The space domain is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Rapid technological advancements, lower-cost access to orbit, and historic private investment are driving a wave of commercial innovation and the rise of a new space economy. To outpace emerging threats, enable new capabilities, and strengthen space security, the U.S. government is increasingly looking to leverage commercial space solutions.

The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) serves as the trusted, independent partner helping to accelerate the deployment of new commercial capabilities to space and their integration into national security and civil space architectures. With end-to-end technical expertise, Aerospace helps government agencies and commercial companies navigate complexity, drive innovation, and field new capabilities with speed and confidence.

As a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), Aerospace operates free from commercial conflicts of interest, providing objective, unbiased technical expertise and analysis to all sectors of the U.S. space enterprise. Our Commercial Space Futures initiative bridges the gap between government and industry by identifying and validating commercial capabilities, de-risking emerging technologies, and streamlining their adoption into critical space programs.

To learn more about Commercial Space Futures, contact us at CSF@aero.org.

Commercial Space Futures

Our Commercial Space Futures initiative bridges the gap between government and industry, accelerating the deployment of new commercial capabilities to space and their integration into national security and civil space architectures.

Delivering Innovation at Scale Through Technology Transfer and Partnerships

Aerospace’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) serves as a critical bridge that amplifies the impact and reach of innovation by partnering with government and commercial stakeholders to move new capabilities and concepts forward.

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Aerospace Strengthens Commercial Collaboration at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

The Aerospace Corporation once again joined forces with TechCrunch to deliver engaging panel discussions with leaders across defense, civil and commercial space, as well as a Space Challenge pitch-off for startups to showcase innovative concepts poised to transform commercial space operations.

TRL Bootcamp Accelerates Commercial Innovation for Government Use

Aerospace and SpaceWERX are fast tracking commercial technologies to meet the rapidly evolving needs of national security space, empowering emerging technology for defense and beyond through the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Bootcamp program.

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United States viewed at night from space

Strengthening a Solid Foundation: U.S. Advantages from Commercial Space

The commercial space economy is growing and increasingly driving new space-based capabilities. U.S. government actions, during the Cold War and after, created a vibrant commercial space industry that still leads internationally. However, the space domain is undergoing rapid changes and great power competitors seek to overtake the United States and/or threaten the nation’s space capabilities. This chapter employs a strategic planning framework to describe the current competitive state of the United States and other nations, examine several current or potential U.S. government strategic actions, and explain the value of leveraging the domestic commercial industry for national security.

Overcoming the Flight-Proven Paradox: How Aerospace is Accelerating Commercial Innovation

By leveraging certified space testbeds and proving grounds, commercial developers can build trust in innovative space capabilities and accelerate their path to deployment to space.

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Collaborate with Commercial Space Futures

To work with Aerospace’s Commercial Space Futures team or to learn more, contact us here.