Abstract
The study aims to reveal the possible economic, social, and technological consequences of these activities and make projections and evaluations regarding the space economy for the future of humanity. It also aims to create a futuristic perspective on what space could bring to humanity, which has been a subject of great curiosity. Within this study, space and space economy will also be evaluated in terms of addressing the problems that may arise from the depletion of natural resources on Earth in the future. The study examines the space activities of both the public sector and private enterprises in various countries using numerical data. For example, the budget of the (NASA) of the United States alone reached $57.69 billion in 2022, more than two and a half times the amount in 2009. It is estimated that the size of the global space economy will reach approximately $641.2 billion by 2030. As activities related to all components of the space economy continue to increase through public and private initiatives, the dream of a future in space for humanity is closer than ever before.
TopIntroduction
Ideas and concepts related to the exploration of space and space travel, which have intrigued humanity since ancient times, were depicted in the literary works of the French writer Cyrano de Bergerac in the 17th century, particularly in his Sun and Moon travel narratives. Two hundred years later, Jules Verne's inspiring book “From the Earth to the Moon” and Herbert George Wells' “Tales of Space and Time” portrayed space travel and extraterrestrial beings in a futuristic and imaginative manner. Fictional, imaginative, and futuristic texts about space journeys began to materialize with the advancement of technology in the 20th century, and as a result, a significant space economy has emerged at the present stage (Ekşi vd., 2019: 499).
The concept of space economy encompasses a wide range of activities related to the design, production, and research and development (R&D) of artificial spacecraft; their manufacturing, launch, maintenance, and operations in orbit and on the ground; their utilization for scientific, economic, and societal purposes; the provision of services to Earth using these devices; the extraction, exploration, transportation, sale, and utilization of minerals and resources from celestial bodies in space; and the transportation and logistics services for space missions. It represents an economy that extends across a broad spectrum of activities. Space economy is sometimes referred to as “space-based economy,” “orbital economy,” “orbital economy,” or “extraterrestrial space economy.” It encompasses the delivery of services produced in space and offered to relevant firms and consumers, future endeavors and activities in advanced space technologies and research, and industries where multiple companies operate in an integrated manner. In other words, the scope of the space economy includes the goods, services, and other activities derived from scientific, economic, social, and military endeavors conducted beyond the Earth's atmosphere, covering the entire globe (Suleymanlı, 2009: 30-43).
As evident, space economy encompasses all industries involved in activities ranging from R&D to space infrastructure (launch vehicles, satellites, and ground stations) and products and services related to space (meteorological services, satellite phones, navigation devices, etc.). According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States, the concept refers to all economic activities related to the production and delivery of components that go into Earth's orbit or beyond (NASA, 2022).
In the not-too-distant future, it is believed that scientific research and applications conducted for an advanced space infrastructure will be highly important for interstellar travel. The outcomes and outputs of future space activities are expected to be utilized in many areas. For instance, water resources discovered through scientific activities on the surfaces of Mars and the Moon can be used for drinking water and other needs of space crews and personnel. On the other hand, R&D efforts for space activities will contribute to the provision and improvement of water resources such as oxygen and hydrogen, which are necessary for rocket fuel used in the development of new and enhanced satellites, space stations, next-generation space telescopes, and exploration missions beyond the solar system (Crawford vd., 2016: 59; Spudis ve Lavoie, 2011: 1-24).
Key Terms in this Chapter
R&D: R&D stands for Research and Development. It refers to the systematic and investigative activities undertaken to develop new knowledge, technologies, products, or processes or to improve existing ones. R&D is a crucial aspect of innovation and progress in various fields, including science, engineering, technology, medicine, and business.
Space Mining: Space mining, also known as asteroid mining or extraterrestrial mining, refers to the concept of extracting valuable resources from celestial bodies such as asteroids, comets, the Moon, and other planets. The idea behind space mining is to tap into the vast reserves of minerals, metals, and other valuable materials that exist in space to support human exploration and colonization efforts, as well as to meet the resource needs of Earth and potential future space industries.
SpaceX: SpaceX is a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2002. The company's full name is Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX's primary mission is to reduce the cost of space travel and make it possible for humans to live on other planets. To achieve this, the company has developed a family of reusable rockets and spacecraft, with a focus on improving the reliability and efficiency of space travel.
NASA: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. It was established on July 29, 1958, and has been involved in various space missions, scientific research, and space exploration endeavors. To reach for new heights and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind. We have an extraordinary mission: to drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration in order to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth.
Space: The term “space” can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In general, space refers to the vast, seemingly infinite expanse that exists beyond Earth's atmosphere, where celestial bodies like stars, planets, moons, and galaxies exist.