Space Mining Market Size - By Phase, By Asteroid Type, By Distance, By Resources, By Application and Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Space Mining Market Size

The global space mining market was valued at USD 2 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 24.9% from 2025 to 2034. With the rising involvement of private enterprises in space exploration, supported by evolving regulatory frameworks, the market is witnessing significant growth potential.
 

Advancements in deep-space communication technologies and the establishment of public-private partnerships are enabling ambitious missions while reducing operational costs. This momentum, combined with the increasing demand for rare minerals and in-space resources to support both terrestrial industries and space exploration initiatives, is driving the market's expansion.
 

For instance, in October 2024, AstroForge, a US-based startup aiming to mine asteroids, received the first commercial license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate in deep space. This approval allows AstroForge to launch its Odin mission and connect with ground-based partners, marking a key milestone for private companies venturing beyond Earth's orbit.
 

The space mining industry is entering a new phase focused on developing sustainable resource extraction operations from asteroids, the Moon, and Mars. Moving beyond early feasibility studies and pilot missions, companies are now creating practical mining solutions using advanced robotics, AI, and self-operating systems. The industry aims to support space exploration by providing resources like water, which can be converted into fuel and oxygen, reducing the need for supplies from Earth. Looking ahead, space mining companies plan to supply materials to Earth and support human settlements in space by providing building materials and rare metals. Growing partnerships between private companies, space agencies, and governments are making space mining more accessible and innovative, making it a key part of the growing space economy.
 

Space Mining Market Trends

The space mining industry is growing due to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and increased private-sector investments. Companies are now using autonomous robots and artificial intelligence to find and extract resources in space. New spacecraft designs allow for longer missions, while in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) helps make space exploration more sustainable by turning mined materials into useful resources like rocket fuel and life-support supplies.
 

Countries like the United States and Luxembourg have created laws to protect private ownership of space resources. Working together, governments and private companies have made space operations less expensive and sparked new innovations. The industry is moving away from simple exploration missions toward practical mining solutions that can meet the growing need for rare materials and better resource management in space. For instance, in December 2024, scientists at China's Harbin Institute of Technology created a four-legged robot that copies how cats move and land. The robot can adjust its position and land safely in low-gravity settings, much like how cats twist their bodies to land on their feet when falling. This development could improve how robots explore asteroids in the future.
 

Space Mining Market Analysis

Space mining companies face major hurdles from large upfront costs, complex technological needs, and unclear legal rules. Building mining equipment for harsh environments like the Moon and asteroids requires substantial funding and specialized knowledge. While companies struggle with unclear international laws about resource ownership, the market shows promise through advances in self-operating robots, artificial intelligence, and space communication. The rising demand for rare minerals and materials used in space exploration, combined with increased government support for commercial space activities, creates new growth opportunities. As regulations become clearer, companies will have better guidelines for resource ownership and mining rights, which will help attract more private investment to the market.
 

Based on phase, the space mining market is segmented into spacecraft design, launch, and operation. The spacecraft design segment held a market share of over 45.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace.
 

• The shift toward smaller spacecraft has made space missions more practical and cost-effective. These compact spacecrafts not only reduce launch costs but also enable organizations to carry out multiple missions for exploring and mining space resources.
   
• Spacecraft designs now feature more autonomous technologies that help them operate efficiently in challenging environments like asteroid surfaces and the Moon, where direct human control is limited. These artificial intelligence systems assist spacecraft in making crucial decisions about finding resources, navigating through space, and extracting materials.
   

Based on asteroid type, the market is segmented into type C, type S, type M. The type C segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 25.5% till 2034.
 

• Type C asteroids, rich in water, organic materials, and minerals, are prime targets for space mining. Their water content can be converted into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel, making them essential for long-duration space missions. These asteroids, commonly found in the asteroid belt, could provide resources for space exploration and human habitation.
   
• Type C asteroids hold water and valuable materials like carbon, nitrogen, nickel, iron, and cobalt - all vital for building spacecraft and space stations. As robotic mining and autonomous extraction methods improve, these asteroids have become attractive targets for both private companies and space agencies looking to source materials for space and Earth-based industries.
   

North America dominated the space mining market and is expected to reach a value of over USD 14 billion by 2034. Space mining in the United States is advancing through increased government backing and private sector participation. The U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015 allows companies to mine and own resources from celestial bodies, creating a clear legal path for business investments. New technologies in deep-space exploration spacecraft, self-operating mining systems, and better communication networks are making space mining more practical and affordable.
 

The United Kingdom is working to develop regulations that support both commercial space mining ventures and international partnerships. Through the UK Space Agency, the government provides funding to space startups and creates legal frameworks to encourage private companies to participate in space activities.
 

China's space mining activities are advancing through government support and technological developments in space exploration. The Chinese government has made space exploration a strategic priority, emphasizing the development of extraterrestrial resource extraction capabilities.
 

Japan's space mining activities continue to expand as government programs and private companies work together to advance their capabilities. The Japanese government shows strong commitment to space exploration and resource utilization through its planned lunar and asteroid missions.
 

South Korea is developing its space mining capabilities by focusing on advanced technology to establish a strong presence in the global space economy. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is creating technologies for deep-space exploration, including missions to the moon and asteroids, with plans for resource extraction.
 

Space Mining Market Share

The space mining industry is seeing rising competition as companies pursue asteroid resource opportunities. Key players include Bradford Space, Planetary Resources (ConsenSys), and Moon Express. Each company has distinct focus areas - Bradford Space in deep space systems, Planetary Resources in asteroid mining technology, and Moon Express in lunar resource extraction. Companies compete through innovations in spacecraft design and mining methods while focusing on reducing costs. The high capital requirements have led to increased partnerships and mergers as companies work to maintain market positions and develop new revenue streams.
 

Space Mining Market Companies

Major players operating in the space mining industry are:

• Asteroid Mining Corporation
• Astroforge
• Astrobotic
• Bradford Space
• Ispace
• Karman+
• Moon Express
• Offworld
• Origin Space
• Planetary Resources (ConsenSys)
• Shackleton Energy
• Spacefab
• Transastra
   

Space Mining Industry News

• In March 2023, OffWorld expanded its operations by establishing its European headquarters in Luxembourg. Founded in 2016 and based in Pasadena, California, the company develops AI-powered robots that operate in extreme environments for mining, manufacturing, and construction operations. The company is now adapting its robotic systems for mining resources in space.
   
• In October 2023, NASA launched the Psyche mission, aimed at exploring the metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche, situated between Mars and Jupiter. Valued at an estimated USD 100,000 quadrillion due to its vast reserves of precious metals, the mission holds the potential to provide crucial insights into planetary formation.
   

This Space Mining 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:

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Market, By Phase

• Spacecraft Design
• Launch
• Operation

Market, By Asteroid Type

• Type C
• Type S
• Type M

Market, By Distance

• Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs)
• Asteroid Belt Distance Ranges from Earth

Market, By Resources

• Liquids
• Rare Earth Metals
• Structural Elements

Market, By Application

• Extraterrestrial Commodity
• Construction
• Human Life Sustainability
• Fuel Mining
• 3D Printing

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