The commercialization of space is accelerating, fuelled by private investment in satellite networks, space exploration, and launch services. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab are driving down costs, while new startups target satellite imaging, debris removal, and lunar infrastructure.
The growth of satellite constellations is enabling expanded internet coverage in remote regions, as well as new applications in climate monitoring and national security. Meanwhile, governments are increasingly partnering with private firms to advance space missions that were once solely the domain of national agencies.
The influx of capital also raises questions about regulation and sustainability. Concerns include space debris, orbital congestion, and the need for international agreements to manage shared resources. Despite these issues, space technology is becoming a central pillar of global innovation and economic development.