International Institute for Space Commerce: Responding to the Need for Strategic Thinking in the Commercial Space Sector

Abstract

Abstract

With the growth of the new space economy, the need for a think tank dedicated to the study of space commerce facilitators has been identified. Bringing together experts from academia, government, the media, business, and international and nongovernmental organizations, International Space University has employed its extended network of people and resources to help meet this need. As illustrations of just some of the issues arising in this new space economy, three different challenges are illustrated: the rising average age of the space workforce, particularly in the traditional spacefaring countries, the macroeconomic changes resulting from the present economic crisis, and the interrelationship of entrepreneurial ventures and the regulatory environment. The role of the International Institute for Space Commerce in studying these and other challenges will be outlined, as well as a number of forecasts of potential trends.