Space manufacturing activities

Many economies have developed industrial capacities in space manufacturing. This implies industries involved in one or several high-technology value chains ranging from basic research and development, to manufacturing a satellite, its components, launch capabilities, and developing the associated ground-segment to operate these systems. Space manufacturing remains in 2014 a highly specialised high-tech industry, relatively small in size but with highly-qualified human resources. Employment may decrease over the next two years in different parts of the world (Europe, United States, Russian Federation) as several major manufacturers are restructuring their space business after mergers and putting in place vertical integration of their activities.