Space

What we do

The London Economics Space Team have pioneered innovative analytical techniques to provide trusted economic advice over more than 100 projects and 10 years.

Across the full space value chain and all types of satellites, we advise national governments, space agencies, private and third sector organisations on space policy, economic and market analysis. We offer expertise in market sizing and forecasting, strategic insight, business cases, due diligence and return-on-investment analysis from launch to applications and across GNSS, EO, Satcom and Science.

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)

We’ve co-authored six GNSS Market Reports since 2010 and contributed to two GNSS User Technology reports – the authoritative global sources on the GNSS market and technology. We specialise in the economic value of Position, Navigation, and Timing, analysing the benefits of use and impact of loss of GNSS.

We work for:

  • National governments
  • International Space Agencies
  • Third sector organisations
  • Private companies

Earth Observation (EO)

We have studied the EO industry in Europe and the UK and understand ongoing developments in the industry. Our EO portfolio covers industrial analysis, valuation of the services to the UK, through development and to the environment.

We work for:

  • National governments
  • International Space Agencies
  • Third sector organisations

Satellite Communications

Our satellite communications portfolio covers analysis of key market players, user requirements, technologies, disruptive trends and applications. We also provide specialist satellite procurement services, focusing on commercial and business case aspects. Our specialist insights in this area, covering issues such as disruptive LEO constellations, developments in the user terminal segment, and dual-use payloads, feature in our ‘Space in Focus’ blogs.

We work for:

  • Satellite vendors
  • Satellite operators
  • National governments
  • International Space Agencies

Launch

We have specialised in regulatory, legislative, cost and benefit aspects of UK launch since 2016. We offer unrivalled insights and expertise in this rapidly developing field. In particular, we have conducted regulatory impact assessments, cost benchmarking and market studies.

We work for:

  • National governments
  • International Space Agencies

NewSpace

NewSpace covers the use of innovative and disruptive tools to solve age-old problems. From CubeSats to Artificial Intelligence, NewSpace organisations set out to disrupt existing markets. We have studied a number of technologies in this sector, including GNSS, satcoms for IoT/M2M, insurance for NewSpace technologies, and Earth Observation.

We work for:

  • National governments
  • International Space Agencies
  • Private companies

Science & Metereology

Our experts have helped leading meteorological organisations, including the Met Office and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, measure the value of meteorological services their national economies. As part of these services they rely upon earth observation to monitor the atmosphere, icecap and deforestation, and assists mapping agencies with their duties.

We work for:

  • National governments
  • International Space Agencies

Exploration

‘The Apollo Moment’ entered common parlance when space captured the imagination. Exploration activities continue to inspire – our work has covered space mining, in-orbit servicing, lunar exploration, and communication with distant spacecraft.

We work for:

  • National governments
  • International Space Agencies
  • Third sector organisations

How we do it

We make use of a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies and approaches to answer a variety of research questions, including:

Market sizing and forecasting

Based on solid assumptions derived from cutting-edge literature, internationally leading data sources and stakeholder engagement, we estimate the size of the current and future markets across a wide range of space domains. This includes GNSS, Lunar exploration technologies, Industry 4.0 and space mining.

Return on Investment (RoI)

Cost-benefit analyses of Galileo’s first and second generation, spaceflights and a system-of-systems to mitigate against the impact of loss of GNSS in maritime; cost-effectiveness analysis of UK foreign aid via space; and return on public space investments are some of our experience in RoI analysis.

Policy Evaluation

Process and impact evaluation of projects and policies using best-practice methodologies. Starting from a solid understanding of a programme’s ‘theory of change’, we use robust qualitative and quantitative programme evaluation methods to identify and assess relevant impacts and funding rationale. We apply our versatile and sophisticated evaluation toolbox to the UK Spaceflight programme as well as major programmes supporting the use of advanced materials, high-performance computing, fusion energy, and other cutting-edge technology applications.

Industrial analysis

We have applied out tried and tested methodology to industrial analysis to the three latest Size and Health of the UK Space Industry studies, all six GNSS Market Share analyses, the commercial Earth Observation industry in Europe and national analyses for Denmark, Scotland and Saudi Arabia.

Business cases

We use the UK Government endorsed business case methodology to assess the case for investments and strategic decisions in the space industry and to support funding cases.

We have also delivered due-diligence analyses to private investors to support commercial decisions.

Strategic insight

We combine our decades-long expertise in the space industry with cutting-edge analysis to deliver unrivalled market intelligence and quantitative evidence. This insight is used to support strategic decision-making by governments, space agencies, businesses and private investors.

Space Launch dashboard

At London Economics we are focused on a data-driven approach to our advisory work. In partnership with Planet 4589, we have created a visual dashboard that summarises orbital launch activity since the beginning of the space age (1957). We aim to present other data in this format to support our space advisory work.

If you want to propose additional dashboards, we are open to suggestions and proposals – see contact details below:

The team

Our core research team is comprised:

Rasmus Flytkjaer
Partner
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7717

Farooq Sabri
Divisional Director
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7721

Dr Charlotte Duke
Partner
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7705

 

Thomas Storey
Principal Consultant
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7729

Tom Goulding
Senior Economic Consultant
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7564

Matthew Christie
Economic Analyst
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7696

Ellesha Dunn
Economic Analyst
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7698

Philip Hagelberg
Economic Analyst
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7560

Katharina Knuth
Economic Analyst
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 3701 7728