Enabling the creation of a
NewSpace ecosystem in Sweden

A collaborative platform focused on the commercial utilization of space

WE ARE CONSTRUCTIVE DISRUPTORS

But this isn’t about disrupting simply for the sake of disruption. The ‘constructive’ part is crucial.

In order to enable success (in any sector), a willingness to question existing norms and practices, and re-think traditional ways of doing things, is ESSENTIAL.

We’re challenging the status quo because we believe in the long-term positive impacts that new space technology – and, more importantly, an entirely new business model for the space sector – will have on society at large.

The space industry is undergoing significant and rapid development – COMPARABLE TO THAT OF THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION.

The global space sector has already changed significantly in recent years – and these changes are accelerating, thanks to commercial forces that have created entirely new business models – making space faster, cheaper and more innovative than ever before.

According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the consequences of the ongoing evolution of the space sector “will affect all parts of society for decades to come”.

However, despite a long history in space research, Sweden has not kept up with recent market developments. To strengthen Sweden’s position going forward, targeted efforts are required where regional competencies are leveraged to increase national competitiveness.

The Super Heavy booster returning to the launch site to be caught by its launch tower, on 13 Oct 2024. Credit: SpaceX

“Countries that don’t secure their independent space capabilities now will become strategically dependent on those that do – and economically deprived from leadership in the ‘NewSpace’ sector.”

— The European Space Agency (ESA)

The space sector is expected to grow

EXPONENTIALLY

EuropeAN INVESTMENTS

€1.5 billion

Investments in European space companies in 2024

Source: European Space Policy Institute,
Space Venture 2024

Current GLOBAL Value

$630 billion

Assessed value of the global space economy in 2023

Source: World Economic Forum,
Insight Report April 2024

Predicted Future Value

$1.8 trillion

Predicted value of the global space economy by 2035

Source: World Economic Forum,
Insight Report April 2024

OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE, YET UNABASHEDLY BOLD:

To help Sweden finally enter – and begin succeeding in – the NewSpace era.

A primary focus of Space West is creating the necessary pre-conditions to enable the development of a domestic ecosystem focused on the commercial utilization of space and associated dual-use applications. The objective is to foster collaboration among like-minded individuals and entities (from government, industry and academia) who wish to actively participate in evolving the Swedish space sector.

We emphasize the utilization of space to provide meaningful capabilities that create value.

Space West facilitates both cross-sector and public-private collaborations. Together with our partners, we’re working to effectuate improvements within a number of key topic areas. A few examples of our many collaborative projects are provided below:

Dual-Use Applications

Space has always been a domain where technologies with both civilian and military applications are a natural component of all activities. Such dual-use aspects are now becoming even more important, due to the evolving geopolitical situation.

Space West is working to identify new space-related technologies and associated services, with the potential to “cross the divide” between the civil and defense sectors, that can be leveraged to increase market demand.

Ecosystem Development

The global space industry has been undergoing a paradigm shift, where a growing number of new, private companies are entering the market – driven by commercial opportunities and new, innovative technologies. But such developments have unfortunately been largely absent in Sweden.

Space West is actively fostering the creation of an entirely new type of domestic space ecosystem, focused on the provision of end-to-end “space-as-a-service” capabilities.

Future Workforce

In order for “space-as-a-service” companies to succeed, an entirely new breed of employees is needed – who have been trained to think about space in a radically different way. But most of the existing space-related educational curricula are still teaching an outdated mentality.

Space West is helping to design NewSpace-relevant curriculum, so that a new domestic space ecosystem – focused on the commercial utilization of space – can flourish and grow.

Our Partners

Together we’re striving to enable a more relevant and competitive Swedish space ecosystem!

JOIN US on our journeY

AS WE REVOLUTIONIZE THE SWEDISH SPACE SECTOR

CONTACT US

Space West is a collaborative platform designed to support the development of a more commercially-focused space sector in Sweden, that will in turn contribute to both economic growth and national security.