Publications in: Space

Disruptive Launch and the Shift from a Mass to a Cost Paradigm in Satellite Communications

Published: 13 November, 2024

Launch has been one of the space industry’s fundamental constraints, imposing limitations on the size, mass, cost, and capabilities of spacecraft and the payloads they carry. This has served to restrict satellite communications (satcoms) to a small niche within a significantly larger telecommunications ecosystem. The arrival of “Super Heavy” Lift Launch Vehicles (SHLVs) offer a […]

To Launch, or Not to Launch? A Model of Space Debris and Satellite Operator Decision Making

Published: 19 November, 2024

In this paper, presented at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan , 14-18 October 2024, we develop a dynamic economic model that considers the choice of multiple satellite operators on whether to develop and launch a satellite. This choice is dependent on the risk of collision, which is modelled as a function of […]

Size and Health 2024: Data Protection

Published: 22 October, 2024

This survey is conducted by London Economics, on behalf of the UK Space Agency. Participation is voluntary. By participating in the survey, you are providing data to London Economics (the data processor) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) / UK Space Agency (the data controller). London Economics is a leading independent economic […]

Size & Health 2024 Survey: UKSA CEO Call to Action Letter

Published: 22 October, 2024

CALL TO ACTION – Please participate in the ‘Size & Health of the UK Space Industry 2024’ Survey Dear colleague, I am writing to encourage you to participate in the 2024 survey, which we are launching today. Comprehensive outputs from the Size & Health research are important for UKSA and DSIT to make evidence-based decisions […]

Size and Health 2024: Data Preparation List

Published: 22 October, 2024

Years 2021/22 (only a select few questions request this year) 2022/23 2023/24 (if actual data is unavailable, please estimate/forecast) Data Categories The following data will assist in responding to the survey, but if data are not available, please provide approximations. Income from UK space-related activities, with breakdowns by: Customer region (UK, Europe, Northern America etc.) […]

Crouching Rivals, Not-So-Hidden Dragon: SpaceX and the Future of Launch Competition – Part 1

Published: 18 September, 2024

In light of SpaceX’s recent uncharacteristic setbacks and Boeing’s ongoing challenges, the lack of a strong spaceflight competitor has never been more evident. The industry’s heavy reliance on a single provider raises concerns, yet the current landscape shows little sign of shifting. This first Space in Focus instalment of a two-part series on an outlook […]

Staying on Course: The Vital Role of GPS Backup Systems

Published: 14 June, 2024

Incidents of GPS disruption lasting 24 hours or more at Dallas Fort Worth and Denver International Airport in 2022 caused no observable impact but provoked discourse – alternative methods of navigation are a necessity where essential procedures rely on GPS. Backup systems at both airports salvaged operations and maintained service in the absence of the […]

Cosmic Britannia – How the UK Can Succeed in the New Space Age?

Published: April, 2024

The space industry is moving fast with more countries than ever becoming space-capable. This leaves the question – How can the UK can succeed in the new space age and achieve cosmic Britannia? This presentation explores the UK’s vision for space, the goals it wants to achieve, and the challenges it must overcome to succeed. […]

Space Launch Dashboard

Published: 20 February, 2024

Starship above the Texas coast. Credit: SpaceX Space launch dashboard Space is vast, and launch is no exception, since the dawn of the space age thousands of rockets and satellites have been launched from across the world. To shed light on this vast industry, today we are pleased to announce the launch of our our […]

Top Trends in Space, 2024

Published: 11 January, 2024

As we enter 2024 the London Economics Ltd Space Team shares its thoughts on the top space industry trends to watch out for this year.