AI-generated summary
Since the beginning of the Space Age, humanity has conducted extensive scientific research related to space, both from Earth and directly in orbit. Early satellites like Sputnik 1 enabled groundbreaking studies of Earth’s upper atmosphere and ionosphere through orbital friction effects and radio signal propagation. Over time, satellites, probes, and their onboard instruments have been designed to support a wide range of scientific disciplines such as astronomy, biology, and materials science. Traditionally, government space agencies and research institutions have been the primary users and funders of these space-based studies.
However, recent advances—especially the rise of affordable CubeSats and lower launch costs—have opened the door for private companies and universities to participate more actively in space research. Firms like NanoRacks assist organizations in designing, launching, and operating micro-satellites for both technological development and scientific inquiry. Despite this growing commercial involvement, government funding remains the cornerstone of space science, currently at €73 billion annually and projected to reach €160 billion by 2040, which also supports space exploration initiatives. Álvaro Giménez, Managing Director of the CSIC Foundation, emphasizes that Spain is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging space opportunities, with commercialization enabling more scientific output from existing investments. This evolving landscape promises to broaden participation in space research while maximizing the benefits of space technologies.
Space Research is presented as one of the most developed applications in the space industry.
Since the dawn of the Space Age, we have been studying space-related topics and have even done so from space itself. Sputnik 1 made possible the study of the density of the furthest reaches of Earth’s atmosphere as a result of the effects of friction on the satellite’s orbit. Radio signals propagated from the satellite were also used to study the ionosphere. Satellites, probes and the tools and systems are aboard are often built to conduct scientific research in space.
Government agencies, including space agencies, have historically been some of the primary customers. Others have been universities and large laboratories across almost every scientific field: astronomy, materials science, biology etc.
Yet, due to the popularity of CubeSat, and decreasing launch costs, more companies are interested in launching their own experiments into space in order to develop new technologies and sell them to other companies or simply to conduct research. These micro-satellites are built with standard parts, making them quite affordable comparatively. Firms such as NanoRacks, help institutions and other companies design their own experiments and satellites as well as put them in orbit. These companies are further widening this market segment.
At any rate, it is most likely that government funding will continue to dominate basic research. These investments currently amount to 73 billion euros annually and are expected to reach 160 billion euros by 2040. However, we must keep in mind that this funding also goes towards space exploration.
Space research is a €73 billion market in 2019
By 2040, it is estimated at €160 billion.
The benefits of space for scientific research
Interview to Álvaro Giménez, Managing Director CSIC Foundation, at the XXXI Future Trends Forum about the Commercialization of Space.
Álvaro highlights the ability of Spanish companies to find new opportunities in space. According to Álvaro, the commercialization of space will allow more science to be made with the same investment.