SpaceX, Amazon, OneWeb과 같은 위성 별자리의 성장으로 인해 몇년전보다 더 많은 물체가 지구 궤도에 있기 때문에 세계 우주 쓰레기 제거 시장 규모는 2024년 1억 5,533만 달러에서 2032년 9억 4,739만 달러에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다. 예측 기간인 2025-2032년 연평균 25.36% 성장할 것으로 예측됩니다. 수천 개의 소형 위성으로 구성된 이 거대한 네트워크는 전 세계 통신을 개선하고 인터넷 접속 및 추적과 같은 다양한 서비스를 제공합니다. 그러나 인공위성의 급격한 증가로 인해 사고와 우주 파편이 발생할 가능성이 높아지고 있습니다. 현재 궤도상의 이물질이 초래하는 위험을 줄이고 미래에도 안전하고 지속 가능한 우주 운영을 보장하기 위해서는 우주 잔해물 제거 서비스가 필수적입니다.
현재 추적 및 기록된 우주 파편은 3만 개가 넘고, 그 크기도 10cm가 넘습니다. European Space Agency에 따르면 파편은 로켓 부스터, 충돌 후 부서진 부품, 이미 존재하지 않는 위성 등 다양한 유형이 있으며, 유럽 우주국에 따르면 수백만 개의 작은 파편은 1cm - 10cm의 작은 크기로 인해 추적 할 수 없습니다. 또한 이 시장의 기업들은 임무를 지원하고 우주 쓰레기를 안전하게 제거하기 위해 다양한 기관과 파트너십을 맺을 계획입니다.
예를 들어, 2024년 10월 영국과 뉴질랜드의 우주 기관은 우주 쓰레기 제거와 위성 서비스에 초점을 맞춘 새로운 협정에 서명함으로써 우주의 지속가능성을 높이는 중요한 발걸음을 내딛는 파트너십을 발표했습니다. 밀라노에서 열린 International Astronautical Congress에서 공식 발표된 이번 파트너십은 궤도 서비스, 위성 연료 보급, 우주 쓰레기의 안전한 제거와 같은 분야의 임무를 지원하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
세계의 우주 잔해물 제거(Space Debris Removal) 시장에 대해 조사 분석했으며, 시장 규모와 예측, 시장 역학, 주요 기업 개요 등의 정보를 전해드립니다.
Global space debris removal market is projected to witness a CARG of 25.36% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 155.33 million in 2024 to USD 947.39 million in 2032, due to the growing satellite constellations such as SpaceX, Amazon, OneWeb, and more objects are in orbit on Earth than they had been a few years ago. These huge networks, consisting of thousands of small satellites, improve communications around the world and provide a variety of services, including internet access and tracking. However, because of the rapid growth of satellites, it has resulted in a high possibility of accidents and space waste. Currently, space debris removal services are essential to mitigate the hazards posed by orbital debris and to ensure safe, sustainable space operations in the future.
Currently, there are more than 30,000 space debris that are being tracked and recorded, their size is also more than 10cm. Also, millions of small pieces of debris are unable to be tracked due to their small size, ranging from 1cm to 10cm. There are different types of debris, such as rocket boosters, broken parts after collision, and no longer existent satellites, according to the European space agency. Additionally, companies in the market are planning to enter into a partnership with different agencies to support the mission and safely remove space debris.
For instance, in October 2024, the United Kingdom and New Zealand space agencies announced a partnership to take a significant step in enhancing space sustainability by signing a new agreement focused on space debris removal and satellite servicing. This collaboration, formalized at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, aims to support missions in areas like in-orbit servicing, satellite refueling, and the safe removal of space debris.
Collaborations Between Players Introducing New Opportunities in the Market
Collaborations between various companies are crucial for tackling the challenge of space debris. These collaborations encompass partnerships between space agencies, private companies, universities, and research institutions to develop and implement solutions to mitigate the growing space debris problem. These collaborations foster innovation, share resources, and enable the development of new technologies for capturing and removing space debris, ultimately contributing to a safer and more sustainable space environment. Meanwhile, the commercial space sector is experiencing an explosion of startups and long-term businesses providing debris mitigation capabilities, creating a need for project managers, data analysts, and mission planners.
For instance, in January 2025, Kall Morris Inc. and Exosat Aerospace Industries announced their partnership to advance a space debris removal mission. This partnership will enable both companies to offer comprehensive Active Debris Removal solutions while taking on the growing challenges of orbital debris.
Technological Advancements in the Space Debris Removal Market
AI is the future of the space industry; companies are advancing their systems with AI technology. AI algorithm that includes machine learning and computer vision to identify, track and categorize space debris, even though they are small. AI can analyze and predict in advance about the collision so that the precautions can be taken. Robotic-powered arms are also being used, which are managed by AI itself to capture and dispose of the debris. AI also enables real-time data analysis, which allows adaptive and scalable debris removal strategies. The space debris removal market presents a significant opportunity for startups, especially those who are working on robotic systems that develop and offer advanced solutions, including robotic arms, autonomous navigation, and AI algorithms.
For instance, in May 2023, Airbus SE and Astroscale Holdings Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaboration opportunities in the field of on-servicing and space removal debris with the usage of advanced technologies. The partnership uplifts the strength and capabilities of both companies.
Low Earth Orbit Dominates the Space Debris Removal Market
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ranges from 160 to 2,000 kilometers. This orbit is the primary focus area for every space agency and research institution, as this orbital region is the most congested and high-risk area in space. The low Earth orbit requires active debris removal technologies, creating different market growth opportunities for market players in the market. Several organizations, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), are actively working to remove debris. Firms that can create low-cost, effective active debris removal methods will dominate the market share. Additionally, collaborative partnerships between public agencies and private companies can bring even more extensive research and development capabilities, resulting in stronger debris removal systems.
For Instance, in May 2024, Digantara Research and Technologies Private Limited and Australia's space machine company were granted USD 5.5 million (AUD 8.5 million) to enhance capabilities to track space debris and provide 'roadside assistance in space'. The collaboration primarily focuses on enhancing Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities and developing a robust in-orbit servicing ecosystem.
North America Dominates the Global Space Debris Removal Market
North America is the strongest region in the space industry due to the presence of several space agencies, space operators, and commercial firms. The growing awareness of space debris is increasing the demand for space removal technologies. As more satellites and other space objects are launched, the density of space debris is increasing in Earth's orbit, hence increasing the market for space debris. The low Earth orbit segment is significantly experiencing market growth. North America is actively funding its space agencies and promoting them to bring new ideas and technologies to bring solutions to remove debris.
For instance, in September 2024, ClearSpace SA was chosen by the UK Space Agency to advance the CLEAR mission to the next stage, which brings them nearer to space and marks a significant milestone in the quest for agile debris removal services.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Space Debris Removal Market
Encourages Domestic Growth: Tariffs encourage space companies to manufacture components domestically, which will help reduce reliance on other countries.
Funds Debris Removal Effort: Income from tariffs can be used for research, development, and innovation of new removal ideas.
Potential Economic Burden: Tariffs increase the cost of satellite operators, launch systems, and operational expenses.
Limited Effectiveness Without Global Coordination: Space debris is not a problem of a particular country; it's a global issue. Every country must contribute its technologies and research work; only then is it possible to clear our space, potentially leading to free riding behaviours.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Continuous innovation characterizes the landscape of space debris removal globally, as companies compete to outperform one another in terms of cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and unique features. The market prognosis remains positive, owing to increased demand for low Earth orbit debris removal, AI, and professional workloads. Space agency manufacturers are concerned with supply chain resilience, energy efficiency, and environmental practices, which will likely define the industry's future. Collaborations and developing technologies are projected to increase competition in this fast-paced market.
For Instance, in March 2025, Japan-based space debris company Astroscale Holdings Inc. tied up with India's India-based space company Digantara Research and Technologies Private Limited and Bellatrix Aerospace to collaborate and services related to space debris.
All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.