Space Agriculture Market Trends

Space Agriculture Market Overview

Space Agriculture Market Size was valued at USD 4.5 Billion in 2022. The Space Agriculture market industry is projected to rise from USD 4.99 Billion in 2023 to USD 11.51 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.00 % during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). Increased focus on long-duration space missions, which necessitates sustainable and efficient food production systems, are the key market drivers enhancing growth of the market.

Source: The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Space Agriculture Market Trends

• Growing focus on long-duration space missions, which necessitates sustainable and efficient food production systems, is driving the market growth

Market CAGR for space agriculture is being driven by the focus on long-duration space missions, which necessitates sustainable and efficient food production systems. Long-duration space missions require astronauts to be more self-sufficient in terms of food production. Relying solely on pre-packaged or shipped food from Earth for extended missions is costly and logistically challenging. Space agriculture allows for on-site food production, reducing the need for resupply missions.

Astronauts need access to a variety of fresh, nutrient-rich foods to maintain their health and well-being during long missions. Space agriculture enables the cultivation of a diverse range of crops, helping meet astronauts' nutritional requirements. Growing and consuming fresh food can have positive psychological effects on astronauts, mitigating feelings of isolation and providing a sense of connection to Earth. This contributes to their mental well-being during extended periods of confinement. Space agriculture often employs efficient resource use, such as recycling water and nutrients, which is critical in resource-limited space environments. These practices have relevance for Earth applications, such as sustainable agriculture in arid regions. The challenges of space agriculture drive research and innovation in various fields, including plant biology, hydroponics, and closed-loop environmental systems. The solutions developed for space agriculture often have applications on Earth, contributing to advancements in agriculture and sustainability.

The growth of the space agriculture sector opens up economic opportunities for companies and organizations involved in developing space-based agricultural technologies and systems. Innovations developed for space agriculture, such as controlled environment systems, efficient water and resource management, and advanced plant breeding techniques, can be transferred to terrestrial agriculture to enhance crop yields and sustainability. Technologies used in space agriculture can be applied in resource-scarce regions on Earth, including arid areas and regions with poor soil quality, to improve food production and alleviate food security challenges.

Space agriculture often employs closed-loop systems and sustainable practices to minimize resource waste. These eco-friendly approaches are increasingly valuable on Earth, where sustainable agriculture is a growing concern. Research in space agriculture helps develop solutions for extreme environmental conditions, which can have applications in disaster-stricken areas or regions affected by climate change. Thus, driving the Space Agriculture market revenue.

Space Agriculture Market Segment Insights

The Space Agriculture market segmentation, based on type, includes plant and seed. The seed segment dominated the market, accounting for the largest market revenue. It is primarily driven by the need to adapt crops to the unique challenges of space environments. Space agriculture requires seeds that are highly resistant to radiation and can thrive in limited light, minimal gravity, and controlled atmosphere conditions. Specialized seeds are essential for efficient space crop cultivation to maximize resource utilization, provide nutritional diversity, and enhance food production sustainability for long-duration space missions. The development and selection of these specific seed types play a role in the success of space agriculture initiatives and contribute to its dominance in the emerging space industry.

The Space Agriculture market segmentation, based on application, includes scientific research and agriculture. The agriculture category dominates the market due to its significant potential for sustainability and food production in space environments, which is essential for long-duration space missions and the establishment of extraterrestrial colonies. These applications encompass advanced plant cultivation techniques, controlled environment systems, and efficient resource management, enabling reliable and efficient food production while conserving precious resources such as water and energy. Moreover, the transfer of space agriculture technologies to terrestrial agriculture addresses challenges, including improving crop resilience, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable farming practices on Earth, making it a compelling driver for investment and development in this market.

Figure 1: Space Agriculture Market, by Application, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

By region, the study gives market insights into the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American Space Agriculture market dominates due to its robust ecosystem of space agencies, private space companies, and research institutions, fostering innovation and expertise in controlled environment agriculture technologies. Its leadership in space exploration initiatives and the involvement of commercial space companies position the region as a hub for space agriculture development with applications both in space and on Earth.

Further, the prime countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: SPACE AGRICULTURE MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe's Space Agriculture market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the commitment to sustainable agriculture practices, fostering advancements in closed-loop systems, efficient resource management, and controlled environment agriculture technologies with applications both in space and on Earth. Further, the German Space Agriculture market held the largest market share, and the UK Space Agriculture market was the fastest-growing market in European region.

The Asia-Pacific Space Agriculture Market is expected to rise at the rapid CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due to increasing investments in space exploration and technological advancements, coupled with the need to address food security challenges in densely populated areas, leading to a growing interest in sustainable and innovative agricultural solutions. Moreover, China’s Space Agriculture market held the largest market share, and the Indian Space Agriculture market was the fastest-growing market in Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are investing heavily in the research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Space Agriculture market grow even more. Market players are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to spread their footprint, with important market developments including mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, contractual agreements, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To spread and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Space Agriculture industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize the operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by the manufacturers in the Space Agriculture industry to benefit the clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Space Agriculture industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to the space industry. Major players in the Space Agriculture market, including Orbital Technologies Corporation, Space Garden, Zero G Kitchen, Canopy Growth Corporation, Cronos Group, SpaceX, AeroFarms, Blue Origin, Aeroponics International, Space Tango, and others, are trying to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Boeing is an American multinational corporation with a significant presence in the aerospace, defense, and aviation industries. Boeing is involved in space exploration and has been a contractor for NASA. The company has worked on various space programs, including the Space Launch System (SLS) and the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. Boeing is at the forefront of research and development in aerospace and defense technologies, constantly innovating and improving its products and services. The company has initiatives aimed at improving the environmental performance of its products and operations, focusing on sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. In April 2023, Boeing and Orbital Reef announced a partnership to develop and operate a commercial space station that will include facilities for space agriculture. The Orbital Reef space station is foreseen to be operational in 2028 and will provide a platform for companies and researchers to conduct experiments and develop new technologies for space agriculture.

Axiom Space is a private aerospace company that specializes in the development and operation of commercial space stations and related services. Axiom Space's primary focus is to create a commercial space station to serve a variety of purposes, including research, manufacturing, tourism, and international cooperation in space exploration. Axiom Space is actively working on international collaborations with space agencies, corporations, and other entities to promote cooperation in space exploration and development. Axiom Space's long-term vision includes expanding human presence beyond Earth's orbit and supporting exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In March 2023, Axiom Space and NASA announced a partnership to develop and operate a commercial space station that will also include facilities for space agriculture. The Axiom Space Space Station is expected to be operational in 2027 and will provide another platform for companies and researchers to conduct experiments and develop new technologies for space agriculture.

Key Companies in the Space Agriculture market include

• Orbital Technologies Corporation


• Space Garden


• Zero-G Kitchen


• Canopy Growth Corporation


• Cronos Group


• SpaceX


• AeroFarms


• Blue Origin


• Aeroponics International


• Space Tango

Space Agriculture Industry Developments

June 2023:SpaceX and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) announced a partnership to develop and launch space-based agriculture facilities. The goal of the partnership is to develop sustainable and efficient ways to produce food in space, which could support future human missions to the Moon and Mars.

May 2023: Redwire Space acquired Techshot, a company that develops and manufactures systems for space-based agriculture. The acquisition gives Redwire Space a strong foothold in the space agriculture market and positions it to be a major player in the development of future space-based agriculture facilities.

April 2023:Boeing and Orbital Reef announced a partnership to develop and operate a commercial space station that will include facilities for space agriculture. The Orbital Reef space station is foreseen to be operational in 2028 and will provide a platform for companies and researchers to conduct experiments and develop new technologies for space agriculture.

Space Agriculture Market Segmentation

Space Agriculture Type Outlook

• Plant


• Seed

Space Agriculture Application Outlook

• Scientific Research


• Agriculture

Space Agriculture Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America