The study identified the potential markets for using space resources as well as the value chains and opportunities they will create for companies. The value chain for propellant for rockets and other space vehicles offers the most viable business case and best near-term opportunity, because of high confidence in demand and availability of water on the Moon, Mars and other celestial bodies and its criticality in space applications. Cost savings assessments have demonstrated substantial cost reductions for space missions, revealing viable markets for space resources products.
According to the study, the space resources utilisation industry is expected to generate a market revenue of up to €170 billion over the years 2018 to 2045. For the same period, efficiency gains in the form of cost savings for the end-users and customers of space resources are estimated to up to €135 billion. This figure accounts for fuels, water for life support, and materials for equipment and construction of in-situ infrastructure (like regolith and metals).
Substantial cost reductions
Based on an extensive literature review as well as on data collected from a large number of interviews with community experts in space agencies, private companies and universities, the study concludes in its general findings that space resources utilisation could enable substantial cost reductions for space exploration missions in the medium-term, and is highly strategic for long-term space exploration since it would improve the autonomy and the safety of manned missions.
With its SpaceResources.lu initiative, Luxembourg has positioned itself as the European hub in the future space resources economy. The exploration and utilisation of space resources is set to generate attractive opportunities in Luxembourg, Europe and worldwide, both for established and start-up players.
Press release by the Luxembourg Space Agency