Private Astronautics and Its Role in Space Exploration

The authors of this study refer to as “private astronautics” to those activities which are associated with non-state financing of the development of space capabilities that represent a complete system and not just parts of it, as for example, launch vehicles spacecraft, satellites for applied or scientific purposes, etc. These developments are carried out with the expectation of their further implementation in the commercial market, but are not initiated by government. Today the appearance of “private astronautics” is an accomplished fact. Its role should increase in the near future many times. If in 2015 the contribution of “private astronautics” into world space activities is still negligible and difficult to estimate, then by 2020 we can expect about 15–20 % of the world market, and by 2030—up to 40 %. Only in the case of a serious deterioration in the political international situation can result in the non-realization of this scenario. Any crisis in relations between the leading space powers will certainly affect the development of this emerging field of “private astronautics”. But continuing the present trend it is to expect the favorable development of this sector, which will make the entrepreneurs that are presently risking their capital as major players in the field of space activities.