Rocket propulsion market seen topping $13 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company projects the global rocket propulsion market will surpass $13 billion by 2030, led by North America and the U.S. The report points to rising satellite launches, space exploration spending and commercialization as the main drivers through 2030.

Why it matters: - The report signals steady demand for propulsion systems as governments and private operators expand launch activity. - Rocket propulsion is expected to capture nearly 1% of the broader Aerospace & Defense market, which the report pegs at $1,166 billion by 2030. - Growth in this market is tied to satellites, reusable launch systems, defense missions and deep-space programs.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its “Rocket Propulsion Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2026-2035.” - The report says the global rocket propulsion market will surpass $13 billion in 2030. - The report places the market’s expected CAGR at 11% through 2030. - The company said North America will be the largest regional market in 2030 at $6 billion. - The report says the U.S. will be the largest country market in 2030 at $5 billion. - The liquid propulsion segment is projected to be the largest propulsion type in 2030, with 53% share and about $7 billion in value.

The details: - North America is projected to grow from $4 billion in 2025 to $6 billion in 2030, at a 10% CAGR. - The U.S. market is projected to rise from $3 billion in 2025 to $5 billion in 2030, also at a 10% CAGR. - The report links North American growth to government funding for space exploration, commercial satellite deployment, reusable launch vehicle investment, national security demand and advanced aerospace manufacturing. - The report links U.S. growth to more orbital launches, expansion of private space companies, procurement of next-generation missile and launch systems, R&D in propulsion and demand for deep-space and lunar missions. - Liquid propulsion is supported by thrust control, restart capability, orbital launch use, interplanetary mission demand, reusable rockets and cryogenic and semi-cryogenic technology advances. - The market is also segmented by orbit type into LEO, MEO, GEO and beyond GEO. - The market is segmented by launch vehicle type into manned and unmanned. - The market is segmented by end user into civil and commercial, and military. - The report says the most significant growth opportunities are in solid, liquid and hybrid propulsion. - Those segments are projected to contribute more than $6 billion in market value by 2030. - Over 2025 to 2030, the solid segment is projected to add $2 billion, the liquid segment $3 billion and the hybrid segment $1 billion. - The report says the rising number of satellite launches and space missions could add about 1.8% annual growth. - Increasing investment in space exploration programs is projected to add around 1.6% annual growth. - Growing commercialization of space is projected to add about 1.4% annual growth. - The report says its 2026 market editions include market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, and updated graphics and tables. - The report offers a free sample and a full report via the company’s sample request page and the detailed market report.

Between the lines: - The forecast points to a market that is becoming more diversified, with commercial launch demand and defense use cases both pushing propulsion spending. - Liquid propulsion’s lead suggests buyers still value performance and control over simpler engine designs, especially for reusable and longer-range missions. - The report’s regional split shows the U.S. remains the main center of gravity for launch demand, manufacturing and propulsion R&D.

What's next: - The report expects launch activity, exploration budgets and commercial space business models to keep shaping demand through 2030. - The solid, liquid and hybrid segments are expected to remain the main battlegrounds for market share and new investment. - The company says its broader 2026 report set will continue to expand with new forecasting and strategic-analysis tools.