2024
FCC satellite fees, 2022-2024
Almost all satellite operators will see much bigger bills this fall from a federal agency that regulates the use of radio frequencies. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced in September that satellite operators will face fee hikes up to 270%
NASA Europa Clipper and total planetary science budgets, 2015-2029
The Europa Clipper mission comes at a critical time when NASA is trying to determine the future of its planetary missions and budgets. NASA’s overall planetary science spending trended upward over the past decade with an average growth rate of 6%.
Humans reaching space, 2000-2024
By Sept. 15, 70 people had flown their first mission to space aboard private sector flights, including 15 since January, according to Space Foundation records. Private-sector astronauts account for nearly 12 percent of all humans to fly to space.
Satellite and space M&A transactions, Q4 2021-Q3 2024
Space sector M&A activity was up in Q3, with 14 announced transactions versus 11 during Q2 and nine in Q1. The transaction volume is the highest of the past seven financial quarters, and comes close to peak activity in Q4 2021 and Q4 2022.
Active and decommissioned Norwegian satellites, 2008-2027
In its business strategy published in April, the agency emphasized the need to use space in sustainable ways to better society. Beyond government agency activities, many public universities in Norway are pursuing space research and developing their own satellites.
Norway government space spending, 2020-2024
Norway’s history of collaboration with international organizations and industry gives the nation a strong position in the space industry. The Norwegian Space Agency estimates that the country’s space activity totals US$1.1 billion annually.
Space Force Guardians, 2020-2025
Space Force justified the bonuses as a tool to keep Guardians who could bolt for higher civilian salaries. The bonuses come with commitments of up to eight years in uniform, locking in Guardians for long stretches of service.
Military enlisted recruiting by percentage of goal attained, FY2021-2024
While some of its sister services struggle to meet recruiting demands to deter today’s enemies, the Space Force is peering far into the future.
JAXA workforce, 2014-2024
JAXA is also playing a growing role in encouraging broader growth of the Japanese space sector. In spring 2024, the Japanese cabinet approved a bill to establish a $6.7 billion that will allow JAXA to support development.
Global workforce growth shows annual overall gains
Annual workforce data shows a net gain of more than 26,000 space workers. That compares to 6,436 added jobs in the prior year comparison. While methodologies differ, tracking annual data provides some insight to the growth of the global workforce.