Japan
Japanese space industry workforce, 2012-2022
Annual statistics for the Japanese workforce are provided by the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies. The Japanese space workforce has remained relatively stable over the past decade.
Space workforce trends in the United States, Europe, Japan, and India
The United States and Europe saw significant growth in private sector space employment from 2022 to 2023, with increases of 6.7% and 9.1%, respectively.
Global workforce growth shows annual overall gains
Annual workforce data shows a net gain of more than 26,000 space workers. That compares to 6,436 added jobs in the prior year comparison. While methodologies differ, tracking annual data provides some insight to the growth of the global workforce.
Military launches by nation, 2023
During the first half of 2024, China and the United States each launched five military missions to orbit. The Ukraine war, in its third year, continued to demonstrate the utility of satellites for intelligence, targeting and communication.
The S-Network Space Index℠ 2024 H1 Performance
The S-Network Space Index℠ tracks a global portfolio of publicly traded companies that are active in space-related businesses.
Government space budgets grow 11% to reach new heights
International government space budgets reached new heights in 2023 with $125 billion spent on space programs, 11% higher than a revised 2022 total of $113 billion.
Q2 2024 Highlights
The space industry is advancing faster than ever before with continual progress in the government, military and private sectors. Here are noteworthy business highlights from this quarter.
2024 launch pace easily exceeds 2023’s record midyear mark
Global launches through June 30 were up nearly 30% from 2023, easily eclipsing last year’s record 97 first half launches with 126. Launch failures also fell in the first half of 2024 despite the higher launch activity. The pace is expected to accelerate through the second half of 2024, with key launch vehicles set for first flights.
Japan completes world’s first wooden satellite
A Japanese university and lumber company are working together to send the first wooden satellite to the International Space station later this year.
Astronauts by top nations
The majority of astronauts (95%) have also reached the Kármán line at 100 km — the internationally recognized boundary of space.