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 Central American Association for Aeronautics and Space (ACAE), in collaboration with the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC), successfully crowdfunded the Irazú satellite project to enhance environmental monitoring in the region. This initiative demonstrated how public engagement and alternative financing models can empower academic institutions and emerging space actors to realize small-scale missions, serving as a compelling example of how dedicated crowdfunding platforms can help democratize access to space and stimulate grassroots innovation.
Costa Rica
Consider crowd funding initiatives to raise funding for space activities - Costa Rica
In 2024, the European Investment Bank (EIB), in partnership with the European Commission and the European Space Agency, launched a joint initiative to strengthen Europe’s space sector by improving access to finance for space companies. This includes tailored financial tools such as venture debt, equity investments, and advisory services. National space agencies or ministries can leverage this initiative by connecting domestic space startups with the EIB, helping them scale innovation, infrastructure, and commercialization.
Europe
Pursue international funding opportunities for space activities - Europe
Launched in 2016, SpaceResources.lu positioned Luxembourg as a hub for space resources and innovation. The government created a dedicated public fund (~€200M), passed Europe’s first law granting companies rights to extracted space resources, and co-invested with private venture capital. This combination of legal certainty + financial incentives + international partnerships attracted dozens of startups and SMEs, including international entrants, and supported the creation of the Luxembourg Space Agency (2018).
Luxembourg
Leverage venture capital and private investment to support space startups and SMEs - Luxembourg
Luxembourg has strategically positioned itself as a global leader in the space resource sector. Some key initiatives include the partnership with ispace, the support to Lunar Outpost, and the participation in NASA's Artemis Program.
Luxembourg
Develop focused national capabilities in emerging space-relevant technologies - Luxembourg
The Emirates Space Innovation Group (ESIG), launched by the UAE Space Agency, aims to strengthen national space activities and foster collaboration across the local space sector. Comprising government bodies, companies, universities, and research centres, ESIG meets quarterly to review national space projects, share updates, and discuss future mission funding and research priorities.
United Arab Emirates
Establish a stakeholder discussion group to align with global space trends - UAE
Rwanda, through the Rwanda Space Agency, has actively pursued partnerships with nations like Japan, the UAE, and members of the European Union. These collaborations focus on satellite development, climate monitoring, and urban planning. Rwanda also signed the Artemis Accords and is investing in workforce development through academic partnerships.
Pursue strategic partnerships to address capability gaps in priority space domains - Rwanda
A wide range of internationally recognized standards and guidelines have been developed to promote safety, sustainability, and interoperability in space activities. These frameworks provide a robust foundation for responsible space operations and are increasingly referenced by national regulators and agencies. • ISO standards https://www.iso.org/ics/49.140/x/ • United Nations Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities https://spacesustainability.unoosa.org/content/the_guidelines • IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines https://www.unoosa.org/pdf/publications/st_space_49E.pdf https://iadc-
Ensure alignment between national frameworks and internationally recognized space standards
France enforces its 2008 Space Operations Act through Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), which issues technical regulations requiring operators to submit documentation on debris mitigation, collision avoidance, and post-mission disposal. Operators must comply with international norms (e.g. IADC guidelines) and carry third-party liability insurance. CNES oversees enforcement and conducts compliance audits.
France
Enact a comprehensive national space law to establish a strong legal foundation - France
The Philippines established their national space agencies through a dedicated legal act — Republic Act No. 11363 (2019), respectively—ensuring full compliance with their national legal frameworks.Additional Sources: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/nationalspacelaw/index.html
Philippines
Establish a space agency through robust legal and institutional mechanisms - Philippines
The US Commercial Space Launch Act and related regulations form the backbone of American space law. These laws authorize the Federal Aviation Administration to license commercial launches and re-entries, require insurance coverage, and enforce environmental and safety standards. The US legal framework is aligned with international treaties and is regularly updated to accommodate new technologies and commercial models.
USA
Enact a comprehensive national space law to establish a strong legal foundation - US
Industry Space Days (ISD) are events organised by the European Space Agency to foster cooperation and innovation within the space sector, particularly focusing on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The event features pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings, exhibitions, keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops, providing a platform for networking and exploring business opportunities. ISD aims to bring together Europe’s space community to identify trends and collaborate on future projects.
Europe
Host collaborative events to connect local and international stakeholders - ESA Member States
Thailand’s Space Expo demonstrates how national events can elevate a nation’s space profile while fostering international collaboration. By showcasing domestic advancements, facilitating business opportunities, and inviting global stakeholders, the Expo strengthens Thailand’s space ecosystem and positions it as a regional hub for innovation and cooperation.
Thailand
Host collaborative events to connect local and international stakeholders - Thailand
The European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) exemplify how integrating space startups into broader innovation ecosystems can accelerate growth. Through technical support, seed funding, and access to a wide network of partners, ESA BICs help early-stage ventures develop commercially viable solutions and connect with cross-sector opportunities across Europe.
Europe
Integrate space startups into national innovation ecosystems - ESA Member States
The Office of Space Commerce (OSC), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US Department of Commerce, is the primary federal office responsible for promoting the commercial space industry. It acts as a central point of contact for private companies, offering regulatory support, coordinating interagency efforts, and advocating for industry-friendly policies.
USA
Appoint a dedicated Point of Contact to support coordination and innovation - US
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has established the Space Enterprise Department to enhance private sector participation in Nigeria’s space industry. This department actively engages with private companies, integrating them into the national space ecosystem and identifying strategic partners for collaboration. Although the department does not have a regulatory or policy-making mandate, it works closely with relevant regulatory bodies to ensure alignment with national space policies that foster enterprise growth and innovation.
Nigeria
Establish a regulatory and commercial framework for private sector participation - Nigeria
In the United States, a wide range of venture capital firms and accelerators support early-stage space startups. Dedicated investors include Space Capital, Space Angels, SpaceFund, and Seraphim Space, while major technology VCs such as Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Bessemer, and Khosla Ventures have backed companies across launch, satellites, and data services. This ecosystem is reinforced by accelerators like Techstars Space and Starburst, and by public programmes such as NASA SBIR/STTR, AFWERX, and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which de-risk investments through contracts and grants. Together, these mechanisms illustrate how public-private collaboration drives space sector growth, blending private VC capital with government-backed support.
USA
Support the creation of a public-backed venture capital fund for space startups - US
The Indian government, through the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), approved a ₹1,000 crore (approx. USD 120M) venture capital fund to support space-sector startups. This initiative aims to boost early-stage investment, foster innovation, and align private sector growth with national space and economic priorities, while reducing financial barriers for emerging companies.
India
Support the creation of a public-backed venture capital fund for space startups - India
The AlSat-Nano mission, a collaboration between the UK Space Agency, the Surrey Space Centre, and the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL), was designed to train Algerian students and engineers in satellite design, integration, and operations. By leveraging British expertise, the project provided hands-on experience and knowledge transfer, helping Algeria build local capacity in small satellite technology.
Algeria, United Kingdom
Support technology transfer initiatives to build local capabilities - Algeria and UK
India’s Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop a small satellite, with the goal of building local expertise in satellite technology. This collaboration includes knowledge transfer, technical training, and hands-on development, enabling Mauritius to strengthen its domestic capabilities in space systems, illustrating how targeted technology transfer can empower emerging space nations, stimulate local innovation, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable and competitive space industry.
Mauritius, India
Support technology transfer initiatives to build local capabilities - Mauritius and India
Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) programme is one of the most generous R&D tax incentive schemes globally. It offers a 35% refundable tax credit for Canadian-controlled private corporations and a 15% non-refundable credit for larger or foreign-owned firms. These incentives apply to space-related R&D, including satellite systems, aerospace engineering, and space data applications.
Canada
Introduce tax incentives and subsidies to boost private sector participation - Canada

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