Strategic Review of the Global Space Launch Sector
A 103-page assessment of the technologies, markets, and geopolitics shaping the future of space.
The global space launch sector is at a crossroads. The United States remains the leader — but its dominance is eroding as China, India, and other actors expand their launch capacity and ambitions. Europe, meanwhile, risks repeating the mistakes of AI, robotics, and eVTOLs: producing world-class talent but failing to secure industrial leadership or strategic autonomy.
This report provides the most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary review of the sector to date, examining both technological foundations and the geopolitical stakes of access to space.
Inside the Report
Industry & Technologies Overview — the state of global launch capabilities and underlying technologies.
National Strategies & Capabilities — analysis of US, China, Russia, Europe, India, and other key players.
Commercial Sector Assessment — profiles of major companies and emerging competitors worldwide.
Geopolitics & Security — how Russia and China threaten Western space assets, and what this means for autonomy.
Market Trends & Infrastructure — including spaceports, workforce development, and India’s rise as a credible new power.
Strategic Recommendations — forward-looking insights for governments, companies, and international institutions.
Why It Matters
China now outperforms Europe in both payload size and launch success, despite comparable investment.
Strategic autonomy is at risk as Europe’s dependence on external providers grows.
India is emerging as a rising star, reshaping competition and opportunity.
Russia and China’s actions increase pressure on the security of Western satellites and launch systems.
About the Authors
Written by eight authors with diverse disciplinary backgrounds and relevant expertise, the report also benefited from the guidance of Mark Allworthy, Senior Partner at AzureX, who provided strategic input. 
📄 Format: PDF (103 pages + references)
🌍 Audience: Governments, commercial stakeholders, international institutions, and researchers
💡 Availability: Download directly from our website