We expect a substantial rise in the launch of small satellites (below 500kg) in the upcoming decade, far exceeding the previous decade. This surge shows the growing demand for in-space operations. As more objects occupy Earth’s orbit, it is essential to prioritize the safety and sustainability of these operations.
As a result of this rise, new markets of in-space services will emerge, including:
By 2031, these new markets are projected to mature with a cumulative revenue value of €4.4 billion. Public actors such as ESA will play a crucial role in advancing these markets by facilitating technology growth, establishing standards and policies and promoting safe and sustainable practices while encouraging commercialisation.
Under the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP), ESA is supporting the development of in-space transportation capabilities to access new destinations and missions such as spacecraft servicing, repair, and the in-orbit construction of large structures. The Space Safety Programme is taking the lead in implementing the Zero Debris Charter Initiative to ensure that space operations are handled safely and sustainably while also supporting the commercialisation of In-Orbit Services (IOS).
Join our newsletter to never miss new reports!
At this week’s Council Meeting at Ministerial Level (CM25) in Bremen, ESA Member States formally approved the new ACCESS programme, ensuring that European businesses will continue to benefit from the...
The ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) are Europe’s premier commercialisation network for supporting space start-ups. Operating in 36 centres across 23 European countries and with over 100 locations, ESA...
The ESA Rising Stars initiative, led by the ESA Commercialisation Directorate, aims to identify the most promising European space start-ups and scale-ups within its ecosystem Now in its third edition,...
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a Letter of Intent with GEOSAT, marking an important milestone in advancing Europe’s space commercialisation landscape. Through ESA’s Partnership Initiative for Commercialisation (EPIC),...
The recently launched ScaleUp Book celebrates various pioneers advancing space commercialisation across Europe. It offers critical insights into the evolving space industry, emphasising entrepreneurship and the role of diversity in...
