Home > Aerospace & Defense > Aviation Technology > Space Last-Mile Delivery Market

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Size - By Destination, By Delivery Payload, By Delivery Technology, By End Use and Forecast, 2025 - 2034

  • Report ID: GMI12768
  • Published Date: Dec 2024
  • Report Format: PDF

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Size

The global space last-mile delivery market was valued at USD 48 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.5% from 2025 to 2034.
 

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market

The market is growing as demand rises for precise satellite deployment and in-orbit logistics. The use of orbital transfer vehicles and propulsion systems helps place and reposition payloads efficiently, supporting satellite networks, space missions, and commercial ventures. Space commercialization and better reusable technologies are making these delivery solutions more affordable and accessible. For instance, in March 2024, Exotrail achieved its first in-space last-mile delivery. Using its Spaceva orbital transfer vehicle, the company successfully deployed an 8U satellite into orbit, marking a key advancement in space logistics operations.
 

The space last-mile delivery market is evolving through orbital transfer technologies, sustainable operations, and commercial applications. As more satellites and interplanetary missions enter space, companies need better ways to deliver payloads precisely and cost-effectively. Organizations are developing reusable transfer vehicles, self-operating systems, and better propulsion technologies to make missions more flexible and less expensive. Services like in-orbit refueling and space debris removal are making the market more sustainable and service-focused, helping space logistics grow worldwide.
 

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Trends

The market is evolving through advances in technology and wider commercial use. Companies are increasingly using orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) to deliver payloads to specific orbits with precision, supporting large satellite networks for communication, Earth observation, and navigation. The use of reusable and modular space vehicles helps reduce costs and improve operations. Companies now use self-driving navigation systems and better propulsion technologies, like electric and ion thrusters, to improve efficiency and make missions last longer. The market focuses on sustainability through in-orbit services, including satellite refueling, repair, and removal of old satellites to manage space debris. Partnerships between government and private companies, along with more investment from commercial space firms, help develop solutions for space logistics and moon exploration, showing strong potential for future growth.
 

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Analysis

The market faces several challenges, including high development and operational costs, complex technological requirements, and limited infrastructure for in-orbit servicing and logistics. The market also encounters regulatory hurdles such as evolving international space laws, licensing requirements, and orbital debris mitigation policies. However, opportunities exist through advancements in reusable and modular orbital transfer vehicles, growing demand for satellite constellations, and expanding lunar and interplanetary logistics services. Government support and public-private partnerships continue to help overcome regulatory barriers and drive innovation in sustainable space logistics solutions.
 

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Size, By Destination, 2021 - 2034 (USD Million)

Based on destination, the space last-mile delivery market is segmented into orbital destinations, and planetary/surface destinations. The orbital destinations segment held a market share of over 74% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace.
 

  • The growing deployment of satellite constellations for global broadband internet, Earth observation, and communication continues to drive the demand for orbital destinations. As organizations seek to optimize their operations, they require precise orbital placement, which has increased the need for orbital transfer and last-mile delivery services.
     
  • Beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), satellite deployments are increasingly moving toward geostationary orbits (GEO) and medium Earth orbits (MEO). These orbital positions play vital roles in weather monitoring, navigation, and secure communications. As industry grows, the demand for reliable and cost-effective orbital transfer services continues to drive innovations in propulsion technologies and maneuvering vehicles.

 

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Revenue Share, By End-user, (2024)

Based on end user, the market is segmented into commercial and government. The government segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 22.5% till 2034.
 

  • Governments are increasingly using space last-mile delivery services to deploy defense satellites for surveillance, communication, and missile detection systems. The need to place these satellites precisely in specific orbits has led to higher investments in orbital transfer vehicles and in-orbit servicing capabilities.
     
  • Governments worldwide are prioritizing space exploration initiatives, particularly lunar and Martian missions, which require reliable delivery systems to transport payloads, equipment, and supplies to their destinations. National space agencies are increasing their program funding and partnering with private companies to develop logistics systems for planetary exploration.

 

U.S. Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Size, 2021 - 2034 (USD Million)

North America dominated the space last-mile delivery market and is expected to reach a value of over USD 118.5 million by 2034. In the United States, the space last-mile delivery industry is growing due to the country's advanced capabilities in space exploration and commercialization. The increasing deployment of satellite constellations for communication and Earth observation has created a need for efficient in-orbit logistics solutions. Companies in the United States are developing reusable orbital transfer vehicles and autonomous systems to enhance mission flexibility and lower operational costs.
 

In Germany, the space last-mile delivery industry is expanding due to the country's established aerospace industry and its growing emphasis on satellite deployment and space logistics. The country focuses on developing orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) and in-orbit servicing solutions, prioritizing sustainable practices and efficient satellite positioning.
 

In China, the space last-mile delivery market is growing due to the expansion of the national space program and increased demand for satellite deployment and orbital logistics. The country is developing orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) and in-orbit servicing capabilities to support its space exploration initiatives and satellite constellation deployments.
 

In Japan, the market is developing through improvements in satellite logistics and space infrastructure. The country continues to invest in space technologies, including compact orbital transfer vehicles and satellite deployment systems, to support its expanding space activities.
 

In South Korea, the market is gaining momentum as the country enhances its space capabilities through government initiatives and private sector advancements. South Korea is focusing on developing advanced satellite deployment technologies, including orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) and in-orbit servicing solutions, to support its growing satellite infrastructure.
 

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Share

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Share Analysis, 2024

The market features active competition among companies such as Rocket Lab, D-Orbit, and AAC Clyde Space. These companies develop solutions for satellite deployment and orbital transportation services. Rocket Lab specializes in small satellite launch vehicles, while D-Orbit focuses on orbital transportation and satellite services. AAC Clyde Space delivers in-orbit services and propulsion systems. Companies in this market compete by offering efficient and reliable solutions through improved propulsion technology and reduced costs. As the demand for satellite constellations continues to rise, companies are expanding their services to provide customized last-mile delivery options that meet their clients' specific needs.
 

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Companies

Major players operating in the space last-mile delivery industry are:

  • AAC Clyde Space
  • Aliena
  • Astro Digital
  • D-Orbit
  • Exotrail
  • Impulse Space
  • Momentus Space
  • Orbit Fab
  • Rocket Lab
  • SEOPS (Space Exploration and Orbital Solutions)
  • Spaceflight Industries
  • SpaceLink
  • TransAstra
     

Space Last-Mile Delivery Industry News

  • In January 2023, Swiss start-up Coactum announced plans to develop its in-space transportation service that delivers small satellites to specific orbital destinations, with support from ESA's Boost! program. The company's last-mile in-space transportation addresses a common challenge for small satellites that rely on ride-share launches as secondary payloads to minimize costs. These shared launches often place small satellites in less-than-ideal orbits that are determined by primary payload requirements. Through its system, Coactum aims to offer a cost-effective way for small satellites to reach their intended orbits, including paths beyond low Earth orbit.
     
  • In December 2024, Inversion Space, a Los Angeles-based startup, announced its plan to transform emergency medical supply delivery. When natural disasters strike, instead of waiting for days, the company plans to deliver essential supplies from Earth's orbit directly to disaster sites within one hour. The company raised $44 million in funding to develop this orbital delivery system.
     

This space last-mile delivery market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report


Market, By Destination

  • Orbital Destinations
    • Low earth orbit (LEO)
    • Medium earth orbit (MEO)
    • Geostationary orbit (GEO)
    • High earth orbit (Beyond GEO) 
  • Planetary/surface destinations
    • Lunar surface 
    • Martian surface         
    • Asteroids surface       

Market, By Delivery Payload

  • Scientific equipment
  • Infrastructure components
    • Space station modules
    • Satellite components 
  • Consumables
  • Propellants/fuel
  • Others

Market, By Delivery Technology

  • Autonomous systems
  • Manned delivery        
  • Hybrid systems

Market, By End-user

  • Commercial
  • Government   

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Australia 
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico 
  • MEA
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa

 

Authors: Suraj Gujar, Partha Paul

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The global market size for space last-mile delivery was valued at USD 48 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 306.1 million by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 20.5% during the forecast period, fueled by rising demand for precise satellite deployment and in-orbit logistics.

Orbital destinations accounted for over 74% of the market share in 2024 and are expected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing deployment of satellite constellations for broadband internet, Earth observation, and communication.

The North America market is expected to surpass USD 118.5 million by 2034, driven by advanced space exploration capabilities and the growing deployment of satellite constellations in the United States.

Major players in the industry include AAC Clyde Space, Aliena, Astro Digital, D-Orbit, Exotrail, Impulse Space, Momentus Space, Orbit Fab, and Rocket Lab.

Space Last-Mile Delivery Market Scope

Buy Now


Premium Report Details

  • Base Year: 2024
  • Companies covered: 13
  • Tables & Figures: 290
  • Countries covered: 18
  • Pages: 220
 Download Free Sample