Definition of New Space—Expert Survey Results and Key Technology Trends

Abstract

This article presents the results of an expert survey aimed at defining the concept of New Space. New Space is a blurry concept which is oftentimes confused with other key ideas, such as the commercialization of space activities, or the use of miniaturized technology (such as CubeSats) in space missions design and implementation. Our expert survey reveals that the three key characteristics defining New Space are instead customer focus, new product development approaches, and new business models (private versus institutional investors). This article provides a semi-quantitative comparison of these characteristics, which we define as traits, which are used to distinguish between New Space and legacy space activities. Based on the results of the comparison and literature search, we provide a brief discussion of key technology trends emerging in New Space, namely, on autonomy, miniaturization, platforms, and crowd. This article will be of relevance to all stakeholders concerned with the creation and growth of New Space ecosystems worldwide, to which we propose ideas for taking different roles in the ecosystem.