Five key turning points in the American space industry in the past 20 years: Structure, innovation, and globalization shifts in the space sector

Though unremarkable to some, the 1990s and 2000s saw important events and changes in the U.S. space sector. These changes were by no means preemptive but rather reactions to key events. This paper studies five moments over the two decades that have shaped the American space industry significantly. The author explains how these events have affected change and indicated shifting trends. The shifts examined are those in the American space industry’s structure as well as its approach to innovation and to the globalization of the space sector.

► The events reveal innovation and globalization trends in the U.S. space industry. ► The 1990s was an awkward transition period as the U.S. emerged from the Cold War. ► The 2000s saw a burgeoning New Space industry and adoption to globalized space. ► The U.S. space industry must innovate and participate in policy to stay relevant.