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New Space at the Lens of Technological Coherence: Continuity and Change in the Space Industry (1995–2022)

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriel Vernhes

    (ENSTA - École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées - IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris, CReA - Centre de Recherche de l'École de l'air - Armée de l'air et de l'espace)

  • Richard Le Goff

    (UEA - Unité d'Économie Appliquée - ENSTA Paris - École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées - IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris, CRG I3 - Centre de Recherche en Gestion I3 - X - École polytechnique - IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris - Université Paris-Saclay - I3 - Institut interdisciplinaire de l’innovation - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

This article examines the technological transformations of the space industry under the New Space dynamic, assessing whether they are confined to new entrants or reflect a sector-wide reconfiguration. Using Crunchbase data, we construct three samples of organizations : new space entrants (NNS), incumbent actors (OS), and intermediate organizations (ONS) and link them to patent data to reconstruct their technological knowledge bases. Drawing on graph theory and measures of technological relatedness and coherence, we analyze exploration and exploitation strategies over time. Results show knowledge bases strongly anchored in aerospace technologies, structured around airframe and flight control systems, with growing centrality of digital, sensing, and data-related technologies. Over the period 1995-2022, technological trajectories reveal two distinct phases: a stable period followed by a renewed acceleration of exploration after 2011, supporting the hypothesis of a second wave of New Space. Observed on both sides of the Atlantic, this pattern suggests a systemic transformation driven by declining entry barriers and the rise of data-centric technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriel Vernhes & Richard Le Goff, 2025. "New Space at the Lens of Technological Coherence: Continuity and Change in the Space Industry (1995–2022)," Post-Print hal-05455009, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05455009
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