2015
JAXA workforce, 2014-2024
JAXA is also playing a growing role in encouraging broader growth of the Japanese space sector. In spring 2024, the Japanese cabinet approved a bill to establish a $6.7 billion that will allow JAXA to support development.
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.
European space industry workforce, 2013-2023
Eurospace collects workforce data through an annual survey of nearly 500 space organizations in Europe. The estimates include manufacturing of spacecraft, launchers, and ground segment components.
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.
Midyear launches by select nations, 2014-2024
China led its global rivals with seven military launches, one more than the United States. China’s launches included fielding a new series of high-resolution spy satellites, according to state-controlled media.8 Russia and Japan each launched two military missions, while North Korea and Japan had a single mission each. The United States led the world in civil government space launches of the first half of the year, with a dozen launches.
Midyear launch trends, 2014-2024
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.
Private investments in space ventures in Europe, average between ESPI and dealroom values
While space remains institutionally driven for most of its segments, the role of private investors in Europe is of growing importance.
Estimated spending for NASA and U.S. national security space, 2005-2025
The Pentagon made up more than a third of global defense spending, with $851 billion in 2024, including a record $30 billion for the Space Force.
Earth observation revenue, 2014-2023
Access Markets International estimates that the global Earth Observation sector generated $5.9 billion in revenue in 2023, up 8% over $5.4 billion in 2022.
Global space activity by category, 2005-2023
Commercial space revenues, which make up the majority of the space economy, grew 6.5% in 2023 to reach $445 billion. Government space spending increased by double digits for the third year in a row and reached a peak in the proportion of nations increasing their space budgets.