Explore the $1.8 trillion space economy by 2035 and the implications for responsible practices. Author discusses historical leadership lessons for today. Discover the impact of space technology on daily life and the evolving regulations. Private investment, sustainability, and transformative power of space exploration are also covered.
The global space economy is anticipated to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, opening up vast opportunities for both public and private sectors.
Space technology is pivotal for disaster management, including real-time information, communication during emergencies, and in-orbit servicing challenges.
Deep dives
Growing Space Economy Predicted to Reach $1.8 Trillion by 2034
McKinsey Senior Partner, Ryan Brookhart, forecasts a flourishing space economy worth $1.8 trillion by 2034. The increasing accessibility of space, propelled by lower costs and technological advancements, has integrated space assets into various aspects of daily life such as navigation and communications.
Defining the Space Economy: Backbone and Reach
The space economy comprises two primary components: the 'backbone' consisting of launch vehicles, rockets, and satellites, and the 'reach' involving applications and services that utilize these assets to deliver goods and services to people on Earth. Industries can leverage space investments for enhanced connectivity, mobility, and data acquisition.
The Role of Space Technology in Disaster Response
Space technology plays a crucial role in disaster warning and management by providing real-time information, facilitating communication during emergencies, and enabling tracking of individuals for rescue efforts. Another emerging opportunity lies in in-orbit servicing, where space industry faces challenges regarding satellite upgrades, disposal, and regulatory frameworks.
The universe isn’t the only thing expanding. Governments have invested in space technology for decades, and now business is accelerating its growth. On this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, McKinsey senior partner Ryan Brukardt speaks with global editorial director Lucia Rahilly about the global space economy, where innovation in space-based technology is generating a range of public- and private-sector opportunities that could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035[1]—as well as the imperative to shape space responsibly.
In our second segment, author Moshik Temkin talks about his book Warriors, Rebels, and Saints: The Art of Leadership from Machiavelli to Malcolm X (PublicAffairs/Hachette Book Group, November 2023)and what history can tell us about the types of leaders we need today. This comes from our Author Talks series.