On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market Trends and Forecast
The future of the global on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market looks promising with opportunities in the low earth orbit satellite, medium earth orbit satellite, geosynchronous orbit satellite, and high earth orbit satellite markets. The global on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 11.1% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for satellite longevity & efficiency, the growing investments in space exploration & infrastructure, and the increasing commercialization of space activities.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, in-orbit refuelling is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, low earth orbit satellites is expected to witness the highest growth.
• In terms of region, North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Emerging Trends in the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market
The on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market is growing quickly, fueled by technological innovation and the need for satellite servicing, assembly, and manufacturing in orbit. As governments and private organizations seek new ways to sustain and grow space infrastructure, a few key trends are developing. Those trends indicate increasing emphasis on sustainability, cost reduction, and out-of-the-box solutions for space missions. Listed below are the key trends in the future of OSAM.
• Robotic Autonomy for Assembly and Servicing: Robotic autonomy is emerging as an important trend in OSAM. Autonomous robotic platforms are intended to carry out satellite servicing, assembly, and manufacturing tasks in space independently, without human intervention. The robotic platforms can undertake activities like refueling, maintenance, and component replacement to enhance operational efficiency. As autonomous technology continues to improve, it enables more sophisticated and economical satellite servicing missions, minimizing human risk and operational expenses while maximizing the success rate of the missions.
• Space Debris Management: With the rise in space debris, there is an increasing demand for OSAM solutions aimed at debris management. Technologies capable of repairing, capturing, or de-orbiting dead satellites and space debris are gaining priority. On-orbit servicing vehicles can assist in clearing space debris, avoiding collisions with working satellites and ensuring safe orbits. Debris removal technology is crucial in supporting the long-term sustainability of space operations, and nations are keenly investing in these technologies.
• Manufacturing and Assembling Large Space Structures in-orbit: Manufacturing and assembling large space structures in-orbit is the trend growing faster. Manufacturing in-orbit reduces the requirements of expensive launching large payloads because satellites and spacecraft can be built right in space. This strategy allows for the development of more sophisticated structures, including huge space stations, telescopes, and other facilities. This trend also allows for more versatile space missions, as spacecraft can be reconfigured or tailored to particular mission needs in orbit.
• Private Sector Participation and Commercialization: The commercial space industry is emerging as a driving force in the OSAM market. Private companies are increasingly offering satellite servicing, assembly, and maintenance services, and making these technologies more cost-efficient and accessible. Northrop Grumman and Astro scale are at the forefront of providing commercial OSAM services, with satellite life extension and debris removal services. The increased involvement of the private sector will likely hasten the development and deployment of OSAM technologies, opening new business opportunities and an increasingly competitive marketplace.
• On-orbit Refueling and Life Extension: On-orbit refueling is becoming a significant trend in the OSAM market, prolonging the lifespan of satellites and facilitating longer missions. By refueling satellites in orbit, operators can escape the cost and complexity of launching new spacecraft. Refueling technologies are being designed by government and private industry to keep satellites operational for longer durations. This trend is especially significant for geostationary orbit (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, as it enables round-the-clock operations and facilitates the expansion of satellite constellations.
These new trends in OSAM—robotic autonomy, space debris mitigation, in-orbit manufacturing, private sector participation, and on-orbit refueling—are revolutionizing the way space infrastructure is built, sustained, and expanded. These trends are transforming the OSAM market, promoting innovation and opening opportunities for more sustainable, cost-efficient, and efficient space missions.
Recent Development in the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market
Advances in the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM) market are opening up avenues for sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient space missions in the future. The advances are seen in the area of satellite servicing, assembly of structures on orbit, and space manufacturing, which are key drivers for space infrastructure in the future. There are a number of countries as well as private organizations that are going a long way to achieve sustained functionality and expansion of space assets through such revolutionary technologies.
• NASAÄX%$%Xs OSAM-1 Mission: NASAÄX%$%Xs OSAM-1 mission is a significant OSAM market development, showcasing OSAM technologies for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. The mission will demonstrate systems enabling the repair and refueling of satellites to extend their lifespan. The OSAM-1 mission is an illustration of how OSAM technologies can minimize the demand for new satellite launches and enhance the effectiveness of space operations. This innovation will shape future NASA missions and introduce new opportunities for satellite servicing.
• Northrop GrummanÄX%$%Xs Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV): Another significant innovation in the OSAM market is Northrop GrummanÄX%$%Xs Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV). The MEV is intended to be docked with a satellite and offer propulsion and other services, extending the operational life of the satellite. The successful mission of MEV in 2020 was a major achievement in commercial satellite servicing, demonstrating that on-orbit servicing is not only possible but also commercially viable. This breakthrough is likely to be a game-changer for satellite operators seeking to maximize satellite lifetimes and minimize launch costs.
• Astro scaleÄX%$%Xs ELSA Program: Astro scaleÄX%$%Xs End-of-Life Services by Astro scale (ELSA) program is dedicated to satellite life extension and debris removal. The ELSA mission makes use of a robotic arm to capture and deorbit inactive satellites, taking care of servicing and debris removal. The mission will contribute immensely towards minimizing space junk and maintaining satellite operations in a sustainable manner. Astro scaleÄX%$%Xs developments are pushing the commercialization of the OSAM market and leading to the development of cost-effective solutions for debris removal.
• ChinaÄX%$%Xs Robotic Servicing Missions: China is advancing rapidly in OSAM through its space agency, CNSA, with robotic servicing missions on the cards. These will involve servicing and repairing satellites in orbit using autonomous robotic systems. ChinaÄX%$%Xs developments in this regard indicate its increasingly ambitious space endeavors and interest in increasing the sustainability of its space infrastructure. These advancements are anticipated to enhance ChinaÄX%$%Xs space program capabilities and drive the global OSAM market.
• JAXAÄX%$%Xs Space Robotics Developments: JapanÄX%$%Xs JAXA is concentrating on the development of space robotics for OSAM. JAXA has made great strides in developing robots that can perform repair, refueling, and assembly operations in orbit. These developments are vital to ensuring the sustainability of JapanÄX%$%Xs space infrastructure and making a contribution to worldwide OSAM initiatives. JAXAÄX%$%Xs robotics and precision engineering expertise make it a prime candidate in the OSAM market.
Recent advancements in the OSAM market are setting the stage for more cost-effective and sustainable space operations. NASAÄX%$%Xs OSAM-1 mission, MEV by Northrop Grumman, Astro scaleÄX%$%Xs ELSA program, ChinaÄX%$%Xs robotic missions, and JAXAÄX%$%Xs robotics advances are all contributing to pushing the market forward. These advances will extend satellite lifetimes, lower the cost of space missions, and establish the long-term viability of space activity.
Strategic Growth Opportunities in the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market
With the growing on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM) market, various strategic growth prospects are surfacing. These prospects cut across numerous applications, ranging from the extension of satellite lifespan to building large structures in space. With both government and private entities investing in OSAM technologies, the market is transforming at a fast pace and creating new opportunities for business and innovation. The following are five strategic growth prospects reshaping the future of OSAM.
• Satellite Life Extension Services: Satellite life extension services are a major growth area in the OSAM market. As orbiting satellites age, their performance diminishes, causing possible mission failure. Offering servicing solutions that can refuel, repair, or upgrade orbiting satellites will enable them to continue operating for a longer period. This trend is important in eliminating the necessity for frequent satellite launches and making space missions more cost-effective.
• In-orbit Assembly for Large Space Infrastructure: The market for in-orbit assembly is expanding due to the demand for large space structures, including space stations, telescopes, and satellite constellations. Companies can save money and complexity in launching huge payloads into orbit by assembling pieces in space. This presents companies with opportunities to build technologies that can assemble, weld, and build space infrastructure in orbit, an important growth segment in OSAM.
• Commercial Space Servicing and Maintenance: Commercial space servicing is becoming a major opportunity in the OSAM market. With increasing satellite constellations, the need for commercial servicing solutions will rise. Private entities providing satellite maintenance, life extension, and repair services will be at the forefront of making these constellations last long. This market will witness significant growth as more players join the space servicing sector.
• Space Debris Removal Services: The increasing trend of space debris creates a major growth opportunity in OSAM. Business organizations offering debris removal services will play a vital role as more satellites are put into orbit. Advanced technologies that can capture, deorbit, and remove space debris safely will be crucial in making space operations sustainable. Space debris removal is a fast-developing area in OSAM, with commercial and environmental advantages.
• On-orbit Refueling for Satellite and Spacecraft: On-orbit refueling is one of the emerging fields in OSAM. Technology is being developed by companies to refuel spacecraft and satellites in orbit, allowing their missions to be lengthened and opening the door for more sophisticated missions. On-orbit refueling will be needed to sustain satellite constellation and space exploration vehicle operations, providing dramatic growth opportunities to companies in this segment.
The OSAM market offers many strategic growth opportunities, ranging from life extension of satellites and in-orbit assembly to commercial servicing and space debris removal. They are stimulating innovation and defining the future of space operations, providing a sustainable and affordable space environment.
On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market Driver and Challenges
The on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM) industry is driven by several drivers and challenges, such as technological, economic, and regulatory ones. These factors determine the growth of OSAM technologies and the rate at which they are implemented. It is crucial to know the major drivers and challenges in order to maneuver this fast-changing market and make it successful in the long term.
The factors responsible for driving the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market include:
1. Robotics and AI Technology: Advances in AI and robotics are spearheading the OSAM market by making autonomous space servicing, assembling, and manufacturing possible. The technologies enhance the reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of OSAM missions. Therefore, they become more suitable for commercial and government space missions.
2. Growing Demand for Satellite Servicing and Maintenance: With more satellites in orbit, the demand for maintenance and servicing will grow as well. OSAM technologies offer solutions for satellite life extension, repair, and refueling that enable operators to get more out of their space assets and minimize new launch costs.
3. Expanding Space Traffic and Debris Management: The rising number of space missions and satellites poses a requirement for collision avoidance and debris management solutions. OSAM technologies like on-orbit maintenance and debris removal play a key role in maintaining the safety and sustainability of space activities.
4. Commercial Space Expansion: The commercial space industry is fueling the need for OSAM technologies as more satellites and space missions are being launched by private players. Space commercialization offers avenues for OSAM service providers to provide affordable solutions for satellite maintenance, servicing, and assembly.
5. Government Spending on Space Sustainability: Governments increasingly spend money on space sustainability with OSAM technology. This ranges from funding satellite servicing, debris removal, and other OSAM uses research and development to ensuring the ongoing functionality and safety of space infrastructure.
Challenges in the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market are:
1. Exorbitant Development and Operating Expenses: The development of OSAM technologies is costly in terms of research, testing, and implementation. High development and operating expenses present difficulties for market participants, especially smaller players and new entrants.
2. Regulatory and Legal Barriers: The OSAM regulatory climate is complicated and dynamic, and different nations have divergent regulations for space activities. Legal and regulatory challenges may impede the development and utilization of OSAM technologies, which would call for international collaboration to rationalize regulations.
3. Technical and Operational Complexities: The technical complexities of OSAM are considerable, with the requirement for accurate robotic systems, dependable servicing mechanisms, and long-term operational functionality. Overcoming these complexities is crucial to the successful deployment of OSAM technologies in space.
Technological advancements, heightened satellite servicing requirements, expanding space traffic, commercial space expansion, and government investment are propelling the OSAM market. Challenges like high expenses, regulatory hurdles, and technical challenges need to be overcome to unlock the complete potential of OSAM technologies in space.
List of On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing companies profiled in this report include-
• D-Orbit
• Argo Space
• Astroscale
• Atomos
• Eta Space
• Ethos Space
• Firehawk Aerospace
• Galactic Harbour
• Galactiv
• Gateway Galactic
On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market by type, application, and region.
On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market by Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• In-Orbit Refuelling
• Active Debris Removal
• In-Orbit Repair
• In-Orbit Inspection
• In-Orbit Recharging
• In-Orbit Manufacturing
• In-Orbit Relocation
• Last Mile Delivery
• In-Orbit Assembly
• Others
On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market by Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Low Earth Orbit Satellite
• Medium Earth Orbit Satellite
• Geosynchronous Orbit Satellite
• High Earth Orbit Satellite
On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market
The on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market has seen tremendous growth in recent years due to the rising need for satellite servicing, repair, and assembly in space. The complexity of space missions and satellite constellations and the rising value of space assets have prompted nations and private enterprises to invest heavily in OSAM technologies. Nations such as the United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan are placing emphasis on the creation of cutting-edge solutions for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing to increase satellite longevity, sustainability, and mission success overall.
• United States: The United States has been at the forefront of OSAM developments, with prominent initiatives including NASAÄX%$%Xs OSAM-1 mission, which emphasizes on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. The goal is to show technologies to repair and fuel satellites, such as robotic servicing tools. The private sector also leads the way with companies such as Northrop Grumman, which has successfully executed missions such as the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) that offers life extension services for satellites. Such developments are revolutionizing satellite servicing by providing cost-efficient and timely solutions for satellite maintenance and continuity of operation.
• China: China has progressed considerably in the OSAM market, led mostly by state-run space agencies such as the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The nation is investing in developing autonomous robotic systems to undertake on-orbit servicing, assembly, and maintenance. ChinaÄX%$%Xs progress encompasses scheduled robotic missions to service space stations and satellites, as well as its growth of satellite network capabilities. ChinaÄX%$%Xs speedy development in this field is reinforced by its expanding space ambitions and its emphasis on building up its space infrastructure, adding to the world OSAM market.
• Germany: Germany, via the German Aerospace Center (DLR), has been part of several OSAM projects, with a special emphasis on robotic systems for servicing satellites. GermanyÄX%$%Xs developments are the creation of robotic arms and tools that can perform on-orbit maintenance, refueling, and assembly activities. Moreover, Germany is also working closely with European partners to advance OSAM technologies in the European Space Agency (ESA). These activities are vital to extending the life of satellites and lowering the cost of launching new spacecraft, playing a key role in the European OSAM market.
• India: India, via the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), is starting to investigate OSAM capabilities, especially with regards to servicing satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Though IndiaÄX%$%Xs space program has centered mainly on satellite launches and exploration, the emerging space debris problem and satellite servicing requirements are spurring the country to invest in OSAM technologies. Cooperation with global space agencies and private organizations is likely to enhance IndiaÄX%$%Xs standing in the OSAM market, spurring innovation in satellite maintenance and servicing solutions.
• Japan: JapanÄX%$%Xs leadership in the OSAM market is headed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which has come up with a number of initiatives aimed at on-orbit servicing and assembly. Japan has been dedicated to the development of technologies for in-orbit refueling, satellite maintenance, and the assembly of large structures in space. JAXAÄX%$%Xs progress, together with joint efforts with private entities, are propelling the nationÄX%$%Xs abilities in OSAM, making Japan a major contributor in the establishment of sustainable space infrastructure. Robotics and precision engineering are strong focuses of Japan that play an important role in the advancement of OSAM technology.
Features of the Global On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Market
Market Size Estimates: On-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: On-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: On-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type, application, and regions for the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market?
Answer: The global on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 11.1% from 2025 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for satellite longevity & efficiency, the growing investments in space exploration & infrastructure, and the increasing commercialization of space activities.
Q3. What are the major segments for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market?
Answer: The future of the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market looks promising with opportunities in the low earth orbit satellite, medium earth orbit satellite, geosynchronous orbit satellite, and high earth orbit satellite markets.
Q4. Who are the key on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market companies?
Answer: Some of the key on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing companies are as follows:
• D-Orbit
• Argo Space
• Astroscale
• Atomos
• Eta Space
• Ethos Space
• Firehawk Aerospace
• Galactic Harbour
• Galactiv
• Gateway Galactic
Q5. Which on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, in-orbit refuelling is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q6. In on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: In terms of region, North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q7. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing market by type (in-orbit refuelling, active debris removal, in-orbit repair, in-orbit inspection, in-orbit recharging, in-orbit manufacturing, in-orbit relocation, last mile delivery, in-orbit assembly, and others), application (low earth orbit satellite, medium earth orbit satellite, geosynchronous orbit satellite, and high earth orbit satellite), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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