Research / Publications / Building a European Competitive Edge in Space: An Agenda for Action
Technical Report Centre for European Policy Studies

Building a European Competitive Edge in Space: An Agenda for Action

Carlo Des Dorides*(Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)), Andrea G. Rodríguez(Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)), Jaime Martínez(Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)), Christopher Schade(Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS))
March 5, 2026

Abstract

The global space economy is undergoing significant structural transformation. Rapid reductions in launch costs and the proliferation of mega-constellations of satellites are changing the space sector. The convergence of space technology with digital and defence infrastructure creates dual-use applications reshaping the sector into a foundational layer for economic competitiveness and geopolitical influence. Projections indicate the global space economy could reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2035, outpacing global GDP growth. Europe faces challenges: declining market share, limited budgets, and underdeveloped private capital markets. The report identifies a common diagnosis: Europe's space ecosystem is constrained by institutional, financial, and industrial fragmentation.

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Keywords

space economyEuropean competitivenesssatellite mega-constellationslaunch costsEU Space Actindustrial fragmentation

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Space & Technology

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