment was the largest segment and valued at USD 1.02 billion in 2018. RLVs offer numerous benefits, including the ability to reduce launch costs for satellite operators in the commercial, defense, military surveillance, communication, navigation, earth observation, scientific research, and space exploration sectors. Reusable launch vehicles can be launched multiple times into low Earth orbit, with some parts and components being reused.  Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

For more insights on the market share of various regions Download PDF Sample now!

North America is estimated to contribute 52% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for satellite deployment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for various applications such as Starlink internet satellites, satellite networks for commercial, defense, military surveillance, communication, navigation, earth observation, and scientific research. Companies like Exotrail, Isar Aerospace, Blue Origin, and others are leading the charge in RLV technology development. Space agencies and private companies are investing heavily in RLV-TDs, such as SpaceX's Starship, Galactic Energy's Nova, and DRDO's GSLV Mk III, to reduce launch costs and increase the frequency of space missions. Hence, such factors are driving the market in North America during the forecast period.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million " for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Type Outlook
  • Partially reusable launch vehicle
  • Fully reusable launch vehicle
• Region Outlook
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

You may also interested in below market reports:

Satellite Propulsion System Market Analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, UK, China, Russia, Japan - Size and Forecast

Space Habitat Market Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, South America - US, China, Japan, Russia, UK - Size and Forecast

Electric Propulsion Satellite Market Analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, Russia, India, Japan - Size and Forecast

Market Analyst Overview

 Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) have revolutionized the space industry by reducing the cost and increasing the frequency of satellite launches. Companies like Blue Origin, Isar Aerospace, and Exotrail are leading the charge with their innovative RLVs. Starlink internet satellites are a significant commercial application, while defense, military surveillance, communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research are key areas for RLVs in Space missions. Space agencies and private companies are collaborating to develop advanced RLVs for interplanetary exploration, space mining, and sun-synchronous orbit. RLV-TD, Starship, and Galactic Energy are some of the promising RLV projects. Launch vehicle design involves materials and propulsion systems, with OEMs investing heavily in R&D. Space exploration, space tourism, scientific discovery, and initial investment are driving the growth of the RLV market. However, development costs and environmental impact are challenges. DRDO and Aeronautical Test Range are contributing to the advancement of RLV technology in India. The Tiangong space station and Nova are significant developments in the field of space technology.

Download PDF Sample

What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market growth and trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market across North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies