What space defense industry trends should you watch?

1 Space domain awareness

One of the most critical aspects of space defense is space domain awareness (SDA), which refers to the ability to monitor, track, identify, and characterize objects and activities in space. SDA is essential for ensuring safe and sustainable use of space, avoiding collisions and conflicts, and detecting and responding to threats. However, SDA is also challenging and complex, as the number and diversity of space actors, assets, and debris increase, and the space environment becomes more congested and contested. To improve SDA, the space defense industry is investing in new technologies and capabilities, such as advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, data fusion, and cloud computing, as well as in enhancing collaboration and information sharing among allies and partners.

2 Space deterrence and protection

Another key trend in the space defense industry is the development and deployment of space deterrence and protection measures, which aim to prevent or counter hostile actions against space assets and interests. Space deterrence and protection can involve both passive and active means, such as hardening, maneuvering, redundancy, deception, jamming, spoofing, or kinetic and non-kinetic attacks. As the space domain becomes more contested and competitive, the space defense industry is exploring new ways to deter and protect against potential adversaries, such as China and Russia, who are developing anti-satellite weapons and capabilities. Some of the emerging technologies and concepts in this area include on-orbit servicing, inspection, and repair, satellite constellations, space-based missile defense, and space warfare.

4 Space governance and norms

A fourth important trend in the space defense industry is the development and evolution of space governance and norms, which refer to the rules, principles, and practices that regulate the behavior and interactions of space actors. Space governance and norms are essential for ensuring the peaceful and responsible use of space, as well as for addressing the challenges and risks that arise from the increasing complexity and diversity of space activities. However, space governance and norms are also dynamic and contested, as different actors have different interests, perspectives, and values, and as new issues and scenarios emerge that require new solutions and agreements. The space defense industry is involved in shaping and influencing the space governance and norms, as it can affect its opportunities and constraints, as well as its reputation and legitimacy, in the space domain.

5 Space education and workforce

A fifth and final trend in the space defense industry is the development and expansion of space education and workforce, which refer to the knowledge, skills, and competencies that are required and desired for the space sector. Space education and workforce are vital for the growth and sustainability of the space industry, as they provide the human capital and talent that drive the innovation and excellence in space. However, space education and workforce are also facing challenges and gaps, such as the shortage of qualified and diverse professionals, the mismatch between the supply and demand of skills, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. The space defense industry is investing in and supporting the space education and workforce, as it can enhance its competitiveness and performance, as well as its social and environmental impact, in the space domain.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?