Large satellite propulsion systems include chemical, electric, cold-gas, and hybrid thrusters designed for orbit insertion, station-keeping, orbital transfers, and end-of-life maneuvers of heavyweight spacecraft. These propulsion systems are critical to ensure the reliability, precision, and longevity of high-throughput communication satellites, Earth-observation platforms, and navigation constellations.
They matter because propulsion directly affects mission success, cost efficiency, and orbital safety. Without advanced propulsion, large satellites would struggle with fuel economy, maneuverability, and compliance with orbital debris mitigation guidelines. As global demand for broadband connectivity, climate monitoring, and defense applications grows, propulsion innovation is central to sustaining next-generation space infrastructure.
According to BIS Research, the global large satellite propulsion system market was valued at $2,586.4 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $513.6 million by 2040, expanding at a steady CAGR during 2025–2040.
• Surge in demand for high-throughput communication and Earth-observation satellites requiring fuel-efficient maneuvering.
• Green propellant chemistries and additive manufacturing improving sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
• Rising deployment of geostationary (GEO) and navigation constellations, needing robust orbit-raising and station-keeping.
• Advances in electric Hall-effect thrusters delivering mass savings and higher mission flexibility.
• Increased focus on orbital debris mitigation and controlled de-orbit systems.
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• High upfront development costs of next-generation propulsion solutions.
• Integration difficulties in legacy spacecraft platforms designed for traditional propulsion.
• Fuel storage and handling risks for chemical propulsion systems.
• Limited maturity of hybrid propulsion technologies for commercial deployment.
• Need for global regulatory harmonization on sustainability and debris-removal requirements.
• March 2025 – Ursa Major secured a $10–15 million contract to supply GEO-class propulsion packages for tactical satellite buses, enhancing collision-avoidance and controlled de-orbit capabilities.
• June 2023 – Terran Orbital and Safran partnered to establish U.S.-based production of advanced electric propulsion systems, focusing on Hall-effect plasma thrusters.
• July 2022 – Thales Alenia Space partnered with Italian startup MIPRONS to develop a water-powered propulsion system, utilizing electrolysis to create a greener propellant alternative.
• July 2023 – Space Plasmatics unveiled its plasma thrusters, partnering with Israel Aerospace Industries to integrate the system into large-satellite platforms.
• Chemical Thruster
o Propellant Tank
o Pump
o Fuel and Oxidizer Valve
• Electric Thruster
o Propellant Tank
o Pump
• Cold Gas Thruster
o Gas Storage Tank
o Propulsion Chamber/Nozzle
o Pump
• Hybrid Thruster
o Propellant Tank
o Propulsion Chamber/Nozzle
o Pump
According to Principal Analyst at BIS Research: “The large satellite propulsion system market is on a strong upward trajectory, propelled by surging demand for precise, fuel-efficient maneuvering across next-generation communications, Earth-observation, and defense missions. Key growth catalysts include breakthroughs in high-power electric thrusters, greener chemical propellants, and hybrid architectures. Vendors are doubling down on modular propulsion kits, additive manufacturing, and advanced propellant-management technologies to address satellite operators’ escalating needs in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.”
The large satellite propulsion system market is projected to grow steadily through 2040, with chemical thrusters continuing to dominate.
Key players include Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Northrop Grumman, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris, Moog Inc., QinetiQ, and ISRO.
Technologies in demand include high-power electric Hall-effect thrusters, green propellant chemical engines, and hybrid propulsion systems.
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