PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1810716
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1810716
Solid rocket propellant is a form of fuel used in rocket propulsion systems, comprising a solid-state blend of fuel and oxidizer. It ignites rapidly and burns evenly, generating significant thrust without the requirement for intricate pumping mechanisms. Its primary function is to provide dependable and continuous propulsion for aerospace and defense operations.
The primary categories of solid rocket propellants include composite, homogeneous, heterogeneous, and liquid propellants. Composite propellants are solid fuels formed by mixing a solid oxidizer with a fuel binder, designed to ensure stable combustion and thrust. Common ingredients in these propellants include ammonium perchlorate, potassium nitrate, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), and aluminum powder. These materials are widely used across various end-use industries such as military, aerospace, and commercial applications.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp hike in U.S. tariffs and the associated trade disputes in spring 2025 are notably impacting the aerospace and defense sector by raising costs for titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics materials largely sourced from global suppliers. Defense contractors, locked into fixed-price government contracts, absorb these added costs, while commercial aerospace firms face airline pushback on higher aircraft prices. Delays in component shipments due to customs bottlenecks further disrupt tight production schedules for jets and satellites. The industry is responding by stockpiling critical materials, seeking waivers for defense-related imports, and collaborating with allied nations to diversify supply chain.
The solid rocket propellant market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that cover solid rocket propellant market statistics, including the solid rocket propellant industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the solid rocket propellant market share, detailed solid rocket propellant market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the solid rocket propellant market. This solid rocket propellant market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The solid rocket propellant market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.98 billion in 2024 to $3.16 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth observed during the historic period can be linked to the increasing use of solid propulsion in tactical weaponry, an upsurge in research and development of advanced propellants, a growing demand for dependable launch systems, heightened geopolitical tensions fueling defense spending, and advancements in missile and defense system modernization.
The solid rocket propellant market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.99 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0%. The anticipated growth during the forecast period is driven by the expanding use of nano-composite propellants, rising investment in environmentally sustainable propulsion technologies, increasing demand for affordable propulsion systems, heightened emphasis on hypersonic weapon development, and a growing need for rapid-response launch capabilities. Key trends expected in this period include advancements in eco-friendly and green propellants, incorporation of intelligent propulsion technologies, progress in high-energy-density propellant formulations, innovations enhancing the safety and stability of solid propellants, and the adoption of additive manufacturing in propellant fabrication.
The growing demand for satellite launches is anticipated to drive the expansion of the solid rocket propellant market in the future. Satellite launches involve deploying artificial satellites into space using rockets or launch vehicles. This increasing demand is largely fueled by the global push for enhanced connectivity, as more areas seek dependable internet access through satellite broadband networks. Solid rocket propellants play a key role in these missions by offering dependable, high-thrust propulsion, which is well-suited for carrying payloads into space. They also simplify rocket systems by removing the need for complex fuel setups, allowing for quicker deployment and cost-effective mission planning. For example, in September 2022, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported that there were nearly 5,500 operational satellites in orbit, with projections indicating that an additional 58,000 could be launched by 2030. As a result, rising satellite launch activity is contributing to the growth of the solid rocket propellant sector.
Leading firms in the solid rocket propellant industry are prioritizing the development of enhanced solutions, such as medium-lift launch vehicles, to support larger payloads and broader mission applications. These rockets are designed to carry between 2,000 and 20,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, offering a middle ground between small- and heavy-lift capabilities and addressing various satellite and mission needs. As an example, in January 2024, Orienspace Technology Co. Ltd., a space technology firm based in China, introduced the Gravity-1 rocket, a solid-propellant medium-lift vehicle. This launch represented a significant milestone in the commercial space industry, with the rocket capable of lifting approximately 6,500 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The Gravity-1 features a three-stage core and four solid-fuel side boosters, generating around 600 tons of thrust during liftoff.
In January 2025, MBDA Inc., a defense company based in France, acquired Roxel S.A.S. for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition is intended to enhance MBDA's tactical missile propulsion capabilities and increase its manufacturing output in response to rising demand for sophisticated missile technologies. Roxel S.A.S., also based in France, is known for its expertise in the development, engineering, and production of solid rocket propellants and propulsion systems for defense and aerospace applications.
Major players in the solid rocket propellant market are Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems plc, L3Harris Technologies Inc., IHI Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Elbit Systems Ltd., Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd., ArianeGroup SAS, Roketsan A.S., Nammo AS, General Dynamics Ordnance And Tactical Systems, Eurenco S.A., TNO Defence Safety and Security, Roxel Group, Avibras Industria Aeroespacial S/A, Avio S.p.A., Black Sky Industries, Ursa Major Technologies Inc., Indian Space Research Organisation, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
North America was the largest region in the solid rocket propellant market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in solid rocket propellant report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the solid rocket propellant market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The solid rocket propellant market consists of sales of double-base propellants, low-smoke propellants, high-energy propellants, green propellants, nano-composite propellants, and energetic thermoplastic elastomer propellants. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values and are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Solid Rocket Propellant Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on solid rocket propellant market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for solid rocket propellant ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The solid rocket propellant market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
2) By Homogeneous Propellants; Double-Base Propellants; Triple-Base Propellants