Satellite communications operators must become indispensable partners in the lunar economy

The emerging lunar communications market is an important foundation of the next phase of space exploration and commercial development. Analysys Mason’s Lunar market: trends and forecasts 2024–2034 projects that communications missions will represent a USD6.5 billion market opportunity from 2024 to 2034 (Figure 1). However, lunar missions are held back by the requirement of significant infrastructure investment, and this appears to be reaching its peak; capital expenditure is expected to taper off in the coming years. Previous missed deadlines and cost overruns have caused private investors to be cautious about entering the lunar communications market; yet the demand for reliable infrastructure continues to provide exciting opportunities. 

Players that provide for governments in the early stages of the lunar economy stand to capture outsized benefits. By moving ahead of competitors, these firms can secure strategic contracts that position them as indispensable partners in the long-term growth of the lunar market.