Space industry

The economic sector that develops, manufactures, and operates spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, and related services. It includes government agencies, established aerospace firms, and commercial space companies.

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Launch vehicle: A rocket-powered vehicle that carries payloads from Earth into space. Launch vehicles provide the route to orbit for commercial and public spacecraft.
Satellite communications: The transmission of information between Earth stations or devices using orbiting satellites. Communications are among the largest established markets supported by commercial satellites.
Government space program: A publicly funded organization or initiative that develops and operates space capabilities. Government programs prioritize public missions, while commercial firms seek paying markets and returns.
Space debris: Nonfunctional human-made objects and fragments in orbit around Earth. Growing commercial activity increases orbital traffic and the need to manage collision risks.
NASA: The United States government agency responsible for civilian aeronautics and space exploration. NASA has been a major customer, research sponsor, and partner for commercial space firms.
Satellite: An object placed in orbit around a celestial body, either naturally occurring or human-made. Artificial satellites are the central products and infrastructure of many space businesses.
Earth observation: The collection and analysis of information about Earth using remote-sensing instruments. Companies sell imagery and derived data for agriculture, mapping, insurance, and government use.
NewSpace: A movement toward privately funded, commercially oriented spaceflight and services. The label captures the newer business culture often contrasted with legacy aerospace contracting.
Orbital congestion: The crowding of useful orbital regions by satellites and other objects. Large constellations intensify competition for orbital space and safe operating conditions.
European Space Agency: An intergovernmental organization coordinating European space activities. ESA supports European launch, satellite, and science capabilities through shared programs.