The impact of conflict on the space industry: case studies on the Russia–Ukraine and Iran wars

Geopolitical conflict is reshaping the space industry, exposing vulnerabilities across supply chains, launch access, satellite operations and ground infrastructure. These pressures are driving a renewed focus on resilience, sovereignty and defence-led investment across the global space value chain.

This report examines how conflict-driven disruption is altering risk and strategic priorities, using the Russia–Ukraine and Iran wars as case studies. It also considers broader state‑on‑state tensions and major geopolitical flashpoints to provide a wider view of emerging risks.

This report answers the following questions.

• How have the Russia–Ukraine and Iran wars impacted the global economy, national policies and infrastructure?
• What impact have these conflicts had on the space industry?
• What future flashpoints exist, and what is the risk to the space industry?
• Does the impact on the space industry between the two conflicts share any similarities that can be applied to future flashpoints?