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The Growth of the Small Satellite Market and Global Trends in Space Transportation

소형 위성 시장의 성장과 글로벌 우주수송 분야의 흐름

Junwoo Parka*
박 준우a*
aResearch Strategy Team, Policy Division, Strategy and Planning Directorate, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Korea
*Corresponding Author
30 June 2026. pp. 19-25
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Abstract

This paper analyzes the rapid growth of the small satellite market and the resulting structural shifts in global space transportation. Between 2025 and 2034, approximately 43,193 satellites are projected for launch, with mega-constellations accounting for 66% of demand, concentrated predominantly in LEO. The global space transportation market is expected to reach $175 billion over this period, driven largely by mega-constellation deployment and rising defense demand. SpaceX's dominance in reusable launch technology is reshaping the competitive landscape, prompting rivals to pursue vehicle upscaling, reusability, and automation. Meanwhile, growing demand for VLEO and EHR observation, alongside the emergence of OTV and space logistics services, is extending the scope of space transportation beyond conventional launch to inter-orbit delivery. Major spacefaring nations are strengthening PPP to secure strategic launch autonomy and address defense requirements. This paper examines these global trends and presents policy implications for South Korea's space transportation sector.

Keywords
Small Satellites
Mega-constellations
Space Transportation
Space Economy
Space Policy

본 논문은 소형 위성 시장의 급성장과 이에 따른 글로벌 우주수송 분야의 구조적 변화를 분석한다. 2025~2034년 약 43,193기의 위성 발사가 전망되며, Mega-constellations이 전체의 66%를 차지하고 LEO 궤도에 집중될 것으로 예상된다. 우주수송 시장은 1,750억 달러 규모로 성장이 전망되며, SpaceX의 재사용 기술 독주 속에 경쟁사들은 대형화와 자동화로 대응하고 있다. 초저궤도(VLEO)·초고해상도(EHR) 관측 수요의 확대와 OTV 기반 우주물류의 부상은 우주수송의 범위를 궤도 간 수송까지 확장하고 있다. 주요국들은 국방 수요와 전략적 자율성 확보를 위해 민관 협력(PPP)을 강화하고 있으며, 본 논문은 이러한 흐름이 한국 우주수송 분야에 주는 시사점을 제시한다.

키워드
소형 위성
군집 위성
우주수송
우주경제
우주정책
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Information
  • Publisher :The Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국추진공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국추진공학회지
  • Volume : 30
  • No :3
  • Pages :19-25
  • Received Date : 2026-01-09
  • Revised Date : 2026-03-31
  • Accepted Date : 2026-04-27
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.6108/KSPE.2026.30.3.019
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