In the last 10 years, interest in outer space has been steadily increasing, with the space economy becoming a hot topic among enterprises, citizens, and governments alike. To meet the growing demand for reliable and timely statistics on the space economy, Eurostat has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) to create a new section dedicated to space economic activities in Europe.
Today, Eurostat is proud to announce the launch of a new webpage specifically focused on the European space economy. This webpage, part of our Experimental statistics section, will provide consolidated and comprehensive statistics on key indicators of the space economy’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP). These indicators include output, gross value-added (GVA), employment, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By utilizing the supply and use framework of the System of National Accounts (SNA 2008), we can capture both the direct and indirect contributions of the space economy.
In line with the webpage launch, Eurostat will release its first set of data on the EU space economy on 15 December. These initial results will encompass information on spacecraft exports and imports, including satellites, as well as spacecraft launch vehicles. On the same day, we will also publish a paper co-authored with the JRC and ESA that outlines the methodology used for the space economy account.
Additionally, a co-publication titled International, North American and European Statistical Classifications for Space Economy Measurement, created in collaboration with the ESA, JRC, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), will also be released on 15 December. This publication will present a comprehensive list of statistical codes that enable the measurement of the space economy at the international, North American, and European levels for the first time.
The Eurostat initiative aims to provide stakeholders and the general public with a reliable and transparent data source on the space economy. As space-related activities continue to expand and permeate various sectors, such as climate change monitoring, security and defense mechanisms, and advanced digital and communication systems, it becomes crucial to have accurate information on the economic impact generated by these activities. Eurostat’s collaboration with ESA and JRC ensures that the collected data is of the highest quality and reflects the multifaceted nature of the space economy.
The new webpage and the upcoming releases on 15 December mark significant strides towards a better understanding of the space economy and its contributions in Europe and beyond. With these valuable statistics and classifications, decision-makers, researchers, and the public will be equipped with the necessary information to navigate and participate in this rapidly evolving sector. As the world continues to explore and push the boundaries of space, Eurostat remains committed to providing timely and relevant data for all those interested in the exciting realm of the space economy.
