The Cold Gas Thruster Market size was valued at USD 360.89 Million in 2024.The Cold Gas Thruster industry is projected to grow from USD 402.40 Million in 2025 to USD 1,197.69 million by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2% during the forecast period (2025-2035). Growing smart city projects in developing nations and advancement in the integrated lighting control system are the key market drivers enhancing market growth.
Investment in Space Exploration , Satellite Deployment and Space Tourism are driving the growth of the market.
As per Analyst at MRFR, “Growing interest in space tourism also brings the need for appropriate propulsion systems for commercial spacecraft, and to that for cold gas thrusters which contribute their share regarding control and safety of flight. This also rises the investments in those areas like Space exploration, satellite deployment and space tourism add to theses the adoption and development of cold gas thrusters market is rising, adding their essential status in space missions.”
FIGURE 1: COLD GAS THRUSTER MARKET VALUE (2019-2035) USD Million
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Expanding Applications in non-space sectors
Growing utilization in non-space industries opens enormous prospects for cold gas thrusters. Traditionally, cold gas thrusters have been considered for applications in space missions, but because of their special characteristics, they can be used in other terrestrial and commercial fields also. The main areas where the cold gas thruster finds new applications include ground aerospace test and simulation conditions.
Cold gas thrusters find their wide application in ground aerospace test and simulation conditions. It helps in maintainability of aerospace components & systems under regulated conditions. In UAV industry, especially for drones, potential application of cold gas thrusters can be found in attitude control or stabilization. They are perfect for small UAVs where weight as well as the cost is an issue due to their simplicity and precision. In fact, cold gas thrusters are seen by companies as a means of improving the maneuverability and control of surveillance drones, delivery drones etc. Recently research has been conducted on cold gas thrusters in advanced manufacturing and robotics. This is because they have high level of precision capabilities which makes them suitable for uses that require fine adjustments like automated assembly processes or robotic arms used for delicate tasks. In applications dealing with underwater research and exploration, including autonomous underwater vehicles, cold gas thrusters represent a method for achieving accurate movement and control. This would offer controlled thrust across varied environments for underwater drones and exploration vehicles serving the interests of research and resource extraction.
Cold Gas Thruster Gas Type Insights
Based on Gas Type, the Cold Gas Thruster Market has been segmented into nitrogen, Helium, Xenon and Others. Nitrogen is most commonly used as a cold gas for propelling and cooling. This is due to its high storage density, high performance and most importantly the absence of contamination. Nitrogen is used because of its availability, reasonable cost and non-reactive nature at ordinary temperature. It can be stored at high pressures and is good in producing thrust. These characteristics make it useful for a range of applications such as for attitude control and de-orbiting small satellites. Due to its ability and ease of storage this product is widely used.
FIGURE 2: COLD GAS THRUSTER MARKET SHARE BY TYPE 2024 and 2035 (USD Million)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Cold Gas Thruster Space Craft Type Insights
Based on Spacecraft Type, the Cold Gas Thruster Market has been segmented into Satellites, Space Probes, Space Stations , Launch Vehicles and Crewed Spacecraft . Cold gas thrusters are especially preferred in small satellite missions including CubeSats because of their simplicity, low cost and environmentally friendly propellants. These are used in attitude control and orbital control; this makes satellites maintain the correct orientation and location in space. For example, the Adelis-SAMSON nanosatellites employ cold gas propulsion systems to minimize the formation and geo-location tasks and produce thrust levels of about 80mN from the multiple thrusters.
Based on Application, the Cold Gas Thruster Market has been segmented into Attitude Control, Station Keeping, Orbital Maneuvers , Rendezvous and Docking and Deorbiting. Attitude control is very crucial in ensuring that the spacecraft has the right orientation or position. This helps in proper orientation of instruments, solar panels and communication antennas amongst others. Cold gas thrusters are the final component, which is used to make fine adjustments to the spacecraft’s attitude control, in terms of pitch, ya and roll Because of this their ability to deliver quick and fine thrusts makes them suitable for making incremental adjustments during the mission in order to maintain the orientation of the spacecraft.
Cold Gas Thruster Regional Insights
By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. Cold gas thrusters have been on high demand in North America due to several factors that are pushing the aerospace and defense industries. One of those reasons is the growth of the small sat market especially in the development of communications, earth observation and scientific research constellations. Cube sats and other small satellites need well-developed propulsion subsystem for station keeping attitude control and orbital control. Cold gas thrusters are suitable for these applications since it is simple, dependable, and can deliver high accuracy with low thrust control required to maintain the proper orbit and attitude.
The growth in small satellites and mega-constellations deployment by European companies and agencies is expected to drive the growth of cold gas thruster market in Europe in the coming years. These satellites can be applied in areas like observation of activities on the earth, communication and research. Cold gas thrusters, which are very simple, reliable and offer high control over the spacecraft, are suitable for small satellite missions. It is used for station-keeping, attitude control, and orbital maneuvers which are all important to the proper functioning and positioning of these satellites.
The APAC region, and more specifically India, Japan and China, have been growing their small satellite programs at a fast pace. CubeSats and other nanosatellites are preferred more and more because of their relatively low price and short time to design. Cold gas thrusters do not complicate CubeSat design, and that are relatively cheap to build and maintain, which make them ideal for small satellites such as these. In addition, the APAC region has worked on the miniaturization of cold gas thrusters through microelectromechanical system (MEMS). This makes it possible to incorporate cold gas thrusters in even minor satellites so that to have more efficient attitude control, as well as maneuvering systems
The Middle East and Africa consist of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and the rest of the MEA. The MEA region has seen a rise in the number of satellites being sent into orbit and space exploration with countries like the United Arab Emirates and South Africa taking the lead in the development of space programs. Due to such advancement and growing interest in space technology, there is a need to come up with a better propulsion system for space vehicles which can include cold gas thruster for small satellites and CubeSats.
South America cold gas thruster Market is bifurcated into Brazil, Argentina and the Rest of South America. South American countries have been partnering with international players in order to secure the technology and knowledge necessary to employ cold gas thruster. Such partnerships have assisted in advancing the application and utilization of cold gas thrusters in the concerned region. For example, the Argentinian state cooperate with the ESA in several space programs such as the construction of small satellites equipped with cold gas thrusters.
FIGURE 3: COLD GAS THRUSTER MARKET VALUE BY REGION 2024 and 2035 (USD Million)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Further, the countries considered in the scope of the Cold Gas Thruster Market are the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, Romania, Ireland, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Brunei, India, Australia & New Zealand, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and others.
Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Cold Gas Thruster market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their footprint globally, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Cold Gas Thruster industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.
In the competitive Cold Gas Thruster industry, companies are driving innovation by developing integrated Cold Gas Thruster solutions with strong compatibility and scalable connectivity options. According to MRFR analysis, the key players in the Cold Gas Thruster sector include Moog, Inc., VACCO Industries, THRIST ME , Safran SA, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Space Exploration Technologies Corp and AST Advanced Space Technologies GmbH.
These companies continue to shape the market by innovating and expanding their GAS Type which include Nitrogen , Helium etc. . Established companies like VACCO Industries, Safran SA and others have significant competitive advantages due to their strong brand recognition, extensive distribution networks, and substantial investments in technology and innovation.
VACCO Industries is a company that designs and manufactures fluid control products, metal filters, and specialty valves for the space, defense, and commercial markets. The parent company of VACCO Industries is ESCO Technologies Inc. In 1983, Emerson Electric acquired VACCO, and in 1990, six Emerson subsidiaries, including VACCO, formed ESCO. Their products are used in demanding environments, such as deep space and ocean depths. Vacco Industries is a major manufacturing company involved in the production of high-quality lubricant products and chemicals. Since its founding, Vacco has directed its resources and energies toward innovation and sustainability by offering various products pertaining to automobiles, industrial applications, and even aerospace. Therefore, Vacco is dedicated to technological advancement and environmental stewardship; it supplies products that are among the best in the industry. Keeping in view a high level of importance given to research and development, Vacco Industries remains at the cutting edge of making innovative solutions that improve performance and reliability for most industries. Twelve thrusters delivered to VACCO in Q4 2019 and the latest four have been delivered in March 2020 for use on Millennium Space Systems ALTAIR spacecraft.
Cold Gas Thruster Market Industry Developments
June 2023 : Moog has released a new spacecraft mechanism in anticipation of the Small Satellite Conference (SmallSat) in Logan, Utah to cater to the demands of the rapidly expanding small satellite market.
March 2019: Twelve thrusters delivered to VACCO in Q4 2019 and the latest four have been delivered in March 2020 for use on Millennium Space Systems ALTAIR spacecraft
June 2020: The Propulsion Unit for CubeSats (PUC) system was designed and fabricated by CU Aerospace and VACCO Industries under contract with the U.S. Air Force to supply two government missions. The system was acquired for drag makeup capability to extend asset lifetime in LEO. The system utilizes SO2 as a self-pressurizing liquid propellant. The propulsion system electrothermally heats the propellant using a micro-cavity discharge (MCD) and expels the propellant through a single nozzle.
May 2022: Moog Inc launched Artemis , hich is the first uncre ed test flight of NASA’s mission to return to the Moon. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida early this morning. The rocket is the most powerful ever built, putting off 8.8 million pounds of thrust and traveling nearly 23,000 miles per hour. Moog actuators and controllers are responsible for controlling that power by precisely positioning the engines to steer all stages of the SLS rocket.
Cold Gas Thruster Market Segmentation
Cold Gas Thruster Gas Outlook
Cold Gas Thruster Space Craft Outlook
Cold Gas Thruster Application Outlook
Cold Gas Thruster Regional Outlook
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size 2024 | USD Â 360.89 million |
| Market Size 2025 | USD 402.40 million |
| Market Size 2035 | USD 1,197.69 million |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 12.2% % (2018-2035) |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2035 |
| Historical Data | 2019-2023 |
| Forecast Units | Value (USD Million) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | Type, Revenue Mode, Component, Genre, Target User Age Group, and Region |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America |
| Countries Covered | The U.S, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, UAE, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled | Moog, Inc. , VACCO Industries , THRIST ME , Safran SA, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Space Exploration Technologies  Corp and AST Advanced Space Technologies GmbH.  |
| Key Market Opportunities | ·        Expanding Applications in non-space sectors ·        Integration with advanced control systems |
| Key Market Dynamics | ·        Advancement in Materials and Manufacturing Technologies ·        Increasing demand for satellite based services. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
USD 360.89 Million in 2024
12.2 %
North America
Moog, Inc. , VACCO Industries , THRIST ME , Safran SA, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Space Exploration Technologies Corp and AST Advanced Space Technologies GmbH.
The Nitrogen gas dominated the market in 2024
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Senior Research Analyst She has over 5 years of rich experience, in market research and consulting providing valuable market insights to client. hands on expertise in management consulting, and extensive knowledge in domain including ict, automotive & transportation and aerospace & defense. she is skilled in go-to market strategy, industry analysis, market sizing, in depth company profiling, competitive intelligence & benchmarking and value chain amongst others.
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