Exploring Insights from Emerging Space Agencies
Since the early 2000s, the barriers to space have steadily lowered—giving rise to a new class of space actors. In the last decade alone, more than a dozen countries have established national space agencies for the first time. This report explores the rationales, structures, and trajectories of these emerging space agencies, drawing from comprehensive research and firsthand interviews.
Focusing on 16 countries that created civil space agencies between 2014 and 2019, the study offers a broad assessment of emerging space trends. It then dives deeper into two case studies: Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates. These nations represent distinct models of space development—Luxembourg with its economic and commercial emphasis on space resources, and the UAE with a coordinated national strategy encompassing exploration, regulation, and regional leadership.
The report outlines motivations ranging from economic diversification and technological innovation to global positioning and sustainable development. Key findings include the importance of:
- National coordination and regulatory readiness
- A clear economic or geopolitical rationale
- Adaptability in regulatory frameworks
- Public-private synergy and long-term investment strategies
Policy recommendations are provided for both emerging space nations and established actors seeking to engage with them constructively.
This research, supported in part by Secure World Foundation and other key institutions, is a valuable tool for understanding the evolving space governance landscape in the Global South and beyond.
