The global space economy reached USD 329 bn in 2016*, having grown on average by 5.1% p.a. in between 2005 and 2016. During this period, the global space economy saw periods of stagnation and of strong growth, at times even outgrowing the overall global economy. While the governments were the driving forces in the 20~(th) century (e.g. Apollo-programme, International Space Station (ISS), as well as GPS), today it is the commercial activities that are setting the pace, accounting for USD 253 bn or 76% of the global space economy in 2016. Albeit rather recent, the commercialisation of space is to intensify in the coming years, as the space sector experiences rapid growth in new approaches to space development. The so-called "NewSpace" trend, thrives upon technology and business model innovations that allow for a significant reduction of costs, the provision of new products and services as well as for a broadening of the customer base. As this comes along with increased returns for companies and investors, the onset of a whole new wave of commercial activities within the space sector is the result.
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