Future of Space Community

National Space Strategy Toolkit 

Use Case Library

This is page is a use case library of the National Space Strategy Toolkit. Please refer to the Toolkit page for more information.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the US runs the NASA International Internship (NASA I²) Program, which offers non-US students the chance to work on real NASA projects at selected centres, providing hands-on experience in space research and technology. This initiative helps students build technical skills, gain exposure to international best practices, and return with insights that benefit their home institutions. It serves as a strong model for how structured international internships can strengthen national space capabilities through global collaboration.
USA
Support exchange programmes, internships, and industry visits - US
KiboCUBE, a joint initiative by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), enables educational and research institutions from developing nations to deploy CubeSats from the Kibo module on the International Space Station. This programme provides hands-on experience in satellite development, launch preparation, and operations, significantly enhancing technical capacity and international collaboration for participating institutions.
Japan
Support capacity building through training and hands-on experimentation - Japan
The UAE has launched a national Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy aimed at positioning the nation as a global hub for talent in strategic sectors, including space. The strategy includes policies and programmes to attract international experts, support local talent development, and create an enabling environment through regulatory reforms, social infrastructure, and future-focused skills planning.
United Arab Emirates
Establish incentives to attract and retain local and international talent - UAE
Andøya Space collaborates with multiple universities across Norway to integrate hands-on space education into existing university programmes. Through initiatives like Fly a Rocket!, CaNoRock, and Space Education 2.0, students gain practical experience in satellite technology, rocketry, and atmospheric science.
Norway
Integrate space-related courses into university curricula - Norway
The US government, through the 2015 US Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, allows private entities to own and sell space resources, stimulating investment in space mining.Prerequisites: • Institutional & political interest and support for utilising space exploration technologies for services • Legal expertise in space law, insurance, and liability• Coordination with international frameworks (Outer Space Treaty, Liability Convention) and mechanisms between space agencies, insurers, and regulators to ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and communication in managing space exploration risks.• Develop familiarity with international best practices to design effective and globally aligned insurance frameworks for exploration missions.Cost: • Ballpark: USD 100k–500k (policy and law) or USD 0.5–2M (full regime with licensing systems and guidance)• Includes: stakeholder consultations and drafting, legal and regulatory review, inter-ministerial coordination (mining/industry, environment, foreign affairs), international alignment (UNCOPUOS, Artemis/ILRS contexts), design of licensing/authorization and supervision processes, compliance and reporting guidelines, outreach and trainingTimeframe: • Overall: 12–24 mo (policy and law) or 18–36 mo (full regime with licensing systems)• Phase: scoping & stakeholder mapping (2–4 mo), drafting & legal review (4–8 mo), approval & adoption (3–6 mo), implementation (licensing procedures, guidance, training) (3–8 mo)Pros: • Clear Stance - Clarifies the national stance and rights regarding space resource utilization.• Stimulating Private Sector - State regulations encourage private sector participation in the utilization of space resources• International Positioning - May strengthens the nation's position in shaping international space resource governance.Considerations:• International Regulations - If the nation is a party to international space treaties, the national regime must align with them, which may create legal and diplomatic challenges.• Overlooking of Environmental Angle - Lack of adequate environmental safeguards may attract international criticism.• Need for expertise - Requires significant expertise to design the regime.
USA
Develop a national regime for space resources utilization, including in-situ utilisation - US
The UAE’s Federal Law 12 (2019) enables the commercial exploitation of space resources.Prerequisites: • Institutional & political interest and support for utilising space exploration technologies for services • Legal expertise in space law, insurance, and liability• Coordination with international frameworks (Outer Space Treaty, Liability Convention) and mechanisms between space agencies, insurers, and regulators to ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and communication in managing space exploration risks.• Develop familiarity with international best practices to design effective and globally aligned insurance frameworks for exploration missions.Cost: • Ballpark: USD 100k–500k (policy and law) or USD 0.5–2M (full regime with licensing systems and guidance)• Includes: stakeholder consultations and drafting, legal and regulatory review, inter-ministerial coordination (mining/industry, environment, foreign affairs), international alignment (UNCOPUOS, Artemis/ILRS contexts), design of licensing/authorization and supervision processes, compliance and reporting guidelines, outreach and trainingTimeframe: • Overall: 12–24 mo (policy and law) or 18–36 mo (full regime with licensing systems)• Phase: scoping & stakeholder mapping (2–4 mo), drafting & legal review (4–8 mo), approval & adoption (3–6 mo), implementation (licensing procedures, guidance, training) (3–8 mo)Pros:• Clear Stance - Legislation clarifies the national stance and rights regarding space resource utilization.• Stimulating Private Sector - State regulations encourage private sector participation in the utilization of space resources.• International Positioning - May strengthens the nation's position in shaping international space resource governance.Considerations:• International Regulations - If the nation is a party to international space treaties, the national regime must align with them, which may create legal and diplomatic challenges.• Overlooking of Environmental Angle - Lack of adequate environmental safeguards may attract international criticism.• Need for expertise - Requires significant expertise to design the regime
United Arab Emirates
Develop a national regime for space resources utilization, including in-situ utilisation - UAE
Japan’s Space Resources Act (2021) provides the legal approval for the ownership of mined space resources by licensed companies.Prerequisites: • Institutional & political interest and support for utilising space exploration technologies for services • Legal expertise in space law, insurance, and liability• Coordination with international frameworks (Outer Space Treaty, Liability Convention) and mechanisms between space agencies, insurers, and regulators to ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and communication in managing space exploration risks.• Develop familiarity with international best practices to design effective and globally aligned insurance frameworks for exploration missions.• Ballpark: USD 100k–500k (policy and law) or USD 0.5–2M (full regime with licensing systems and guidance)• Includes: stakeholder consultations and drafting, legal and regulatory review, inter-ministerial coordination (mining/industry, environment, foreign affairs), international alignment (UNCOPUOS, Artemis/ILRS contexts), design of licensing/authorization and supervision processes, compliance and reporting guidelines, outreach and trainingTimeframe:• Overall: 12–24 mo (policy and law) or 18–36 mo (full regime with licensing systems)• Phase: scoping & stakeholder mapping (2–4 mo), drafting & legal review (4–8 mo), approval & adoption (3–6 mo), implementation (licensing procedures, guidance, training) (3–8 mo)Pros:• Clear Stance - Legislation clarifies the national stance and rights regarding space resource utilization.• Stimulating Private Sector - State regulations encourage private sector participation in the utilization of space resources• International Positioning - Actions may strengthen the nation's position in shaping international space resource governance.Considerations:• International Regulations - If the nation is a party to international space treaties, the national regime must align with them, which may create legal and diplomatic challenges.• Overlooking of Environmental Angle - Lack of adequate environmental safeguards may attract international criticism.• Need for expertise - Requires significant expertise to design the regime
Japan
Develop a national regime for space resources utilization, including in-situ utilisation - Japan
In 2018, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) signed an agreement with the Russian space agency Roscosmos to send the first Emirati astronaut into space. This institutional partnership represented a major milestone in the UAE’s efforts to develop national human spaceflight capabilities, supported within the broader framework of the UAE Space Agency’s national space strategy.Prerequisite:• Institutional & political interest and support for human spaceflight • Partnerships with established agencies • Existence of technological capabilities and infrastructure in national ecosystem (space agency, industry or academia) to conduct R&D for space exploration technologies.• Lead agency & budget• Procurement pathway• Partner support as neededCost: • Ballpark: USD 1M–100M (depending on scope: training, experiment integration, astronaut seat access)• Includes: partnership agreements and diplomatic engagement, astronaut training and exchanges, experiment development for ISS or other platforms, integration and safety certification, development of ground support and mission operations capacity, national awareness and outreach activitiesTimeframe: • Overall: 24–96 mo• Phase: scoping & partnership agreements (6–12 mo), astronaut/crew training or experiment preparation (12–36 mo), mission participation (6–12 mo), data analysis & follow-up outreach (12–24 mo)Pros:• Accelerates Capability Development - Access to proven expertise and training systems helps build national skills more effectively.• Reduces Cost and Technical Burden - Shared infrastructure and training ease financial and technical demands.• Enhances International Visibility - Participation in human spaceflight raises global recognition.Considerations:• Limits National Autonomy - Dependence on partners can restrict planning freedom and slow independent development.• Requires Complex Agreements - Building formal partnerships often involves legal, diplomatic, and administrative hurdles.
United Arab Emirates
Foster institutional partnerships for human spaceflight exploration capabilities - UAE
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Statement of Intent on human space exploration with the European Space Agency (ESA) in May 2025. This agreement primarily focuses on cooperation in low Earth orbit (LEO), with future plans to expand into lunar exploration. Under this agreement, ISRO and ESA will begin working on the interoperability of rendezvous and docking systems to enable collaboration between their respective spacecraft in LEO. In addition, the two agencies plan to cooperate on astronaut training, analogue missions conducted in ground-based simulation environments, and parabolic flight activities.Prerequisites:• Institutional & political interest and support for human spaceflight • Partnerships with established agencies • Existence of technological capabilities and infrastructure in national ecosystem (space agency, industry or academia) to conduct R&D for space exploration technologies.• Lead agency & budget• Procurement pathway• Partner support as neededCost: • Ballpark: USD 1M–100M (depending on scope: training, experiment integration, astronaut seat access)• Includes: partnership agreements and diplomatic engagement, astronaut training and exchanges, experiment development for ISS or other platforms, integration and safety certification, development of ground support and mission operations capacity, national awareness and outreach activitiesTimeframe: • Overall: 24–96 mo• Phase: scoping & partnership agreements (6–12 mo), astronaut/crew training or experiment preparation (12–36 mo), mission participation (6–12 mo), data analysis & follow-up outreach (12–24 mo)Pros:• Accelerates Capability Development - Access to proven expertise and training systems helps build national skills more effectively.• Reduces Cost and Technical Burden - Shared infrastructure and training eases financial and technical demands.• Enhances International Visibility - Participation in human spaceflight raises global recognition.Considerations:• Limits National Autonomy - Dependence on partners can restrict planning freedom and slow independent development.• Requires Complex Agreements - Building formal partnerships often involves legal, diplomatic, and administrative hurdles.
India
Foster institutional partnerships for human spaceflight exploration capabilities - India and ESA Member States
The UAE’s Mars Hope Probe (Al-Amal), launched in 2020, was not funded only as a space mission. The UAE unlocked complementary funding streams from education, science/innovation, and international cooperation budgets. • Education & Youth portfolios: Hope was tied to inspiring STEM students, with scholarships and university partnerships.• Science & Innovation ministries: Framed as a driver for national R&D and technological independence.• Foreign Affairs / International Cooperation: Partnerships with universities outside of UAE (University of Colorado, Berkeley, Arizona State University) were highlighted as part of the UAE’s diplomatic and scientific cooperation agenda.• Economic diversification strategies: Hope was linked to the UAE’s long-term plan to transition from oil to knowledge-based industries.Prerequisites:• Identify and build relationships with ministries likely to be using or require space exploration technology and applications• Lead agency & budget• Procurement pathway• Partner support as neededCost: • Ballpark: USD 50k–250k  • Includes: inter-ministerial consultations and workshops, mapping of existing funding mechanisms and grant programs, financial/legal review of eligibility and access, documentation and reporting, dissemination of opportunitiesTimeframe: • Overall: 6–18 mo• Phase: scoping & stakeholder mapping (2–4 mo), review of funding instruments & eligibility (3–6 mo), inter-ministerial alignment & reporting (3–6 mo), integration into national space programme planning (3–6 mo)Pros:• Expands Access to Missions - Collaboration enables participation in human and robotic missions that may be unachievable alone due to advanced technology needs or launch capacity limits.• Shares Burden Across Partners - Complementary cooperation reduces financial, technical, and human resource burdens.• Boosts International Standing - Visible contributions to global missions enhance the nation’s reputation in the space community.Considerations:• Requires Strategic Alignment - Objectives, timelines, and priorities may differ across nations, making coordination and partner selection challenging.
United Arab Emirates
Identify complementary funding initiatives in your government - UAE
Rather than launching a standalone mission, Germany's DLR and France's CNES collaborated with Japan's JAXA on the asteroid explorer Hayabusa2 by providing the scientific lander MASCOT. This shoebox-sized Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout was jointly developed by DLR and CNES and was carried as a payload on Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft. In October 2018, MASCOT was deployed onto asteroid Ryugu, equipped with four instruments (including a French spectrometer) to study the surface. This collaboration allowed Germany and France to make scientific and technological contributions to a major exploration mission in a cost-effective manner by supplying a payload.Prerequisites:• Institutional & political interest and support for human spaceflight • Partnerships with space agency or commercial provider with access to space exploration mission• Existence of technological capabilities and infrastructure in national ecosystem (space agency, industry or academia) to develop payload• Lead agency & budget• Procurement pathway• Partner support as neededCost: Small payloads such as CubeSats, ISS experiments, hosted sensors• Ballpark: USD 0.5M–5M• Includes: payload/experiment design and development, safety and integration reviews, procurement of launch opportunity via partner mission, data downlink and storage, researcher training and exchanges, data analysis and publicationLarger payloads such as lander/rover instruments, advanced experiments• Ballpark: USD 5M–50M• Includes: co-development of instruments with partner agencies or primes, environmental testing and qualification, integration with host spacecraft, launch and operations participation, scientific exploitation and outreachTimeframe: Small payloads• Overall 24–48 mo• Phase: partnership agreement & payload definition (6–12 mo), design & development (12–18 mo), integration & launch (6–12 mo), operations & data analysis (6–12 mo)Larger payloads• Overall 48–96 mo• Phase: partnership & scoping (12–18 mo), design & development (18–36 mo), integration & launch (12–24 mo), operations & data exploitation (12–24 mo)Pros:• Affordable - Collaboration provides a low-cost entry point into space exploration.• Reputation Increase - Collaboration builds international credibility and technical trust.Considerations:• Technical Complexity - Payloads must comply with stringent technical specifications to be accepted for integration into a foreign spacecraft• Articulation - International collaboration requires intensive diplomatic and technical coordination.• Timeline - Collaborations are susceptible to schedule delays of the host mission.
France, Germany
Identify opportunities to contribute to exploration mission payload - France and Germany
Canada has historically invested in space robotics, which not only contributes to space exploration but also finds applications on Earth. Advanced robotic technology from programmes like the Canadarm (used on the Shuttle and the International Space Station) directly led to medical innovations such as the neuroArm, a surgical robot capable of extremely delicate brain surgery, and the IGAR (Image-Guided Autonomous Robot) for breast cancer diagnostics. The Canadian government explicitly cites these examples when justifying continued funding for space robotics, stating that “breakthrough technologies developed for space,” that do not currently exist, can lead to “the world’s first robots capable of performing high-risk surgeries and other treatments” on Earth.Prerequisites: • Needs assessment to identify relevant areas to fund space exploration reated activities• Access to technical/business experts to support private entities applying for funding• Lead agency & budget• Procurement pathway• Partner support as neededCost: • Ballpark: USD 50k–250k• Includes: fund design and governance, technical assistance, monitoring & evaluation, administrative support. This does not include funding.Funding will depend on the type and duration of activities.Timeframe: • Overall: 12-60 months• Phase: fund design (6-12 mo) ,funding round(s) (6 - 48 mo), optional evaluation & scale-up (6 - 12 mo)Pros:• Addressing Social Needs - Address societal needs while advancing space goals.• Commercial Potential - High commercialization potential increases return on investment.Considerations:• Difficulty to Secure Funding - Technologies lacking clear terrestrial applications may struggle to secure funding.• Timeline - Prioritizing commercial goals could delay or deprioritize long-term scientific missions.
Canada
Launch funding initiatives for technologies that have dual purpose on earth and for space exploration - Canada
Access to Space was identified by the UK government to be in alignment with broader, non-space National Priorities such as:• Economic Growth: The UK government sees domestic launch as a driver for regional development, particularly in Scotland and Cornwall.Spaceport Cornwall, SaxaVord Spaceport (Scotland), and other potential spaceports are being funded and supported to attract commercial launch providers.• National Security & Sovereignty: Domestic launch capabilities reduces reliance on foreign providers.Independent access to space enhances the UK's ability to launch defence and civil satellites quickly and independently.• Science & Innovation: Launch capabilities support small satellite missions from UK-based universities and companies (e.g., Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd).Government encourages growth of upstream and downstream R&D.Prerequisites:• Institutional & political interest and support for access to space• Understand nationalpolicies and identify national policies that utilise space science data• Identify and build relationships with relevant ministries, local companies, and other stakeholders to gather comprehensive data on existing launch usage in the nation• Inter-ministerial working group• Partner support as neededCost: • Ballpark: USD 10k–20k• Includes: literature review, stakeholder consultations, expert advisory, report drafting and validationNote: A complete study would range from USD 20k-70k and include multiple activities such as determining the relevance of the domain and a capability maturity assessment) Timeframe: • Overall: 6–12 mo• Phase: scoping (1–2 mo), consultation (2–4 mo), drafting (2–4 mo), validation (1–2 mo)Pros:• Strategic Autonomy - Access to space reduces reliance on foreign launch providers and supports secure communications.• Economic Growth - Launch industry generates jobs and stimulates regional development, especially in rural or remote areas.• Innovation Ecosystem - The UK encourages R&D and tech development across upstream/downstream sectors.• Global Positioning - UK is becoming a competitive launch hub for Europe and small satellite operators.• Responsive Launch Capability - Responsive launch enables faster, tailored access to space for government and commercial missions.Considerations:• High Upfront Investment - Infrastructure, testing, and regulatory setup are costly and slow to pay off.• Technical and Operational Risk - First launches may fail, damaging reputation and deterring customers.• Environmental Impact - Launches can raise concerns over emissions, noise, and disruption in local communities.• Market Competition - Launching nations may compete with established players with lower launch costs (e.g., US, New Zealand, India).• Regulatory Complexity - Launch licensing and environmental regulation can delay progress.
United Kingdom
Determine the extent to which this domain is relevant to your national priorities/needs - UK
India has proactively addressed the dual-use nature of space technologies—those serving both civilian and military purposes—by implementing comprehensive policies and establishing dedicated institutionsKey Initiatives:• Defence Space Agency (DSA): Established in 2019 to oversee and coordinate India's space warfare and satellite intelligence assets.An integrated tri-services agency drawing personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force that develops space warfare strategies, manages space-based surveillance, and ensures the security of India's space assets.• Spacecom Policy (2020): Outlines the governance of space-based communication systems, emphasizing the need for coordination between civilian and defence sectors.• Draft Space Activities Bill: Aims to regulate space activities, including provisions related to national security and the management of dual-use technologies.Prerequisites:• Institutional & political interest and support for developing launchers and other dual use technologies  • Legal expertise in space law, insurance, and liability• Coordination with international frameworks (Outer Space Treaty, Liability Convention) and mechanisms between space agencies, insurers, and regulators to ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and communication in managing launch-related risks• Develop familiarity with international best practices to design effective and globally aligned frameworks for launchCost: • Ballpark: USD 20k–250k• Includes: stakeholder consultations with ministries, insurers, and space agencies, drafting of legal and regulatory provisions, engagement with international best practices, establishment of liability and compensation mechanismsTimeframe: • Overall: 12–24 mo• Phase: scoping & stakeholder mapping (3–6 mo), legal drafting & review (6–9 mo), parliamentary or executive approval (3–6 mo), dissemination & training (3–6 mo)Pros:• Strategic Autonomy – Enhance national independence in space capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and services.• Commercial Sector Growth – Stimulate private sector development and innovation through increased demand and investment opportunities.• National Security – Strengthen national defence and surveillance capabilities through sovereign space infrastructure.• Global Positioning – Elevate the nation’s status and influence in the global space community.Considerations: • Technological Dependency – Reliance on foreign suppliers for key components may limit national autonomy and full technological independence.• Defence-Civil Trade-Off – Prioritising defence objectives may divert focus and resources away from civilian space applications and innovation.• Normative Compliance Pressure – International expectations to adhere to established norms of behaviour in space may constrain strategic flexibility.
India
Develop policies linked to dual use technologies applicable to space assets - India
The REXUS/BEXUS programme allows students from universities and higher education colleges across Europe to carry out scientific and technological experiments on research rockets and balloons. Each year, two rockets and two balloons are launched, carrying up to 20 experiments designed and built by student teams. The REXUS/BEXUS programme is realised under a bilateral Agency Agreement between the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). The Swedish share of the payload has been made available to students from other European nations through a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). EuroLaunch, a cooperation between the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) and the Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) of DLR, is responsible for the campaign management and operations of the launch vehicles. Experts from DLR, SSC, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) and ESA provide technical support to the student teams throughout the project. REXUS and BEXUS are launched from SSC, Esrange Space Centre in northern Sweden.Prerequisites:• Partnership agreements with universities and technical institutes • Technical capabilities to build experiment payload• Regulatory framework for safe launches• Test ranges or open areas for balloon/rocket launches• Qualified faculty and technical mentorsCost: • Ballpark: USD 50k–500k• Includes: student team support, lab materials, payload design and integration, testing and validation, travel and coordination with host programme, staff mentorship, dissemination of resultsTimeframe:• Overall: 12–24 mo (per project cycle)• Phases: scoping/partnership building (2–3 mo), payload design & preparation (6–9 mo), integration & testing (3–6 mo), launch with host programme (1–2 mo), analysis & dissemination (3–6 mo)Pros:• STEM Development - Programs can boost student skills in aerospace, systems engineering, and hands-on prototyping.• Innovation Pipeline - Universities can feed national space programs with ideas and trained talent.• National Prestige - Initiatives can demonstrate technological capability and support national space ambitions.• Cost-Effective R&D - University programs may require lower-cost prototyping compared to large mission budgets.Considerations:• High Coordination Load - Coordination requires multi-agency alignment and time-consuming planning with universities.• Risk of Launch Failure - Test launches may fail, risking morale and wasted investment if not well supported.• Sustained Funding Need - Programs may collapse without consistent funding streams.• Regulatory Bottlenecks - Delays from airspace, military, or customs approvals can frustrate student timelines.
Europe
Coordinate with universities on educational technology initiatives - ESA Member States
The Kenya Space Agency, under the oversight of the Ministry of Defence, is spearheading the development of the Kenyan Equatorial Spaceport, leveraging the nation’s advantageous equatorial location. This initiative is part of the national strategy to position Kenya as a regional hub for space launches and services. The project aims to enable access to both national and international markets for satellite deployment and suborbital missions, while fostering local capacity in launch vehicle development and spaceport operations.Prerequisites:• Institutional & political interest and support for access to space• Technical and engineering capabilities for operation of launchsite• Ground infrastructure (engine test stands, labs, propellant facilities, AIT facilities, clean rooms, etc.)• Suitable space for launches, ideally a coastal or desert location with clear range over uninhabited areas and testing and range facilities (or agreements to use partner facilities)• Clear regulatory framework for launch licensing, safety, and liability• Export-control compliance, insurance, and mission assurance processes• Partnerships with experienced launch providers • Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planningCost: Basic adaptation of existing facilities for small launchers• Ballpark: USD 50M–200M + OPEX USD 5M–10M/yr • Includes: site surveys and environmental studies, upgrading existing airstrips/coastal facilities for launch pads, ground support equipment, basic range safety systems, integration facilities, licensing and regulation setupFull-scale new spaceport for multiple vehicle classes• Ballpark: USD 200M–1B + OPEX USD 10M–50M/yr • Includes: site acquisition and civil works, construction of launch pads and integration hangars, propellant storage and handling systems, mission control centres, range safety and tracking systems, ground transport/logistics, environmental and community programmes, long-term international partnershipsTimeframe: Basic facility adaptation• Overall 36–72 mo• Phase: feasibility & site studies (6–12 mo), regulatory and partnership agreements (6–12 mo), construction/upgrades (18–36 mo), commissioning & first launches (6–12 mo)Full-scale new spaceport• Overall 72–144 mo• Phase: feasibility & master planning (12–24 mo), international partnerships & financing (12–24 mo), major construction (36–60 mo), commissioning & operations (12–24 mo)Pros: • Strategic Location - Proximity to the equator or other advantageous geographic features can enable more efficient launch trajectories, particularly for missions targeting geostationary orbits.• Economic Potential - Launch site development and operations can drive regional economic growth, generate employment, and contribute to a nation's positioning in the global space economy.• International Collaboration - Bilateral and multilateral agreements can facilitate partnerships with international aerospace stakeholders, fostering technology transfer, investment, and capacity building.Considerations:• Social Impact Considerations - The development of space infrastructure can affect local communities, including issues related to land use, displacement, and the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement.• Financial Sustainability - High capital and operational costs, along with historical project delays or cancellations, can pose challenges to long-term viability and investor confidence.• Safety and Risk Management - The inherent risk of launch operations underscores the importance of robust safety protocols, infrastructure resilience, and emergency preparedness.
Kenya
Develop a spaceport by taking advantage of potential geographical advantages - Kenya
The Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme by the European Space Agency (ESA) fosters partnerships with nations to integrate EO technology into their development operations. These collaborations enhance the use of EO data for sustainable development and capacity building.Prerequisites:• Data sharing network/platform• Identify potential partners• Capability to process EO data• Procurement pathway• Partner support as needed• Data policy (open by default preferred)• Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planningCost: • Ballpark: USD 10k–100k/yr• Includes: membership or participation fees, travel and representation in meetings, technical integration with network standards, staff time for coordinationTimeframe: • Overall: 6–18 mo• Phase: scoping & stakeholder alignment (2–4 mo), application & integration with network standards (3–6 mo), capacity building & participation (6–8 mo)Pros:• Leveraging Open Resources - Access to EO capabilities at a lower cost• Driving Cooperation - Fosters international collaboration• Timeline - Accelerates capability buildingConsiderations:• Dependency - Reliant on external providers• Security - Potential privacy and security concerns
Europe
Participate in regional and international data sharing networks - ESA Member States
Since 2011, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) has hosted the DLR Summer School on Space Propulsion, a ten-day seminar for university students interested in aerospace technology. DLR also offers internships, thesis projects, and doctoral positions across its institutes. Doctoral candidates benefit from the DLR Graduate Program, which builds key skills in research, communication, and career development.
Germany
Support capacity building through training and hands-on experimentation - Germany
The development and inauguration of the Alcântara Launch Centre, led by the newly established state-owned enterprise Alada under the oversight of the Brazilian Ministry of Defence, enables Brazilian access to national and international markets for space vehicle launches.Prerequisites:• Institutional & political interest and support for access to space• Technical and engineering capabilities for operation of launchsite• Ground infrastructure (engine test stands, labs, propellant facilities, AIT facilities, clean rooms, etc.)• Suitable space for launches, ideally a coastal or desert location with clear range over uninhabited areas and testing and range facilities (or agreements to use partner facilities)• Clear regulatory framework for launch licensing, safety, and liability• Export-control compliance, insurance, and mission assurance processes• Partnerships with experienced launch providers • Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planningCost:Basic adaptation of existing facilities for small launchers• Ballpark: USD 50M–200M + OPEX USD 5M–10M/yr • Includes: site surveys and environmental studies, upgrading existing airstrips/coastal facilities for launch pads, ground support equipment, basic range safety systems, integration facilities, licensing and regulation setupFull-scale new spaceport for multiple vehicle classes• Ballpark: USD 200M–1B + OPEX USD 10M–50M/yr • Includes: site acquisition and civil works, construction of launch pads and integration hangars, propellant storage and handling systems, mission control centres, range safety and tracking systems, ground transport/logistics, environmental and community programmes, long-term international partnershipsIn the use case illustrated, the construction of the Alcântara Launch Centre (CLA) in Brazil, which began in 1982, involved an initial investment exceeding USD 470M. In the use case, Brazil invested approximately USD 300M in the Alcântara Cyclone Space (ACS) project—a joint venture with Ukraine—before the program was cancelled in 2015 due to commercial viability concerns. Recent plans for infrastructure enhancements at the Alcântara Launch Centre, including the construction of a port terminal, are projected to cost up to USD 1.96B.Timeframe: Basic facility adaptation• Overall 36–72 mo• Phase: feasibility & site studies (6–12 mo), regulatory and partnership agreements (6–12 mo), construction/upgrades (18–36 mo), commissioning & first launches (6–12 mo)Full-scale new spaceport• Overall 72–144 mo• Phase: feasibility & master planning (12–24 mo), international partnerships & financing (12–24 mo), major construction (36–60 mo), commissioning & operations (12–24 mo)Pros:• Strategic Location - Proximity to the equator or other advantageous geographic features can enable more efficient launch trajectories, particularly for missions targeting geostationary orbits.• Economic Potential - Launch site development and operations can drive regional economic growth, generate employment, and contribute to a nation's positioning in the global space economy.• International Collaboration - Bilateral and multilateral agreements can facilitate partnerships with international aerospace stakeholders, fostering technology transfer, investment, and capacity building.Considerations:• Social Impact Considerations - The development of space infrastructure can affect local communities, including issues related to land use, displacement, and the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement.• Financial Sustainability - High capital and operational costs, along with historical project delays or cancellations, can pose challenges to long-term viability and investor confidence.• Safety and Risk Management - The inherent risk of launch operations underscores the importance of robust safety protocols, infrastructure resilience, and emergency preparedness.
Brazil
Develop a spaceport by taking advantage of potential geographical advantages - Brazil
Nigeria's National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has proposed the construction of a spaceport to the President. They seek high-level engagement with state governments to secure equatorial land, crucial for efficient orbital launches. Launching near the equator can save millions per launch. NASRDA is negotiating a partnership with a foreign company for sea and land-based launches.Prerequisites:• Institutional & political interest and support for access to space• Technical and engineering capabilities for operation of launchsite• Ground infrastructure (engine test stands, labs, propellant facilities, AIT facilities, clean rooms, etc.)• Suitable space for launches, ideally a coastal or desert location with clear range over uninhabited areas and testing and range facilities (or agreements to use partner facilities)• Clear regulatory framework for launch licensing, safety, and liability• Export-control compliance, insurance, and mission assurance processes• Partnerships with experienced launch providers • Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planningCost:Basic adaptation of existing facilities for small launchers• Ballpark: USD 50M–200M + OPEX USD 5M–10M/yr • Includes: site surveys and environmental studies, upgrading existing airstrips/coastal facilities for launch pads, ground support equipment, basic range safety systems, integration facilities, licensing and regulation setupFull-scale new spaceport for multiple vehicle classes• Ballpark: USD 200M–1B + OPEX USD 10M–50M/yr • Includes: site acquisition and civil works, construction of launch pads and integration hangars, propellant storage and handling systems, mission control centres, range safety and tracking systems, ground transport/logistics, environmental and community programmes, long-term international partnershipsTimeframe: Basic facility adaptation• Overall 36–72 mo• Phase: feasibility & site studies (6–12 mo), regulatory and partnership agreements (6–12 mo), construction/upgrades (18–36 mo), commissioning & first launches (6–12 mo)Full-scale new spaceport• Overall 72–144 mo• Phase: feasibility & master planning (12–24 mo), international partnerships & financing (12–24 mo), major construction (36–60 mo), commissioning & operations (12–24 mo)Pros:• Strategic Location - Proximity to the equator or other advantageous geographic features can enable more efficient launch trajectories, particularly for missions targeting geostationary orbits.• Economic Potential - Launch site development and operations can drive regional economic growth, generate employment, and contribute to a nation's positioning in the global space economy.• International Collaboration - Bilateral and multilateral agreements can facilitate partnerships with international aerospace stakeholders, fostering technology transfer, investment, and capacity building.Considerations:• Social Impact Considerations - The development of space infrastructure can affect local communities, including issues related to land use, displacement, and the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement.• Financial Sustainability - High capital and operational costs, along with historical project delays or cancellations, can pose challenges to long-term viability and investor confidence.• Safety and Risk Management - The inherent risk of launch operations underscores the importance of robust safety protocols, infrastructure resilience, and emergency preparedness.
Nigeria
Develop a spaceport by taking advantage of potential geographical advantages - Nigeria

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