The benefits of space will keep growing for countries and companies — ISRO is the most inspiring model for space development now: Matthew C. Weinzierl
space sector.
Q. What is the core of your research?
A. I bring the tools of economics to the rapidly changing space sector.
I am a tax economist by training but while teaching on the role of government in the economy, I thought about what was changing in the space sector, namely the relationship between the government and market. I found that fascinating and wanted to help people both manage and nurture this development.
Q. Which factors are driving this sudden commercial expansion into space?
A.
The first is that the model that didn’t take advantage of market forces and competition, namely the one we started with in the 1950s-60s, ran its course. It did amazing things but we also began to see the consequences of not having the power of the market in play — so, there was a natural evolution towards greater openness to market forces.
The second factor was rapid technological development, not just in rocket technology but in microelectronics and communications technologies — these allowed satellites to get smaller and more powerful and control of space systems to be more effective. That brought costs down dramatically while benefits expanded — so, the idea of a more active commercial space sector became really appealing.
This increase in capabilities has allowed us to generate data and communications through space which are growing increasingly valuable to companies. We hope to expand these to manufacturing in space and also research and development at scale.
Q. What are the four ways you have studied which create value from space?
A.
