2021
Global Space Activity by Category, 2007-2027
Based on global economic factors, Space Foundation forecasts that growth will slow slightly in 2023 to 6% before picking up for an average five-year growth of 7%. Under these conditions, the space economy would total $772 billion in 2027. This forecast incorporates existing markets in the space economy and does not predict any future disruptive technologies that could have extraordinary growth over the coming years.
Governments that Increased vs. Decreased Space Spending, 2018-2023
Governments are continuing to grow their space programs at a rapid pace in 2023, preliminary data for 36 nations show. The proportion of nations that increased spending in 2023 reached 81% compared to 68% last year and 52% five years ago.
Militaries Increase Spending on Space as War Hits Europe, Tensions Rise in Asia
As 2021 ended, Russia launched a ground-based anti-satellite missile, spreading debris in space and foreshadowing a difficult year ahead, which would see global defense spending reach unprecedented levels while Europe grappled with the most serious conflict seen there since the guns went silent in 1945.
U.S. Space Employment Continues Slow, Steady Climb Since 2016
In 2022, more than 201,009 individuals worked in key sectors of the U.S. space economy, an increase of approximately 1% from 2021. Understanding trends in private sector and government space employment can provide insight into the health and future direction of the U.S. space industry.
NASA Civil Servant Workforce, FY 2013-2023
In 2022, NASA was named the best place to work in the federal government among large agencies for the 10th year in a row. NASA attributed this “decade of excellence” to the agency’s continuing dedication to supporting and strengthening its workforce.
U.S. Space Industry Employment and U.S. Total Employment Relative to 2011
Employment at U.S. private sector space companies grew nearly 2% from 2021 to 2022, reaching 155,973 people in five employment classifications, based on preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This continues a consistent pattern of growth since 2016.
U.S. Private Sector Space Industry Employment, 2012-2022
The private space sector has grown more than 18% over the past five years and proved to be resilient to the negative effects on total U.S. employment associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
NASA’s Economic Benefits Span 50 States, Generating Innovation, Growth
In 2021,NASA generated more than $71 billion in economic output, supported more than 330,000 jobs, and delivered significant tax revenue for federal, state, and local governments, the agency’s latest Economic Impact Report shows.
Launch Attempts by Top Operators, 2000-2022
Two of the top three launch operators — CNSA and SpaceX — have contributed to overall launch activity growth by exponentially increasing their pace, while the third — Roscosmos — decreased its annual launches by 42% from 2000 to 2022.
U.S. Military Space Spending 2005-2022
Gallagher said the military must accelerate its efforts in space and cyberspace to keep pace with Russia and China, improving Pentagon cybersecurity and redesigning Space Force satellites to harden constellations against attack.