So far as we currently know, the surrounding universe is cold, empty, and dead – and this underscores the inherent value of our society, infrastructure, and interconnected life experience on Earth. Now, as the space industry grows and human-led missions reach previously unfathomable new horizons, these on-Earth fundamentals are becoming one with our boldest space-related ambitions – namely, the emergent space-for-space economy, in which we would create and maintain economic value in space itself.
As we look ahead to carving a larger, more fluid niche for this space-for-space economy, a variety of factors stand to drive innovation and further discovery. Perhaps the most prominent of these variables is the ongoing transformation of space travel accessibility. Space tourism is already becoming a functioning reality thanks to the efforts of entities like SpaceX and Blue Origin, opening new worlds of possibility for those hoping to experience space firsthand. These initiatives, paired with broader commitments by leading space entities to more sustainable and reusable space travel technology, represent a crucial spurring force for space-related economic growth – with countless theoretical corporate avenues opening as we actualize these possibilities and make them more equitable. Contributing opportunities, in this sense, may include prevailing concepts like in-space refueling and related infrastructure.
Other similar growth avenues include progressive initiatives like NASA’s Artemis program and Lockheed Martin’s Orion spacecraft – both of which represent a dedication to revolutionizing our spaceflight capabilities and building a more pronounced human presence on the lunar surface. Such advancements are cornerstones of the space-for-space economy, creating a clearer pathway for economic development beyond Earth while bolstering efficiency and safety for those on this process’s front lines.
While implications for space-for-space expansion are highly optimistic, there remain several persisting challenges that we must address to fully realize these ambitions. For instance, as business models and talent-related needs rapidly shift, fundamental technologies and overarching policies must evolve at a similar pace to circumvent avoidable risks and mistakes. Research surrounding such factors – especially sustainability, economic forecasting, and long-term space exposure – will be paramount in supporting a burgeoning economy. The space industry must also continue fostering collaboration between space companies and leading business entities on Earth, building a more diverse, multifaceted space ecosystem and mitigating needless stigmas and hesitancies surrounding such interplay.
Historically, we have gone to space to benefit life on Earth, but in a future economic sense, the space-for-space sector remains poised to transcend on-Earth activity and create a more fruitful, far-reaching tomorrow.
