Space Suits Market Size, Growth, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Applications (Intravehicular Activity and Extravehicular Activity), By Product (New Space Suits and Refurbishment), By Type (Soft Suits, Hard Suits, Hybrid Suits, and Skintight Suits), By Weight (Up to 50 kg, 50 to 100 kg, and Above 100 kg), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2030

The global space suits market size was valued at USD 123.7 million in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 150.5 million in 2022 to USD 1,576.3 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 34.13% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with space suits experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 21.57% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Space suits are essential for astronauts for activities while travelling to space or performing spacewalks outside the spacecraft. These suits are mainly categorized into the following two types by their application, Intravehicular Activity (IVA) suits and Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits. Astronauts inside the spacecraft wear IVA suits in pressurized conditions, whereas EVA suits are utilized during installation or maintenance activities outside the spacecraft.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Due to the Pandemic and Worldwide Lockdown Situation, the Global Market Faced Delays in Space Programs

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the space economy and its allied market. Space agencies across the globe have witnessed a decrease in the overall space budget during FY 2020-21. For example, during FY 20-21, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) witnessed a decline of nearly 26% in actual budget allocation compared to the previous year. Besides, the decline in the space budget, many space-related projects were delayed due to the global COVID-19 related restrictions imposed by governments. Due to the closure of various facilities, NASA also faced a delay of at least three months in the xEVA space suit project in March 2020.

To mitigate the operational and developmental impact of COVID-19, space agencies and OEMs of suits across the globe have started collaboration activities to speed up the process. For example, NASA awarded a contract worth USD 3.5 billion to Axiom Space, Collins Aerospace and other companies to develop a new EVA space suit for the Moon mission.

LATEST TRENDS

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Development of Lightweight Space Suits with Modern-day Features

The latest technological trends in the market include the development of lightweight space suits along with features such as digital analytics. Researchers across the globe have started utilizing digital thread technology for the development of new spacesuits, which might have features such as real-time analysis of the human body & space suit, advanced thermal management system, higher flexibility, and augmented reality-based navigation system.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand for Crewed Commercial Spaceflight to Aid Growth

Recent developments in space policies and technological advancements have proliferated private players' commercial exploration of space through commercial space flights and other ambitious space missions such as the development of commercial space stations. The private space industry has developed reliable space technologies for commercial applications through technological and financial support from government-owned space agencies such as NASA, ESA, and ISRO.

SpaceX is a leading and well-known private space agency which has developed a reliable and reusable rocket launch vehicle. SpaceX has changed the landscape of space launch services by significantly reducing the launch cost and promoting crewed spaceflight to Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) or the International Space Station (ISS). Other private players such as Boeing, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and many more have announced to provide space tourism in the coming years. For instance, in April 2022, Axiom Space successfully conducted the first commercial spaceflight to ISS with four crew members. Therefore, the rising demand for commercial spaceflight will catalyze the demand for suits.

Increasing Investments in Crewed Space Missions to Catalyze the Market Growth

Leading space-faring nations, such as China, France, India, Japan, Russia, and the United States, have increased their investments in manned space missions. For instance, NASA has announced the launch of a crewed Moon mission called Artemis by 2024. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA), European Space Agency (ESA), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have also announced their cooperation with NASA for the Artemis Moon mission.

In Asia Pacific, China National Space Administration (CNSA) increased the number of crewed space missions since 2020 to develop the Tiangong space station. India has also announced launching its first astronaut mission, Gaganyaan, by 2024. Canada, Israel, and the UAE are the other countries that have started investing in upcoming astronaut space missions. Hence, rising manned space missions will catalyze the demand for EVA and IVA suits in the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Higher Maintenance Costs of Space Suit to Restrict the Market Growth

The suits are manufactured in standard sizes and are utilized by several astronauts on several space missions. After the specified number of utilization, a space suit is sent for refurbishment. Maintenance of the suits is of various types such as scheduled maintenance, preventive maintenance, and condition-based maintenance. In the case of EVA suits, the overall cost of maintenance increases significantly due to the cost of transportation of suits from space to earth. NASA has been reported to spend USD 150 million to maintain its existing fleet of suits. Therefore, higher maintenance costs may hinder the space suits market growth. 

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

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Hybrid Space Suit Segment Achieves the Fastest Growth Due to Increased Demand for Advanced Space Suit

The market is segmented by type into soft suits, hard suits, hybrid suits, and skintight suits.

In 2021, the hybrid suits segment dominated the market by having the largest share. A hybrid suit is versatile and provides the advantages of both soft and hard suits. The hybrid suits segment is estimated to be the fastest-growing in the market. Recent developments in digital threats technologies have also promoted the use of skintight suits due to their features such as lightweight, greater flexibility, and availability of customized sizes. For instance, in September 2020, Russian firm Zvezda announced it manufactured suits for the Indian human spaceflight mission called Gaganyaan.

The soft suits segment has the second highest market share and is anticipated to grow marginally due to increasing sub-orbital commercial space flight. Hard suits are being replaced with hybrid suits due to advancements in embedded material and manufacturing capabilities.

By Application Analysis

Increasing Commercial Space Flights to Boost the Growth of IVA suits

Based on application, the market is divided into Intravehicular Activity (IVA) and Extravehicular Activity (EVA).

The IVA segment is expected to be the fastest growing in the forecast period. The rising number of commercial space flights provided by private entities such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Virgin Galactic, and many more will catalyze the growth of IVA suits in the forecast period. The EVA segment is also estimated to grow at a higher rate due to the rising number of spacewalks performed by astronauts. EVA segment dominates the market due to its frequent utilization and higher costs.

By Product Analysis

Refurbished Space Suits to Hold Dominance During the Forecast Period Owing to Reusability of Existing Suits

The market is divided into new space suits and refurbished based on product. The refurbished segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR throughout 2022-2030. Rising demand for commercial space flights and astronaut space missions from developed and developing countries are the two significant factors behind the growth of the refurbished segment. The critical drivers for the refurbishment segment are the higher cost of new space suits, reusability of existing suits, and available services. Besides refurbishment, the market for a new space suit is also estimated to grow at a higher CAGR during 2022-2030 due to the entrance of higher investments in manned space missions from the U.S., China, India, Canada, Israel, the UAE, and others.

By Weight Analysis

Rising Demand for Lightweight Space Suits to Catalyze the Growth of the up to 50 Kg Segment

By weight, the market is categorized into up to 50kg, 50 to 100kg, and above 100 kg. Recent developments in commercial space flights have led to the increased demand for intravehicular space suits, which ultimately propelled the growth of these suits up to 50kg. The 50 to 100kg and above 100 kg segments are also expected to grow marginally due to rising extravehicular activities over ISS and the recently built Chinese Space Station. Due to installing several systems, such as pressure/oxygen regulators, communication systems, equipment for outer space services, and so on, these suits become heavier than intravehicular suits.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The global market is studied across the U.S., Russia, China, Europe, Japan, and the rest of the world.

The U.S. dominates the space suits market share. It is expected to be the second fastest growing market due to NASA’s upcoming moon mission, Artemis, and space tourism provided by private American companies. The U.S. market size in 2021 was USD 50.4 million.

During the forecast period, the Chinese market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR due to China’s ambitious plan to develop its space station by 2024. The Chinese government and several private firms have also announced to start space tourism by 2025 at approximately USD 3,00,000 per seat.

The growth of the market in the rest of the world, such as Israel, Canada, the UAE, and India, is due to rising focus on astronaut space missions by governmental space agencies. For example, ISRO plans to send its first manned space mission by 2024. The UAE also aims to launch the first woman in space by 2023. Similarly, Israel and Canada have also planned to launch a manned space mission in the near future.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players are Focused on Providing Advanced Space Suits to Propel the Market Course  

The competitive landscape and the continuously evolving global market are slightly consolidated due to the presence of major players such as David Clark Company, ILC Dover, and Collins Aerospace. These major players are focusing on providing an advanced suit for interplanetary space missions. Major players have also collaborated with several OEMs to speed up the development process.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Axiom Space (U.S.)


• Barber-Nichols (U.S.)


• Collins Aerospace (U.S.)


• David Clark Company (U.S.)


• Creare (U.S.)


• ILC Dover (U.S.)


• KBR Inc. (U.S.)


• Oceaneering International (U.S.)


• Paragon Space Development Corporation (U.S.)


• Vinyl Technology Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2022: Researchers from the University of North Dakota have announced working with the European Space Agency and NASA to develop a space suit for astronauts with physical disabilities. Researchers have planned to utilize body scanning and 3D printing to design a customized space suit.


• August 2022: Collins Aerospace inaugurated a new facility in Houston with an investment of USD 30 million to support the development of an EVA space suit.


• June 2022: NASA selected Collins Aerospace to develop a new generation space suit for extravehicular activities in space. Collins Aerospace will collaborate with ILC Dover and Oceaneering to develop a new EVA suit for NASA.


• March 2022: Media Lab, a research lab of MIT, presented a new 3D Knit Biosuit having features such as uniform skin pressure, lightweight, and higher flexibility.


• January 2022: Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract worth USD 100 million for a lunar orbital life support system called Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) to Paragon Space Development Corporation. HALO will act as a docking station and crew habitat for NASA’s Lunar gateway mission.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global space suits market research report provides detailed information on the market and focuses on aspects such as types of suits, recent developments, and key players. The report also provides insights into market trends in space suit technologies, market competition, and market conditions by considering several ongoing and upcoming factors. Besides the above factors, the report has included several other factors to estimate the global market size.

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