SPACE TECHNOLOGIES

Space technologies: the space ecosystem as a lever for strategic growth

In the landscape of global technological innovation, space technologies are playing an increasingly central role for companies seeking to compete at high levels. We’re no longer just talking about space agencies or geostationary satellites, but about a rapidly expanding commercial ecosystem made up of private satellite constellations, micro-launchers, orbital edge computing, and Earth observation enhanced by AI.

From space to strategy: why space tech matters

Space technologies are not a niche sector. Today, they serve as a cross-industry enabler for fields such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, mobility, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.

Here’s how tech companies can gain tangible benefits:

• Data-driven decision making: Earth observation enables environmental analysis, industrial monitoring, and intelligent supply chains.
• Advanced telecommunications: LEO (low Earth orbit) satellite networks like Starlink are revolutionizing global connectivity.
• Space edge computing: Processing data directly in orbit reduces latency and transmission load.
• Security and resilience: Space infrastructure offers alternatives to critical ground systems, increasing operational continuity.

“Space technologies are becoming a core component of companies’ digital infrastructure, on par with cloud computing or AI.”
— McKinsey & Company (2022)

The new space economy: from astronomical costs to accessible opportunities

With the decreasing cost of launches thanks to private operators like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Arianespace, entering the space market is no longer limited to nation-states. The concept of “New Space” opens the door to startups, SMEs, and large tech enterprises, encouraging:

• Public-private collaborations
• Integration between cloud infrastructure and satellite data
• Development of new space platforms-as-a-service

According to a Morgan Stanley report (2020), the global space economy could reach $1 trillion by 2040, with direct impact on sectors such as fintech, agritech, and smart mobility.

Getting started: strategies for integrating space tech

To leverage opportunities from space, companies should:

1. Evaluate internal processes that could benefit from space-based data
2. Establish partnerships with satellite data and geospatial analytics providers
3. Integrate predictive models based on satellite imagery into decision-making tools
4. Monitor regulatory developments related to space governance

Conclusion: space as the new business infrastructure

Space technologies are not just a curiosity for aerospace engineers—they are a strategic resource for future-focused tech companies. Those who begin integrating these innovations into their operations today will be able to anticipate trends, optimize performance, and lead market evolution.

Sources

McKinsey & Company. (2022). The commercial space age is here.
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/aerospace-and-defense/our-insights/the-commercial-space-age-is-here

Morgan Stanley. (2020). Space: Investing in the Final Frontier.
https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/investing-in-space

OECD. (2019). The Space Economy in Figures: How Space Contributes to the Global Economy.
https://www.oecd.org/innovation/the-space-economy-in-figures-93017c7e-en.htm