Where is the space sector heading now? What are the obstacles to its further development? What are its future prospects? What are the applications that are likely to be successful in the future? To answer these questions, this report adopted a scenario-based approach to explore the future evolution of major components of the space sector (military space, civil space, commercial space) over the next thirty years.  It covers four major factors of change: geopolitical developments, socio-economic developments, energy and the environment, and technology. (nss.org)

Foreword

Today’s decision makers face a complex and uncertain world in which assessment of the trends shaping our long-term future is a major challenge. It was with this challenge in mind that in 1990 the OECD established the International Futures Programme to help decision makers in the public and private sectors come to grips with emerging issues.

The future prospects of the space sector and its contributions to the economy and society at large is one of the important issues that deserve policy attention, not only because of the sector’s strategic importance but also because of the difficulties it faces and the benefits that the development of commercial and civil space applications could bring in coming decades.

In light of this and following extensive consultations with major actors in the space sector, the OECD launched in January 2003 a two-year futures project on the commercialisation of space and the development of space infrastructure, with 25 participating public and private entities.

This book is in the nature of an interim report. It reflects the work carried out in the early phase of the project. The text focuses on exploring the future evolution of the space sector with a view to identifying space applications that can be considered promising in the coming decades. The preface provides information on the purpose and scope of the project and outlines its main phases.

Michael Oborne
Director of the OECD International
Futures Programme

Download Space 2030: Exploring the Future of Space Applications

PDF format, 1.38MB, 234 Pages.

© OECD, 2004.

Visit Space 2030: Exploring the Future of Space Applications OECD Website

ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Pursuant to Article 1 of the Convention signed in Paris on 14th December 1960, and which came into force on 30th September 1961, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shall promote policies designed:

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