The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released a new data-driven assessment showing that space activities are becoming increasingly important to the global economy, critical infrastructure and technological innovation.

According to the “Space Economy at a Glance 2026” report published on 9 September 2026, OECD countries’ civil-space budgets reached an estimated $46.4 billion in 2025, compared with $40.5 billion in 2022.

The OECD says the importance of space extends far beyond rockets and satellites. Space-based systems now support more than half of the most critical infrastructure and services across OECD countries, including transportation, energy, communications and food supply.

The report estimates that global space-related revenues reached around $550 billion to $600 billion in 2025. In some advanced economies, satellite-enabled services support a significant share of overall economic activity.

Private investment is also becoming an increasingly important part of the sector. Industry estimates cited by the OECD put private capital flows into space-related activities at $11 billion to $13 billion in 2025, the highest level since 2021.

The number of countries participating in space activities has also expanded. By 2025, 109 countries had placed at least one satellite into orbit, although the ability to conduct independent orbital launches remains concentrated among a relatively small group of countries.

The expansion is creating new challenges as well. The OECD estimates that almost $200 billion in economic activity is exposed to risks associated with space debris. Growing satellite numbers are therefore increasing the importance of orbital safety, space-traffic coordination and sustainable use of Earth’s orbits.

Innovation is another major area of growth. Space-related scientific output has more than doubled since 2009, while research participation has expanded from 80 countries in 2000 to 119 countries in 2024. Emerging areas include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, debris mitigation and advanced spacecraft systems.

The OECD says governments remain important in shaping the sector through public research funding, procurement, regulation, infrastructure support and policies designed to encourage private investment.

The report concludes that the future challenge is no longer simply expanding the space economy. Governments and industry will increasingly need to balance commercial growth with security, competition, supply-chain resilience, environmental sustainability and the safe use of orbital space.