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Orbital Shells: The Invisible Highways of the Space Economy

The advent of the space age has not only revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos but has also opened up new avenues for economic development. One of the key structures that have emerged in this new frontier is the concept of “orbital shells”—specific altitudinal bands around Earth where satellites and other man-made objects are placed in orbit. These shells serve as the backbone of the emerging space economy, supporting a wide range of services from telecommunications and Earth observation to scientific research and national security. This article reviews the types, applications, economic implications, and challenges associated with orbital shells.

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The Asteroid Belt and Its Relevance to the Space Economy

The asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, consists of a large number of rocky and metallic bodies that vary in size from small boulders to objects that are hundreds of kilometers in diameter. While often portrayed as a densely packed region in popular culture, the asteroid belt is actually quite sparse, with vast distances separating individual asteroids. Nonetheless, this region presents significant opportunities for scientific research, mineral extraction, and commercial ventures. This article reviews the characteristics of the asteroid belt and discusses its growing importance in the realm of the space economy.

Report: Space India 2.0: Commerce, Policy, Security, and Governance Perspectives (ORF 2017)

The report highlights the increasing commercialization and privatization of the Indian space sector.

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Report: Developing the Space Ecosystem in India: Focusing on Inclusive Growth (ISpA 2022)

The report highlights the growth and potential of the Indian space ecosystem. The document was developed by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) in collaboration with EY, and covers the outlook of the space economy in India and its potential to accelerate the socio-economic development of the country. It includes the global space economy and its growth drivers, as well as India’s entire lifecycle of the space economy, including manufacturing, ground and launch segment, startups, and end-user services. The report also provides regulatory landscape and inputs from industry to propel growth in the Indian space industry.

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What Does the Phrase “Commercialization of Space” Mean?

The phrase “commercialization of space” refers to the involvement of private enterprises in the development, launch, and exploitation of space-related technologies and services. Traditionally, space exploration and activities were primarily the domain of government agencies such as NASA in the United States, Roscosmos in Russia, and the European Space Agency in Europe. These organizations undertook missions that were funded by taxpayer money and were generally focused on scientific research, national security, and technological innovation. However, the landscape has changed significantly in recent years with the entry of private companies into the sector.