Space agencies must support commercial space stations to ensure growth in the LEO ecosystem

Commercial space stations in low-Earth orbit (LEO) are essential for bridging the gap between the Earth and deep space exploration and for supporting global efforts to return humans to the Moon’s surface. Additionally, these stations serve as hubs for scientific experiments conducted by governments and commercial entities, while also offering unique tourist experiences for an exclusive elite.

Analysys Mason’s latest forecast for space travel and tourism predicts that more than 85 commercial orbital space flights will take place between 2024 and 2034. These flights will carry almost 400 passengers in total and will generate over USD22.9 billion in cumulative revenue.

This article assesses the role that space agencies must play in supporting the development of commercial space stations.