| Title: | CSS Enterprise, feasibility study for a commercial space station in low Earth orbit : promising onboard activities |
| Material Type: | ISU Team Project report |
| Publisher: | Illkirch-Graffenstaden (France) : International Space University, 2023 |
| Format: | 1 electronic resource (xiv, 135 p.) / col. ill. |
| Bibliography note: | Includes bibliographical references |
| Languages: | English |
| Subjects: | International Space Station ; Space industrialization |
| Description: |
Due to their limited financial viability, government intervention is crucial for fostering early-stage innovation in large, technologically advanced space projects. NASA allocates a considerable budget for International Space Station (ISS) operations. However, transitioning to a self-sustaining CSS in LEO could save about $1.8 billion per year by 2033 and create new opportunities for human space exploration. To facilitate scientific research, in-space manufacturing, space tourism, creative industries, and education, future stations like Orbital Reef, Axiom Station, and Starlab will serve a diverse clientele. Assessing their financial viability is vital. Our study examines a CSS’s financial and economic sustainability for activities within this decade, requiring a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7. We examine costs, funding sources, market and competitor trends, business models, and revenue streams while accounting for legal, political, and cultural factors.
Our findings indicate that space-based research, supported by government grants and contracts, will be LEO’s primary revenue source within the decade. Space tourism could become the most lucrative revenue stream early in the next decade, with estimated annual revenues of up to $3.3 billion. In-space manufacturing may emerge as the dominant revenue stream once technical challenges are addressed. Fine arts, live events, TV film, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education could generate an additional $242 million in revenue. This study offers a roadmap for future business opportunities and practical recommendations for diverse activities, demands, and possibilities in a CSS during this decade and beyond. Understanding the financial and economic sustainability of a CSS will shape the future of space exploration and open doors for space-based research, in-space manufacturing, space tourism, and other profitable ventures. Therefore, this study can help commercial space entities to exploit emerging opportunities and encourage space agencies to expand their activities and optimize resources. |
| Contents note: | 1. Introduction 2. Market context 3. Assumptions and trade-off 4. On-orbit activities 5. Business model and ESG roadmap 6. Recommendations 7. Future opportunities 8. Conclusions |
| ISU program : | Master of Space Studies |
| Format : | Open Access |
| Permalink: | https://isulibrary.isunet.edu/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=11819 |
Read online (2)
 2023_CSS_Executive summary (11.5MB) Adobe Acrobat PDF | 2023_CSS_Full report (16MB) Adobe Acrobat PDF |
