“Space as the Next Cross-Domain Infrastructure for National Sovereignty”: The TRIM Center Research Report

The TRIM Center released its new research report, “Space as the Next Cross-Domain Infrastructure for National Sovereignty”.

Space has become foundational infrastructure for the state, the economy, and society. The global space economy is currently valued at approximately US$600 billion and could grow to US$1.8 trillion by 2035. This growth is being driven by the expanding adoption of satellite-enabled services across economic sectors.

The Central Trend

The space sector is shifting from an industry-centric model to a platform-based one. The primary source of value is no longer the asset in orbit, but the services it enables on the ground. Leading space companies are no longer competing through standalone products. Instead, they integrate launch services, satellites, ground terminals, data, and applications into unified platforms.

The State Remains the Central Actor

The space sector operates neither as a state monopoly nor as a fully competitive free market. The state remains the anchor customer, the principal funder of basic research, and the steward of critical infrastructure.

For example, the United States relies on private companies for launch services and satellite data procurement. China integrates commercial space companies into a state-led industrial ecosystem. Europe treats satellite data as a public good.

A dual-track model is becoming the global norm.

The government track covers critical technologies, navigation, meteorological services, human spaceflight programs, and deep-space exploration.

The commercial track focuses on communications, Earth observation, and consumer-facing space applications.

How Is Russia’s Space Industry Evolving?

Russia retains a predominantly state-led space model, with limited separation between institutional roles.

The country ranks among the top five globally in government space spending and maintains advanced capabilities in deep-space exploration and complex space systems. However, the sector remains in the early stages of transitioning toward a services-based model. Regulatory, procurement, manufacturing, and operational functions remain largely concentrated within Roscosmos. The integration of R&D, serial production, and end-user demand remains under development.

Key Finding of the Report

Space is becoming a cross-cutting infrastructure underpinning national sovereignty. Without space-based capabilities, modern states cannot sustain navigation, communications, monitoring, territorial governance, security, and the operation of critical systems.

The full report is available at the link below.