The Space Economy’s Next Frontier: Beyond Rockets, Towards Orbital Resilience
Over $80 billion is projected to be spent on space activities globally this year, but the real money – and the true innovation – isn’t just in launching things to space anymore. The next wave of the space economy is focused on building the infrastructure, ensuring the autonomy, and establishing robust defense mechanisms for the assets already in orbit. This shift, and the challenges it presents, will be front and center at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025’s Space Stage this October 27-29 in San Francisco.
Building a Sustainable Space Ecosystem
A panel discussion at Disrupt 2025 featuring Even Rogers, CEO of True Anomaly, and Max Haot, CEO of Vast, will delve into the critical components needed for a scalable and sustainable space economy. Rogers brings a unique perspective honed through his experience as an Air Force officer and strategist, including contributions to the U.S. Space Force doctrine. His current work at True Anomaly focuses on protecting orbital assets – a growing concern as space becomes increasingly congested and contested.
Haot, on the other hand, represents the commercial drive. Having led Launcher to acquisition by Vast, he’s now focused on ambitious projects like building artificial gravity space stations. This exemplifies the move from theoretical space exploration to tangible, capital-backed ventures. The convergence of these perspectives – national security and commercial innovation – is key to unlocking the next phase of growth.
The Rise of Orbital Defense
The vulnerability of satellites to both accidental collisions and intentional attacks is no longer a hypothetical threat. The increasing reliance on space-based services – from communication and navigation to financial transactions and weather forecasting – makes protecting these assets paramount. True Anomaly’s work highlights a growing industry dedicated to “space domain awareness” and active defense. This isn’t simply about weaponry; it’s about developing the technologies and protocols to track, identify, and mitigate threats in orbit.
This need for orbital defense is driving innovation in areas like on-orbit servicing, inspection, and even active debris removal. Companies are exploring ways to repair, refuel, or reposition satellites, extending their lifespan and reducing the risk of collisions. The European Space Agency (ESA) is actively involved in debris removal research, recognizing the long-term sustainability of space activities depends on addressing this issue.
From Government Partnerships to Venture-Backed Platforms
The traditional model of space exploration, dominated by government agencies, is evolving. We’re seeing a surge in public-private partnerships, with governments increasingly relying on commercial companies for launch services, satellite imagery, and even space-based infrastructure. Vast’s approach to building artificial gravity stations is a prime example of this shift – a project that was once firmly in the realm of science fiction is now being pursued with significant venture capital backing.
This trend is fueled by several factors, including decreasing launch costs, advancements in miniaturization and satellite technology, and a growing recognition of the economic potential of space. Venture capital is flowing into companies developing everything from in-space manufacturing capabilities to orbital refueling stations, creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.
The Autonomy Imperative
As the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow exponentially, the need for greater autonomy becomes critical. Managing thousands of satellites manually is simply not feasible. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are playing an increasingly important role in automating tasks such as collision avoidance, anomaly detection, and resource allocation.
Autonomous systems will also be essential for operating in remote and challenging environments, such as the lunar surface or Mars. The ability to make decisions independently, without relying on constant communication with Earth, will be crucial for the success of future space missions.
The future of space isn’t just about reaching for the stars; it’s about building a resilient, sustainable, and economically viable ecosystem among the stars. The discussions at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025’s Space Stage will offer a crucial glimpse into the strategies and technologies shaping this new era. What innovations do you believe will be most critical for the future of the space economy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
