ESPI Yearbook 2021 – Space Policies, Issues, and Trends of the European space sector in a global context

ESPI Yearbook 2021 – Space Policies, Issues, and Trends of the European space sector in a global context [Sep/2022]

In July 2022, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) published its annual Yearbook. The report provides an examination of the main trends and developments in the space sector, space policy, and space programmes over the past year. Implementing a worldwide scope, but highlighting topics expected to impact the future of the European space sector, the ESPI yearbook presents Europe’s position within the international space landscape.

An unprecedented growth in satellite constellation, entries of cloud based service companies, and in-orbit operation technologies, are presented as the most impactful business trends of the space sector in 2021. The ongoing rise of space tourism and the development of commercial space stations are also highlighted.

Regarding space policy, developments impacting the sector in 2021 include:

  • Shifts in international cooperation in (human) space flight & exploration
  • Government focus on enabling the commercial space sector
  • Space on high-level political agendas (e.g. G7 & G20 summits)
  • New national space laws
  • Countries ambition for independent access to space

ESPI reports 144 orbital launches worldwide in 2021, an 26% increase compared to 2020. This is accompanied by a record number of 1,843 satellites being launched, mainly driven by mega-constellations.

To learn more about this topic and access the ESPI’s full report, please click here.

To learn more about ESPI's activities and reports, please click here.


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