Supply Chain Management in the New Space Economy

Abstract The chapter examines the uniqueness of supply chain management (SCM) in the space industry, comparing it with the new (commercial) space economy (NSE). Traditional space industries are bound by government regulations, political influences, and national budget constraints, resulting in inflexible and slow processes, lengthy cycle times, or halted production delays. The NSE, however, is driven by commercial goals and limited budgets from private investors, necessitating cost-effective SCM practices while maintaining high-quality standards. Risk management and validation take different trajectories to balance cost and performance. To align NSE supply chains with financial and customer demands, mapping and analyzing SCM processes is crucial to understanding the activities’ impact. Firms need comprehensive SCM strategies covering the (economic) performance and the associated processes of planning, sourcing, operations, and delivery of products and services. The authors conclude with practical insights and recommendations for optimizing supply chain networks.