Space Benefits for Earth - Preparing ESA Ministerial Council 2025 [Apr/2025]
Prepared by ESA Space Economy team in support of ESA Ministerial Council 2025, the "Space Benefits for Earth" presentation highlights the benefits to the European economy and society of its Member States’ investment in space.
The presentation is available here.
Space industry is a key driver of Europe’s economic and technological growth, providing significant benefits across multiple sectors. Supporting 11 of the 16 major critical infrastructures, space technologies enhance sectors such as transport, energy, food supply, health, and public safety.
Space contributes to Europe’s economic growth and support high value-added jobs in European economies. In 2022, subscriptions to ESA programmes totalled €17 billion and are projected to contribute €22 billion to Europe’s GDP and generate €6 billion in tax revenues. These investments also support over 260,000 job-years, particularly in high value-added industries like scientific research and development, and manufacturing.
While the European space infrastructure brings substantial economic benefits, government investment remains the backbone of the sector. Public demand for European space infrastructure accounted for more than 70% of total demand, with ESA as the largest single customer (accounting for more than 40% of total final sales).
What makes space infrastructure particularly impactful is the exceptional economic and social return they yield compared to the relatively modest public investment.
In 2024, Europe’s public space expenditures in space accounted for 0.07% of GDP. With a funding limited to only €15 per European citizen annually, space assets developed through ESA programmes deliver substantial economic benefits, driving growth, supporting jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and global competitiveness.
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