RESEARCH REPORT
Space for growth
Why every company has a stake in the new space economy
5-MINUTE READ
March 27, 2025
In brief
- By 2035, the space economy is predicted to exceed $1.8 trillion, with more than 60,000 satellites in orbit by 2030.
- Companies across industries can boost processes, efficiency and resilience through space-based technologies and data.
- Over 80% of executives view space-based technologies as key for revenue growth and differentiation, yet only 18% have integrated them in daily operations.
Space-based technologies—products and services that harness signals and data coming from satellites—are creating new levels of insight into global conditions and markets. These rapidly expanding opportunities are transforming how businesses across all industries operate, helping them grow and become more resilient in the process.
$1.8 trillion
By 2035, the space economy is predicted to exceed $1.8 trillion
60,000
With more than 60,000 satellites in orbit by 2030
Executives are already exploring the amazing possibilities that space-based technologies enables for IT infrastructure, research and development, customer service and supply chain, among other functions.
80%
More than 80% of executives view space-based technologies as a key driver for revenue growth and differentiation
18%
Only 18% of executives have fully integrated these advanced technologies into daily operations and are seeing big benefits
New space-based technologies could contribute to the growth and resilience of industries in multiple ways, depending on the characteristics of each industry.
North American space company / Chief Technology Officer
Impact on economic growth and development
Satellites are transforming industries like agriculture, resources, retail and financial services by providing unique capabilities such as unhindered broadband communication, real-time asset tracking and emissions observation. These advancements help organizations strengthen supply chains and reduce inventory, among other benefits.
DATA
10%
of the EU’s GDP now depends on space-based navigation systems
Delivering transformational outcomes for companies
Space for resilience and competitive advantage
In an increasingly unpredictable and disruptive business environment, space-based technologies are uniquely positioned to help make organizations more competitive and deliver benefits both today and into the future. Greater resilience, more accurate predictive capabilities, greener operations and more efficient supply chains are just some of the promising opportunities.
Barriers to space
Our research makes it clear that if companies aren’t yet using space-based technologies for growth and competitive advantage, they need to start. Before moving forward, however, they must first address a few critical barriers. The most common barriers to making progress are perceived high costs, lack of suitably skilled talent and access to the right technology infrastructure.
DATA
17%
of companies across industries say that they are expecting to scale-up their deployment of space-based technologies across the enterprise
A strategy for space – three key actions
To overcome these barriers and start taking advantage of opportunities from the space economy, we recommend three key actions:
Break free from the endless cycle of siloed pilot projects with a holistic, enterprise-wide approach to exploring the possibilities of space.
Focus talent development on space-based technologies and digital skills. While space-specific skills and know-how are important, making the most of the new flows of data and insights that space-based technologies provide also requires data, analytics and AI talent.
Activate an ecosystem of partners to help with developing and accessing required skills and infrastructure as well as sharing the costs of participating in the space economy.
Unlocking space for industry transformation
Integrating with the large and growing space economy can provide the edge companies need to outmaneuver the competition both now and for years to come. With a clear strategic vision, access to the right talent and an ecosystem of relevant partners, every company in every industry can overcome the challenges to using space-based assets and insights to transform operations for greater growth, resilience and value. Learn how.