Projected number of global satellite launches by SpaceX 2012-2040

SpaceX have planned a significant number of satellite launches to take place between 2020 and 2040. The commercial space exploration company expects to perform 491 such launches in one year alone in 2040.

Shift towards commercial market

Government spending on space was significantly larger in 2018 than in 2014, and even doubled in the United States between 2014 and 2019. However, commercial space flight is also becoming increasingly prominent. Previously restricted to unmanned missions, private enterprises are working on sending people into orbit. Space tourism in particular has been an avenue that governmental programs were unable to explore. The competition generated by the commercial aerospace industry is expected to drive down the price of future launches and accelerate developments in technology.

Space mining to become revenue source

Currently, asteroid and space mining is restricted to research purposes but growing interest and commercial activity poses a threat to this standard. President Trump’s desired Space Force may be needed in action when the fight for extraterrestrial resources begins.