Executive summary

Known for its high technology dimensions, the space sector is currently experiencing an innovation-driven paradigm shift, both from within and outside of the space domain. “New space”, “small satellites for all”, “broadband everywhere”, “space tourism” represent some of these most recent evolutions. But one particular dynamic and transformative factor is the (r)evolution in downstream space applications, attracting new governmental and commercial entrants at both ends of the space sector’s value chains (from satellite and rocket manufacturing to satellite services). The availability of satellite positioning, navigation and timing signals, telecommunications connections in isolated locations and on mobile platforms (smartphones, ships at sea, aircrafts) and the growing access to satellite imagery combined with advances in miniaturisation, computer processing power and analytics are leading to new products and services, as entrepreneurs begin to seize satellite signals and data to create new businesses (e.g. the Pokemon Go application uses satellite positioning).