Space Economy
ESA seeks to ensure a sustainable growth of the European space sector and the creation of value to society, from basic research to service development.
Space Economy activities at ESA have four priorities:
- Monitor the space sector globally and Europe’s competitiveness
- Establish strategic partnerships, notably with the OECD, Eurostat and the EC JRC, and CERN
- Develop a comprehensive view of space markets and its potential opportunities
- Evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of space
- Provide the secretariat of the European Centre for Space Economy and Commerce, ECSECO
News
Earth Observation for Carbon Monitoring: Assessing Future Market Demand
As climate policies introduce increasingly detailed requirements for monitoring and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, demand for reliable carbon information is growing. Novaspace have carried out a market study assessing how this evolving landscape...
Read more
The OECD publishes new edition of its flagship publication "The Space Economy at a Glance"
The new edition of "The
Space Economy at a Glance 2026" was published on 9 September 2026 by the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).The report provides a complete and
comparative assessment of recent developments across t...
Read more
ESA Report on the Space Economy 2026
The ESA Report on the Space Economy 2026 was published in June 2026. The full report is accessible here. The document provides an annual update on the status and trends of the space economy, both globally and on the position of Europe speci...
Read more
Create your account
Click the button below to access restricted area and download the latest Space Economy documents.
Create accountEvaluating the social, economic and environmental impacts of space in support of ESA Council at Ministerial level.
The programmes implemented through the European Space Agency
significantly contribute to Europe’s leadership in science, technology, and innovation.
With some of the most advanced satellites in Earth observation, communications,
and navigation, as well as world-renowned science and exploration missions, ESA
programmes provide crucial solutions for monitoring, early warning systems, and
supporting employment and growth while inspiring and protecting future generations.
In 2025, Ministers from ESA's 22 Member States will decide on the next space
missions that will play a critical role in supporting European nations in overcoming
challenges such as climate change, civil security, sustainable economy, and
sovereignty.
In preparation for this 2025 Ministerial Meeting (CM25), independent socio-economic
impact studies are currently underway. Their objective is to provide robust insights
into the social, economic, and environmental impacts of Europe’s investment in ESA
programmes.
Discover more