TOP STORIES: April 2019

1 May 2019

Each month we round up some of the top stories in space, entrepreneurship, innovation, finance and technology.

Here’s our round-up for April:

Building a thoughtful space economy

 

The global space economy is currently valued at about $350 billion and is estimated to reach $1 trillion or more by 2040. Insiders say the “revolution that is commercial space is just beginning,” and investors are taking notice. Morgan Stanley held its first space summit late last year, and said 2019 could be “the year for space.” Read more in this article by Luminary Labs.

Space economy chart via Luminary Labs

Why satellites are the future of urban planning

“Aerial data has been a method of monitoring land use and tracking urban growth for many years. But the use of Earth Observation satellites and remote sensing for urban planning is now gathering pace as the application of big data and very high-resolution imagery allows for information to be gathered more swiftly, more cost effectively and in greater quantities. This data provides a more timely and effective response to the changes in use of land, infrastructure and the environment.” Read more in this article by Earth-i.

Queensland. Credit: 21AT, Earth-i Ltd.

ArianeGroup starting Ariane 6 production after new ESA agreement

 

“The European Space Agency’s 22 member states agreed April 17 to a workaround to get Ariane 6 production in full swing despite a dearth of public sector launch contracts.” Read more at SpaceNews.

An ESA council agreement reached April 17 gave ArianeGroup the confidence to start full launcher production for Ariane 6. Credit: ESA

Space is Now a Generally Accepted Venture Investment Theme

Venture capital investment in Space is now a generally accepted investment theme, so to better understand these dynamics, the Space Angels Network created a special VC infographic in our year-end Q4 2018 Space Investment Quarterly. Check out their article here.

Venture Capital Activity 2009-2018. Credit: Space Angels Network

Is this 3D-printed building the future home for astronauts on Mars?

New York-based space architects SEArch+ partnered with Californian 3D print construction company ApisCor to come up with a five-storey design that incorporates many home comforts, including four bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room with views out over the Martian landscape. Read more in this article by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The Mars X House by SEArch+ has won NASA’s most recent 3D-printed habitat challenge Image: Team SEArch+/Apis Cor/NASA

4 TEDTalks about how space technology can change life on Earth

Sure, we’re looking beyond the planet to other worlds we may one day inhabit — but a lot of this technology we’ve developed can be used for the good of the Earth, too. Read more at TED.com.

Fly Me to the Moon: Germany Eyes Slice of Lucrative Space Market

Facing tough competition from China, the United States and even tiny Luxembourg, Germany is racing to draft new laws and attract private investment to secure a slice of an emerging space market that could be worth $1 trillion a year by the 2040s. Read more at the New York Times.