Space - Trends

The space industry designs, develops and operates spacecraft, satellites, and other space-related technologies. Spacecraft design, rocket propulsion and satellite technologies are key aspects of the space industry– which seeks to explore, communicate and navigate the universe.

The frontiers of space exploration continue to expand through public-private partnerships testing new propulsion and life support technologies. The rise of small satellite constellations is making space-based applications like internet access, imaging and GPS more accessible than ever before. Meanwhile, the commercialization of low-Earth orbit and potential space tourism opportunities indicate the final frontier may not remain the exclusive domain of governments for long.

New frontiers open in space exploration, science and commerce. Strategic plans research opportunities in satellite deployment, space tourism, asteroid mining and zero-gravity manufacturing. Roadmaps support public-private partnerships and technology demonstrations.

The commercial space tourism sector is the newest segment within the space industry and is based on using space travel for recreational purposes. Essentially– space tourism companies design the equipment and provide the services required to send paying customers into space and then get them back to Earth safely.