The report is based on a survey among the executives of long-established space market players and startups, investment funds, government agencies, international institutions and non-profit organisations. Besides Intersputnik, the survey cited representatives of Ariane Group, Astranis, Blue Origin, Boeing, Euroconsult, Federal Communications Commission, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Lockheed Martin, Maxar Technologies, OneWeb, Rocket Lab, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Seraphim Capital, ST Engineering, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), US Space Force, Viasat, Virgin Orbit, etc. Overall, about 100 executives from 25 countries shared their opinions.

The report outlines possible scenarios for the future development of global space industry:

Scenario #1. Accessible, self-sustaining space economy: global cooperation, positive market environment, technological innovation at an unprecedented pace. Stakeholders access space resources as jointly agreed.  

Scenario #2. Domain of the Titans: space becomes the domain of very few developed countries and super-rich corporations, with the major players laying down the rules for using space for their benefit. 

Scenario #3. Unrealized potential: technical, economic and regulatory issues hold the space economy back from achieving its potential, private funding dwindles, innovation is few and far between. 

Scenario #4. National security arena: governments impose strict regulations that ensure governance and sustainable space, but increase the cost of space activities. National security interests are above commercial ones, and many technologies remain classified. 

The researchers also identified conditions and actions that are highly likely to lead the industry to the most optimistic scenario with all the advantages of the space economy: establishment a supranational body to manage space activities; promotion of R&D activities with long-term profitability; boost of cooperation between countries, sectors and industries; government support for a self-sustaining industry to evolve; use of space services to ensure sustainability and security.

Experts from McKinsey & Company and the World Economic Forum identified international cooperation as a prerequisite for the most favourable scenario. 

The mission of streamlining and promoting international cooperation was one of the primary goals set during the foundation of the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications. As an alliance of 26 independent nations, today Intersputnik leverages one of the most powerful mechanisms to deploy space innovations worldwide by actively promoting the principles of non-discriminatory multinational interaction of all interested parties. Intersputnik strives to make advanced space technologies accessible to the nations across the planet on the inclusive and non-discriminatory basis, regardless of their level of development, thus contributing to better education and healthcare, as well as cultivating socially responsible attitudes.

Nowadays fast evolving space industry sets the strong need for an ongoing open and frank dialogue between all the stakeholders on the key issues of space activities. One of the platforms used for such discussions in the field of satellite communications is annual international conference “NATSATTEL”. This forum is hosted by Intersputnik with active participation of the representatives of the Member States and Signatories of the Organization. The event brings together commercial operators, public institutions and consulting firms. Speeches from industry leaders and live panel discussions between experts, witness the role of Intersputnik as an international player coordinating and joining the efforts of commercial companies, authorities and public institutions. 

NATSATTEL 2022 annual conference is scheduled for 16 November 2022. Further details about the event, as well as terms and conditions of participation will be published on the website https://www.intersputnik.int/. Stay tuned!

The full version of the report is available at https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/aerospace-and-defense/our-insights/the-role-of-space-in-driving-sustainability-security-and-development-on-earth

***