Spring 2003 Industry Study. Space Industry
Abstract
The space industry plays a central role in American security, foreign policy, prosperity and prestige. Today, American space capabilities surpass those of any other nation and U.S. technology continues to set the standard for global competitors. However, the space industry throughout the world has entered an economic depression without precedent in its history. Financially and demographically, the sector bears a closer resemblance to moribund industries like shipbuilding than it does to the infant, high technology business it is.1 Massive over-capacity exists in both launch services and spacecraft manufacturing, and once-growing companies are downsizing and/or merging to survive. Additionally, the U.S. space industry is more reliant on the government as an anchor tenant than at any time in the last decade. The Space Commission Report highlights the danger: "The U.S. Government, as a consumer, a regulator or an investor, is currently not a good partner to the national security space industry."2 Unless a greater government commitment and clarity of vision emerges, the overall industry will struggle through adolescence and the commercial sector may never reach maturity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA525550
Entities
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy