29 Mar Cooperation is key in international space programs

In a recent article we looked at how countries benefit from starting a space programme. The investment required to enter this sector can tax the resources of smaller nations, making cooperation with other countries or international businesses one of the main ways that new entrants gain traction in the market.

Developing opportunities

Space programs provide opportunities for international co-operation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise between countries. There are also several private companies and organisations that are involved in promoting space exploration. SpaceX and Blue Origin are amongst the companies developing reusable launch vehicles and spacecraft to lower the cost of access to space. As well as these large-scale efforts, there are also many smaller initiatives aimed at promoting space exploration and education. There are many initiatives that encourage young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. As we mentioned in our earlier blog the development of expertise and skills is a major driver for smaller nations interest in space and the associated technology.

Co-operation in practice.

SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst in Shetland, Scotland and Rocket Factory Augsburg in Germany announced a long-term launch operations partnership in January 2023. Other partners in the UKSA’s UK Pathfinder project will be California based ABL Space Systems and Lockheed Martin who will be transferring its satellite launch operations to the site. SaxaVord CEO, Frank Strang, says that the value of partnership is “integral to the UK’s space economy ambitions, SaxaVord is building a highly skilled workforce, championing STEM education and supporting the economic growth of local communities in Shetland.”

Another German company Isar Aerospace participated in the inauguration ceremony of Swedish Space Corporation’s orbital launch complex, Spaceport Esrange in Northern Sweden, at the start of 2023. Josef Fleischmann, COO and Co-Founder of Isar Aerospace, says: “Isar Aerospace’s strong partnership with the Swedish Space Corporation is key to our technological development and significantly contributes to our philosophy of being a completely vertically integrated launch services company”.

The Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) is an example of how a nation has begun a space program in co-operation with a number of partners, including Boeing Satellite Systems, Orbital Sciences Corporation, and Airbus Defence and Space. These partnerships have led to the formation of MEASAT Satellite Systems as a commercial provider of services to leading Malaysia broadcasters and telecoms operators. MYSA are now cascading their knowledge and expertise down to other nations with MEASAT-1 being relocated and renamed AFRICASAT-1 to provide services to the African continent when it was still functioning reliably beyond its planned life. So, Malaysia has become a net exporter of space services from a start in only 20 years.

How Terra supports the Space Industry

As our example from Malaysia shows especially well, exploiting the commercial potential of a space program is essential to realise a return on the investment of both time and money. Connecting with Terra Sales Solutions will enable the many smaller businesses around the world to develop markets for revenue generating spin offs and partnerships. Our expertise is in helping SME’s build sales and markets for their complex technical products. The engineering background of our team means you are supported by a strategic plan for international sales channel growth. To learn more about Terra Sales Solutions and how we can work with you to achieve your international expansion goals in any part of the planet, book a conversation.

We mentioned our earlier blog on benefits that countries find from starting a space program.
You can find it here.

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