by Bill Ostrove, Forecast International.
The launch vehicle market continues to be dominated by a few select regions. Between 2011 and 2013, Russia, China, the United States, and Europe accounted for nearly 92 percent of all launch vehicles manufactured. Russia by far accounted for the largest proportion of launch vehicles built during the period, with 41.5 percent. Russia was followed by China with 21.6 percent, the U.S. with 20.8 percent, and Europe with 7.9 percent.
But even as the traditional players hold onto their market domination, there are countries attempting to build their own launch vehicle programs and become market competitors. The most successful of these new players are India and Japan. Each country conducted eight launches over the past three years. India’s primary workhorse is the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). New Delhi is also developing a larger Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Japan, meanwhile, operates its H-II launch vehicle, and is developing a smaller vehicle called the Epsilon.
Iran, North Korea, and South Korea have also conducted launches, although they remain minor players at best.
Going forward, Forecast International expects Russia, China, the U.S., and Europe to continue to dominate the launch vehicle market. The U.S.’s share of the market will likely increase as new commercial ventures step up their launch tempos in the years ahead. And, as their launch programs become more established, Japan and India are also expected to grow their share of the market.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
