The Rise of the Commercial Space Industry

This collection explores the evolution of the commercial space industry from the beginning of the space age through the early twenty-first century. Today, the space industry is taking on an increased leadership and innovation role in both space access and exploration. The growth of commercial space over the past decades offers a potential new paradigm for space exploration – one in which industry transitions from supplier to partner. However, many questions remain. This book seeks to bring to light these questions, which span from the most seemingly consequential: how will humanity explore the Moon and Mars? - to the most basic: what is commercial space?

To further develop the historical context of commercial space, and thereby better inform decision-making at NASA in the future, this volume examines a broad range of questions related to the history of commercial space operations, including but not limited to: how has the concept of ‘commercial space’ evolved in different fields and disciplines? What have been the major events and milestones in the emergence and evolution of commercial space activities in the USA and internationally? How has the US Government assisted or impeded the emergence and evolution of commercial space activities? Providing contributions from a range of different disciplines and backgrounds, the authors of this volume offer valuable insights for scholars researching the history of space and space policy, as well as decision-makers working at NASA or within the wider space industry.

Brian C. Odom is the Chief Historian at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) where he leads the program responsible for capturing, preserving, and disseminating the agency’s history. Based in the USA, he is co-editor of NASA and the ‘Long’ Civil Rights Movement (2019) which was awarded the 2019 Eugene M. Emme Astronautical Literature Award by the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and NASA and the American South (2024).