The global rocket and missile market size was valued at USD 59.21 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 61.96 billion in 2022 to USD 84.77 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.58% during the forecast period. A rocket is a vehicle or projectile that travels through space propelled by the expulsion of exhaust gases generated by the combustion of rocket propellants. Unlike traditional vehicles that require air for combustion, rockets carry their own oxidizers, allowing them to operate in the vacuum of space.
Informational Source:
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/rocket-and-missiles-market-101822
Key Companies Covered in Rocket & Missiles Market are:
- Denel Dynamics (South Africa)
- General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)
- ROKETSAN A.S. (Turkey)
- KONGSBERG (Norway)
- Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
- MBDA (France)
- MESKO (Poland)
- Nammo AS (Norway)
- Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel)
- Raytheon Technologies Corporation (U.S.)
- Saab AB (Sweden)
- Thales Group (France)
Here are key components and characteristics of rockets:
1. Propulsion System:
- Rocket Engines: The heart of a rocket, engines generate thrust by expelling high-speed exhaust gases. Common types include liquid rocket engines (using liquid propellants) and solid rocket engines (using a solid propellant).
2. Payload:
- Satellites or Payloads: Rockets are designed to carry payloads, such as satellites, scientific instruments, or crewed spacecraft, into space. The payload is typically located at the top of the rocket.
3. Staging:
- Multistage Design: Most rockets are designed with multiple stages, where each stage has its own engines and propellant. As each stage depletes its fuel, it is jettisoned to reduce mass and increase efficiency.
4. Guidance System:
- Navigation and Control: Rockets employ sophisticated guidance systems to control their trajectory and orientation. Gyroscopes, accelerometers, and computer systems work together to ensure precision in flight.
5. Propellant Tanks:
- Fuel and Oxidizer Tanks: Rockets carry separate tanks for fuel and oxidizer in liquid rocket systems. These tanks are pressurized to feed propellants into the combustion chamber.
6. Launch Infrastructure:
- Launch Pad: Rockets are launched from specialized structures known as launch pads. These pads provide a stable platform and are equipped with support systems for fueling, control, and communication.
7. Applications:
- Space Exploration: Rockets are used for space exploration missions, including sending probes to other planets and celestial bodies.
- Satellite Deployment: Rockets are the primary means of placing satellites into orbit around Earth or other celestial bodies.
- Human Spaceflight: Rockets have been crucial for crewed missions, transporting astronauts to and from space stations or other destinations.
8. Types of Rockets:
- Launch Vehicles: These include expendable launch vehicles (used once) and reusable launch vehicles (can be recovered and reused).
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs): Rockets designed for long-range missile delivery, often associated with military applications.
Missile:
A missile is a guided projectile designed for self-propelled flight, typically carrying a payload such as explosives, sensors, or a guidance system. Missiles can be launched from various platforms, including ground-based launchers, aircraft, ships, or submarines. Here are key components and features of missiles:
1. Guidance System:
- Inertial Guidance: Many missiles use inertial guidance systems, relying on accelerometers and gyroscopes to navigate.
- Seekers: Guided missiles often incorporate seekers, such as radar or infrared sensors, to locate and lock onto targets.
2. Propulsion:
- Rocket or Jet Engines: Missiles use propulsion systems, such as solid rocket motors or jet engines, to provide the necessary thrust for flight.
3. Warhead:
- Explosive Payload: Missiles are equipped with warheads designed for various purposes, including high-explosive, penetration, or nuclear payloads.
4. Launch Platforms:
- Ground-Launched Missiles: Surface-to-surface or surface-to-air missiles are launched from ground-based platforms.
- Air-Launched Missiles: Fired from aircraft, these include air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
- Sea-Launched Missiles: Fired from naval platforms, such as ships or submarines.
5. Types of Missiles:
- Ballistic Missiles: Follow a ballistic trajectory, often associated with long-range delivery systems.
- Cruise Missiles: Fly at low altitudes and are guided throughout their flight.
6. Military Applications:
- Anti-Aircraft Missiles: Designed to target and destroy enemy aircraft.
- Anti-Ship Missiles: Used for naval warfare to target and sink enemy ships.
- Surface-to-Surface Missiles: Employed for ground-based attacks on enemy targets.
7. Countermeasures:
- Decoys and Countermeasures: Some missiles are equipped with countermeasures to evade enemy defenses, including decoy flares or electronic countermeasures.
8. Precision and Accuracy:
- Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs): Many modern missiles are designed for high precision, minimizing collateral damage and increasing effectiveness.
In summary, while rockets are primarily used for space exploration and satellite deployment, missiles have military applications and are designed for guided, targeted strikes. Both technologies share common features, including propulsion systems, guidance mechanisms, and payload delivery capabilities.