Space Robotics Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

Space Robotics Market Size and Manufacturers

The global space robotics market size was valued at USD 4.82 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 11.23 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.83% from 2024 to 2033.

Key Takeaways

• North America dominated the market with the largest market share of 56% in 2023.
• By solution, the remotely operated vehicles segment has held the largest market share of 38% in 2023.
• By application, the near space segment has contributed the largest market share of 41% in 2023.
• By organization, the government segment has generated more than 71% of market share in 2023.

Space Robotics Market Size in U.S. 2024 to 2033

The U.S. space robotics market size was estimated at USD 1.89 billion in 2023 and is predicted to hit around USD 4.40 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 8.90% from 2024 to 2033.

North America emerged as a dominant force propelling the growth of the space robotics market, driven by a rich history of innovation and technological advancement. The legacy of U.S. space exploration has inspired generations of students and innovators, laying the foundation for a thriving ecosystem of research and development. While NASA's role has evolved over time, the region continues to foster innovation through investments in education and scientific research.

The rise of robotics further underscores North America's leadership in technology adoption and industrial innovation. With over 232,000 robots deployed in U.S. factories, the region ranks second globally in robot use, showcasing a strong commitment to automation and efficiency. While the automotive industry remains a significant driver of robot adoption, diverse applications are emerging across sectors such as food services, construction, and agriculture.

North American key companies in the space robotics market witnessed a remarkable surge in robot purchases, with a 24% increase in orders compared to the previous year. Although fourth-quarter orders experienced a slight slowdown, the overall growth trajectory remains impressive, signaling a robust market demand for automation solutions. As industries across North America continue to embrace robotics and cutting-edge technologies, the region is poised to maintain its position as a global leader in innovation and economic competitiveness.

• In March 2022, Oceaneering launched new mobile robots specifically designed for the North American market at MODEX.
• In March 2024, U.S. Steel made a strategic investment in Freespace Robotics, a Pittsburgh-based pioneer in autonomous warehousing.

Space Robotics Market Overview

Space robotics is indispensable for the current and future advancement of mission-defined machinery tailored to survive and excel in space environments. They excel in exploration, assembly, construction, maintenance, and servicing tasks. This burgeoning field draws from diverse disciplines, including space engineering, terrestrial robotics, computer science, materials, and IT, representing a multi-disciplinary approach to innovation. Autonomous systems, in particular, play a pivotal role in reducing cognitive load on humans amidst the vast amounts of information requiring timely processing, thus enhancing both human and systems’ safety. The development of robotic system technologies, encompassing both hardware and software, is pivotal in enabling and enhancing future space exploration missions.

As human presence in space expands, reliance on intelligent and versatile robots for mundane tasks will increase, allowing human and ground control teams to focus on more complex activities requiring human cognition and judgment. There is a pressing need for technological advancements in robotic systems to facilitate the efficient transport of crew, instruments, and payloads across planetary surfaces, small celestial bodies, and in-space environments.

• In May 2023, Space Robotics Startup GITAI secured US$30 million in funding.
• In December 2023, GreyOrange and Hai Robotics forged a dynamic partnership advancing automated robotic fulfillment.

Growth Factors

• Space robotics provide expanded access beyond the limitations of human spaceflight, allowing for exploration and operations in the harsh space environment. They also extend astronauts' capabilities by handling operations that would otherwise be challenging or risky for humans. This increased capability drives growth in the space robotics market.
• By enabling the deployment and operation of multiple assets without a proportional increase in ground support, space robotics significantly reduce the cost and risk associated with spaceflight, whether manned or robotic. This reduction in cost and risk makes space robotics relevant across all mission phases, from development to operation, thereby fostering space robotics market growth.
• Space robotics cover a wide range of applications, including exploration of planetary surfaces, orbital operations around Earth, and navigation/control sensors. This versatility in applications expands the potential of the space robotics market, contributing to its growth.
• The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with heterogeneous and cooperative robotic systems enhances their effectiveness in utilizing space resources and increases autonomy in designing and controlling new space missions. This integration drives innovation and adoption of space robotics, fueling market growth.
• Space robotics showcase advancements in enabling technologies that facilitate high levels of autonomy and cooperation in space missions. These technologies enable new mission concepts and enhance the capabilities of space robotics systems, thus driving market growth.
• Utilization of multiple robots and autonomous systems in space missions allows for optimal use of space resources and increases autonomy in mission design and control. This efficiency in resource utilization and enhanced autonomy propels the growth of the space robotics market.

Space Robotics Market Scope

Space Robotics Market Dynamics

Drivers

Achievable technical goals

Advancements in space robotics are strategically aligned with crucial technical objectives aimed at extending humanity's reach and capabilities in space. These objectives include enabling efficient manipulation of assets and resources, enhancing access to space, supporting human crews in their operations, and maintaining preparing environments for human presence, and enhancing the efficiency of mission operations. Key areas of technological development driving these goals encompass improvements in robotic sensing and perception, mobility and manipulation capabilities, rendezvous and docking procedures, onboard and ground-based autonomous functionalities, and integration with human operators. These advancements not only address critical needs in space exploration and operations but also foster growth within the space robotics market by enabling safer, more efficient, and more effective space missions.

• In August 2023, an alliance was strengthened with robots for deeper space exploration.

Restraints

Harsh space environment

The increasing reliance on robots for maintenance and repair tasks in space is driven by their adaptability to the challenging space environment, offering a solution to mitigate health risks for human astronauts and address spacecraft repair challenges.

However, the harsh conditions prevalent in outer space, characterized by radiation exposure, vacuum conditions, temperature fluctuations, and unpredictable terrain, present significant obstacles to the development and operation of robotic systems. These constraints limit the growth potential of the space robotics market, as advancements in technology are required to overcome these environmental challenges and expand the capabilities of robotic systems for effective space exploration and maintenance tasks.

Opportunities

AI integration

Space robotics, augmented with artificial intelligence (AI), represents a pivotal technology for both planetary exploration and orbital services. Future space programs necessitate the utilization of AI-powered robotics to undertake tasks such as satellite construction, repair, and maintenance in orbit. The integration of AI into space robotics enhances their capacity to perform complex tasks, including experiments, structure construction, and planetary surface exploration.

These AI-powered robots offer unparalleled accuracy, versatility, and autonomy, making them indispensable assets for space missions. The incorporation of AI technology in space robotics not only enhances the capability to study and operate in space but also creates significant opportunities for growth in the space robotics market. This integration unlocks new possibilities for innovation, efficiency, and exploration within the space industry, driving the demand for advanced space robotics solutions.

• In January 2023, Berkshire Grey and Locus Robotics announced a partnership offering industry-first, cross-platform robotic automation.

Solution Insights

The remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) is emerging as the dominant segment within the space robotics market, offering unparalleled benefits for exploration and safety in remote locations. These advanced vehicles have become the tool of choice for scientists, enabling exploration of the deepest parts of the sea and the farthest reaches of the solar system with minimal weight penalties and maximum flexibility. Their specialized designs eliminate the need to sustain human life in hazardous environments, mitigating risks and ensuring safety.

One standout example is the world-renowned all-terrain ROV, equipped with high payload capacity and multiple attachment options, facilitating various mission support activities. Its ability to operate hundreds of meters away enables reconnaissance and active surveillance, benefiting military, security, and police forces by keeping operators out of harm's way. ROVs excel in replacing humans in confined space work, offering safe and effective equipment handling, thus protecting employees and reducing operational risks.

Although ROVs may entail high initial costs, the long-term benefits are substantial. The investment in ROV technology translates into safeguarding personnel and assets, ultimately contributing to cost savings and operational efficiency. Moreover, their application in commercial and manufacturing settings offers additional avenues for cost reduction and improved productivity. With ROVs leading the charge in remote exploration and safety, businesses across industries stand to gain significant advantages in efficiency, risk mitigation, and overall operational performance.

Application Insights

The near space emerged as the dominant segment propelling growth within the space robotics market, with Near Space Labs leading the charge by actively providing timely, scalable, 10 cm imagery utilizing the largest fleet of zero-emission, stratospheric robots worldwide. Leveraging the Near Space Network, which offers robust communication services within one million miles of Earth, the company seamlessly integrates government and commercial assets to support a wide range of missions. With a focus on near-space exploration, including low-Earth orbit (LEO), geosynchronous orbit (GEO), and other regions just beyond Earth's atmosphere, Near Space Labs facilitates vital communication with spacecraft and supports various missions in science, human spaceflight, and technology demonstration.

The innovative blend of imaging capabilities and communication services offered by near space robotics not only advances understanding of the planet and the solar system but also opens up new opportunities for scientific discovery and exploration. As businesses and organizations seek to expand their presence and activities in near space, the solutions provided by near space labs offer unparalleled reliability, scalability, and efficiency, driving significant advancements in space exploration and technology development.

Organization Insights

The government segment held the largest share in the space robotics market. The dominance of this segment is supported by the plethora of aids and schemes supporting the research and development activities in the field of robotics as well as aeronautics industries. Due to the future scope of these sectors and their subsidiaries, private as well as state organizations are heavily investing in projects related to the market.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, an Autonomous Robotic Arm System aimed to advance space station robotics.
• In January 2024, ABB expanded its leadership in next-generation AI-enabled mobile robotics through the acquisition of Sevensense.
• In June 2023, Intrinsic and Siemens collaborated to accelerate the integration of AI-based robotics and automation technology.
• In July 2022, NanoRacks and GITAI partnered for the second in-space demonstration of a robotic system on the ISS.

Space Robotics Market Companies

• ALTIUS SPACE MACHINES.
• ASTROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY
• BluHaptics, Inc.
• Honeybee Robotics
• Intuitive Machines, LLC.
• MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES
• Metecs, LLC.
• Motiv Space Systems, Inc.
• Northrop Grumman.
• Oceaneering International, Inc.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Solution

• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)
  • Rovers/Spacecraft Landers
  • Space Probes
  • Others
• Remote Manipulator System (RMS)
  • Robotic Arms/Manipulator Systems
  • Gripping & Docking Systems
  • Others
• Software
• Services

By Application

• Deep Space
  • Space Transportation
  • Space Exploration
  • Others
• Near Space
  • Space Transportation
  • Space Exploration
  • In-space Maintenance
  • Others
• Ground

By Organization

• Commercial
• Government

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa