Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market Size

The Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for satellite launches across various sectors, including military, communications, navigation, and Earth observation. The market's expansion is supported by the development and deployment of small satellite launchers, which are becoming essential for various missions and resupply operations. Europe's strategic position in the launch equipment industry, coupled with its diverse range of launch vehicles, enhances its capability to meet both governmental and commercial needs, thereby boosting its socioeconomic benefits and access to space.

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Market Size of europe satellite launch vehicle Industry

Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 0.39 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 1.01 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Orbit Class LEO
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 20.96 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Russia

Major Players

Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market Analysis

The Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market size is estimated at USD 0.39 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.01 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 20.96% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

0.39 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

1.01 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

-7.20 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

20.96 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Launch Vehicle MTOW

51.11 %

value share, Medium, 2022

The demand for medium launch vehicles is fueled by the granting of multi-year contracts by government and commercial end users to launch vehicle manufacturers and launch service providers.

Fastest-Growing Market by Orbit class

24.11 %

Projected CAGR, LEO, 2023-2029

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Government initiatives pertaining to LEO satellites and their numerous uses, such as communications, Earth observation, navigation, and military surveillance, will aid in the growth of LEO satellites.

Largest Market by Orbit Class

55.04 %

value share, LEO, 2022

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LEO satellites are increasingly being adopted in modern communication technologies as they play an important role in Earth observation applications.

Leading Market Player

50.60 %

market share, ROSCOSMOS, 2022

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Roscosmos, also known as Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, designs and manufactures launch vehicles to deliver various satellites. It is a major supplier for the Russian Ministry of Defense and Military Space Forces (VKS).

Second Leading Market Player

26.53 %

market share, Ariane Group, 2022

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Ariane Group is the second-largest player in the market. The company is one of the major contractors of space propulsion systems in the region for different space agencies.

Rising demand for orbital launch systems in Europe

  • At launch, a satellite or spacecraft is usually placed into one of many special orbits around the Earth, or it can be launched into an interplanetary journey. Many weather and communication satellites tend to have high Earth orbits farthest from the surface. Satellites in the mean (medium) Earth orbit include navigational and specialized satellites that are designed to monitor a specific area. Most science satellites, including ESA's Earth Observation System team, are in low Earth orbit
  • Light launchers differ from conventional heavy launchers in the vehicle's performance, which depends on the amount of payload the vehicle can lift to a particular orbit and the launch cost. With the expansion of the capabilities of small satellites, the space industry is developing strategic utility, which, in turn, leverages various stakeholders, including governments, space agencies, and private companies, to expand. Small satellite launchers are expected to be the future of the next generation. These types of launchers are essential for launching satellites, carrying out science missions, and resupplying the International Space Station. The increasing number of satellites being launched into orbit due to increased space activities is driving the demand for medium-range launch vehicles.
  • In October 2022, the European Space Agency planned to test new navigation satellites that would orbit much closer to Earth than existing ones to provide more accurate position data for everyday devices. The Global Positioning Satellite System is typically placed in mid-Earth orbit about (10,000 to 20,000 km) from the Earth's surface. During 2017-2022, a total of 590+ satellites were launched in the region. The market is expected to witness a growth of 210% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.
Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market

There is a rising demand for low-cost launch systems aiding the market growth in the region

  • The launch equipment industry is the second-largest space manufacturing activity in Europe after the development of commercial satellites, which is aiding the growth of the European market. Ariane 5, Soyuz, and Vega take off from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. Europe benefits from this line of launchers with the ability and flexibility to meet all the needs of the European government and most of the commercial market, thereby increasing its socioeconomic benefits and access to space in Europe
  • The European satellite launch vehicles market is characterized by the presence of several players. The major launch vehicles in this region are Ariane 5, Soyuz, and Vega, among others. Space organizations like EASA have partnered with private players like SpaceX in the production and launch of satellites in the field.
  • The satellite launch vehicle industry is driven by demand for satellites for applications ranging from military surveillance, communications, and navigation to Earth observation. As a result, the demand for satellites from the civilian/government, commercial and military sectors is increasing. On this basis, during the period 2017-2022, a total of more than 570+ satellites were launched in the region. The growth in the number of satellites launched from 2020 to 2021 is 140% after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In terms of the number of satellites operated by a country, the United Kingdom leads with more than 462 satellites launched between 2017 and 2022, followed by Russia and Germany with 65 and 34, respectively. Space agencies and private companies have tried to reduce the cost of satellite launch systems in recent years. Between 2023 and 2029, the market is expected to surge by 213% during the forecast period.

Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Industry Segmentation

GEO, LEO, MEO are covered as segments by Orbit Class. Heavy, Inter Planetary, Light, Medium are covered as segments by Launch Vehicle Mtow. Russia are covered as segments by Country.

  • At launch, a satellite or spacecraft is usually placed into one of many special orbits around the Earth, or it can be launched into an interplanetary journey. Many weather and communication satellites tend to have high Earth orbits farthest from the surface. Satellites in the mean (medium) Earth orbit include navigational and specialized satellites that are designed to monitor a specific area. Most science satellites, including ESA's Earth Observation System team, are in low Earth orbit
  • Light launchers differ from conventional heavy launchers in the vehicle's performance, which depends on the amount of payload the vehicle can lift to a particular orbit and the launch cost. With the expansion of the capabilities of small satellites, the space industry is developing strategic utility, which, in turn, leverages various stakeholders, including governments, space agencies, and private companies, to expand. Small satellite launchers are expected to be the future of the next generation. These types of launchers are essential for launching satellites, carrying out science missions, and resupplying the International Space Station. The increasing number of satellites being launched into orbit due to increased space activities is driving the demand for medium-range launch vehicles.
  • In October 2022, the European Space Agency planned to test new navigation satellites that would orbit much closer to Earth than existing ones to provide more accurate position data for everyday devices. The Global Positioning Satellite System is typically placed in mid-Earth orbit about (10,000 to 20,000 km) from the Earth's surface. During 2017-2022, a total of 590+ satellites were launched in the region. The market is expected to witness a growth of 210% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.
Orbit Class
GEO
LEO
MEO
Launch Vehicle Mtow
Heavy
Inter Planetary
Light
Medium
Country
Russia
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Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market Size Summary

The European satellite launch vehicle market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for satellite launches across various sectors, including military, communications, navigation, and Earth observation. The market is characterized by the presence of key players such as Ariane Group, Avio, and others, who are actively involved in developing and launching vehicles like Ariane 5, Soyuz, and Vega. These launch vehicles are known for their versatility and ability to cater to a wide range of payloads and orbits, making them a preferred choice for both governmental and commercial entities. The market's expansion is further supported by advancements in technology, such as reusable launch vehicles and electric propulsion systems, which are being developed by European companies to enhance launch capabilities and maintain competitiveness.

The growing commercial space industry is a major driver of the European satellite launch vehicle market, as more companies seek reliable and cost-effective solutions for launching satellites and other space-based assets. The demand for small satellite launches is also on the rise, prompting the development of smaller launch vehicles by European firms. International collaboration is becoming increasingly important, with European manufacturers partnering with global companies and organizations to share resources and expertise. Additionally, European governments are recognizing the strategic importance of space investments, leading to increased funding for space programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and independence of European launch vehicles. The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, supported by these trends and the ongoing development of next-generation launch systems like Ariane 6.

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Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Orbit Class

      1. 1.1.1 GEO

      2. 1.1.2 LEO

      3. 1.1.3 MEO

    2. 1.2 Launch Vehicle Mtow

      1. 1.2.1 Heavy

      2. 1.2.2 Inter Planetary

      3. 1.2.3 Light

      4. 1.2.4 Medium

    3. 1.3 Country

      1. 1.3.1 Russia

Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market Size FAQs

The Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market size is expected to reach USD 0.39 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 20.96% to reach USD 1.01 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market size is expected to reach USD 0.39 billion.

Europe Satellite Launch Vehicle Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029