From Science to Market: The Business Orientation as Dominant Trait of Some Newly Created Space Agencies' Profile

This article outlines the hallmark of a new phase in the evolution of space activities and the changing role of space agencies. The growing affordability and ease of technological advancements, alongside a shift toward more business-oriented political leadership, and the increasing participation of commercial companies in public programs have been reshaping strategies, approaches, and modes of engagement of space agencies. Levels of analysis include both legacy and emerging space agencies. In terms of methodology, this study primarily relied on desk research, utilizing publicly available documents, external and internal databases, conference proceedings, and other bibliographic sources. To document the new strategic orientation, after discussing the transition patterns for legacy space agencies, the authors report and illustrate four taxonomy-based cases of emerging space agencies.