The Future of European Commercial Spacecraft Manufacturing

This report by ESPI contemplates the future of commercial spacecraft manufacturing in Europe, with recommendations and information comparing European and non-European actors. European contractors of satellite manufacturing are facing increased competition from the United States, China, Russia, and India for both cost and technology efficiency. Porter’s Five Forces Model on competing market forces is used to assess European strengths and weaknesses, to position Europe as a strong competitor. Maintaining competitiveness would sustain the European space industry but requires changes in industrial strategy and alliances with emerging nations. The analysis is split into alliance building, outsourcing, and non-dependence to determine whether Europe has a future in commercial spacecraft manufacturing.