The United States is home to a growing set of companies building advanced space technologies, from lunar landers to satellite servicing systems. These firms are taking on missions once led by government and developing capabilities the government does not yet field. But limited profitability, export restrictions, and free government services may constrain growth unless targeted investments and smart policies help sustain a dynamic,
secure commercial space sector. This report explores the U.S. advanced space technologies industry and highlights challenges and opportunities the state of the industry presents for national security.Download Full Report
The U.S.-government-designed uncrewed Surveyor moon lander program first flew in 1966 and cost $658 million per lander in 2024 dollars.1 The government-designed Apollo missions cost $23 billion per launch when adjusted to 2020 dollars.
Since then, NASA has taken a different approach: in February 2024, the company Intuitive Machines successfully delivered a lander to the surface of the moon, fulfilling an agency contract costing just $118 million.2
Today, U.S. companies find themselves fulfilling roles that were historically the domain of the government—and taking on missions that even the government has yet to embrace. From exploration systems to in-space manufacturing to satellite refueling,
companies are deploying new systems for novel applications at a rapid pace and lower price. We call these companies part of the “advanced space technology” market and include in this category businesses that provide positioning, navigation, and timing; space situational awareness (SSA); exploration; in-space satellite services; and in-space manufacturing.*
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