What was once science-fiction is now a very much a reality. With new technologies emerging and advancing every day, space exploration is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
The upstream space sector – focused on building, launching, and deploying space technologies – has witnessed transformative advancements in recent years. These advancements are redefining the future of space missions, manufacturing, propulsion, and resource acquisition as we know it.
In this article, we will explore some of the most exciting upstream technology trends and innovations that we will see in the space sector for 2025 and beyond.
1. Small Satellites
Let’s start with arguably the leading advancements in spacetech. Technology that is predicted to make huge contributions to the industry in 2025, is small satellites.
Smallsats – also known as cubesats – have many advantages. Perhaps the most significant is that their miniaturisation requires lower production costs, making mass production more feasible for companies. This has paved the way for the creation of satellite constellations – multiple miniature satellites positioned simultaneously from different viewing locations, multiple times a day. These small satellites are ideal for applications like proprietary wireless communications, scientific observation, data gathering, and Earth monitoring via GPS.
These tasks would typically be challenging and uneconomical for larger and more traditional satellites. As a result, companies are presented with more cost-effective solutions, accelerating the potential of projects. It also lowers the barrier for start-ups and smaller businesses to enter the space industry in coming years.
Glasgow is known as a hub for satellite manufacturing as one of the largest producers of small satellites globally – second only to California. Glasgow based companies like AAC Clyde Space, Spire, and Alba Orbital are taking a lead position in the smallsats sector.
It’s leading role in the satellite manufacturing sector makes Glasgow the perfect place to host the Space Suppliers Summit 2026. Attendees will get the opportunity to meet, network with and learn from experts in the heart of satellite manufacturing.
Want to learn more about small satellites? Check out our blog: The Power of Cube Satellites and Satellite Constellations
2. Advanced Space Manufacturing
Advanced space manufacturing is transforming how we produce technology for space exploration. It is instrumental in building large space structures, reusable launch vehicles, and advanced satellite sensors – essential for future missions.
Advanced spaced manufacturing utilises pioneering technologies such as advanced robotics, 3D printing, and light-based manufacturing. Recently, SpaceX reported their use of 3D printing for producing components for the Falcon 9 and other spacecrafts. These components included rocket engines, nozzles, and structural parts.
In addition, the use and development of new materials with enhanced or combined properties is crucial for the construction of key space infrastructure, such as landing pads, roads, power systems, and habitats, which makes them an incredibly valuable asset.
Companies like Spirit AeroSystems Glasgow are actively contributing to this field. They have been involved in various space projects – particularly in manufacturing components – and have worked in collaboration with major players like Lockheed Martin and Airbus.
By implementing these technologies, advanced manufacturing offers greater design flexibility, more streamlined production processes at all stages of the supply chain. The use of automation also plays a vital role in long-term missions where human intervention is limited.
These components all contribute to the key benefit of advanced space manufacturing; the ability to create more efficient, affordable, and innovative solutions. At Space Suppliers Summit 2026 in Glasgow, industry leaders will delve deeper into the newest developments in advanced space technologies. For buyers, suppliers, R&D and technology companies keen to explore the future of the upstream space manufacturing sector, it’s a must-attend business convention.
3. New Propulsion Technologies
New propulsion technologies are quite literally helping the space industry to take off. One example of this is smart propulsion, an advanced spacecraft engine technology that provides fuel and performance optimisation automatically, a key trend predicted for growth in the space industry in 2025.
The use of these advanced engines on shuttles, rockets, and other spacecraft has been ground-breaking, permitting spacecraft to fly longer and with increased precision. This supports deep space exploration and long duration missions, whilst simultaneously reducing fuel costs.
Alternative fuel technologies such as electric and nuclear propulsion also offer a more sustainable alternative to their chemical fuel counterparts. Their improved fuel efficiency means the overall amount required for missions is reduced, as is the overall environmental impact.
What key players are we seeing in Smart Propulsion?
Companies like Skyrora, in Glasgow, have been influential in this area. Working closely with local companies and academic institutions, Skyrora are developing environmentally friendly rocket fuel production and propulsion technologies. Their collaboration with the University of Glasgow on material science and propulsion systems has been notable in advancing sustainable solutions for the space industry.
Other important players in this space include Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce, who are dedicating resources to developing nuclear thermal propulsion systems (NTP) and nuclear electric propulsion. Lockheed Martin is working in collaboration with NASA to explore the viability for NTP to be used for human space exploration.
The focus and growth in propulsion technologies highlights the shift towards more efficient and sustainable propulsion methods in future space missions. These developments drive further innovation in interplanetary spacecraft and sustainable mission planning. It is therefore unsurprising that the global space propulsion market is estimated to achieve growth of 11.8% by 2028.
We have been pleased to welcome key stakeholders like Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce at our previous editions of the Space Suppliers Summit, Glasgow. We look forward to hearing further insights at our next edition in February 2026.
Join us at the Space Suppliers Summit conference on 3-4 February 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, where you will hear from industry experts and network with key stakeholders to build your business and knowledge of the sector.
