Accelerating the role of the space ecosystem in driving sustainability, security, and technological development on Earth
WHAT WE DO
Operations
Supply chain management, procurement transformation, product development, and optimization of business models
Examples of our work:
- developing an AI roadmap for a leading space agency with over 25 use cases prioritized, and 50 AI use cases assessed for impact and feasibility
- optimizing product cost for a leading OEM across engineering, manufacturing, and procurement
Strategy & Corporate Finance
Growth strategies, transformations, and assessment of market landscape
Examples of our work:
- assessing the satellite and launch market landscape to support the development of a client’s product strategy for the next decade
- developing growth options by scanning the space value chain and identifying eight high-potential targets with robust industrial logic from a list of more than 1,500 space companies
- supporting a disruptor company with the rapid evaluation of use cases across market verticals, to shape value creation potential and prioritize the go-to-market strategy
Digital Technology
“Big data” strategies, developing IT cost and performance strategies, and IT transformation
Examples of our work:
- partnering with a leading space OEM to develop a new digital business leveraging space-acquired data to track shutdowns of refineries
- helping a leading space-defense organization set up a fully digital environment
Partnerships
World Economic Forum
Our knowledge and research partnership with the World Economic Forum is focused on collaborating to chart a course toward a space ecosystem that can yield the greatest benefits on Earth and in space. As part of our collaboration, we have interviewed nearly 100 leaders from the private and public sectors, non-profits, academia, and investors. We also facilitate conversations among groups of industry leaders.
Featured Capabilities
Radar
Radar is McKinsey’s analytics platform for the aerospace and defense market.
Featured Insights
Report
Space: The $1.8 trillion opportunity for global economic growth
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As the space economy expands, it could create value for multiple industries and solve many of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Article
Space launch: Are we heading for oversupply or a shortfall?
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As the space economy expands, satellite constellations are proliferating. But launch providers must make tricky decisions on...
Commentary
Expectations versus reality: Commercial-satellite constellations
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Many commercial-satellite operators are still creating overly ambitious plans, but more companies are now making steady progress...
Interview
Scaling—and funding—next-gen satellites for the coming commercial boom
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Capella Space was the first US company to develop high-resolution SAR technology for government and defense clients. Now an increasing...
Article
Can better governance help space lift off?
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With more public and private actors entering the arena, outer space is getting crowded. Good governance could limit conflicts...
Interview
Mars exploration pushes the boundaries of AI: An interview with NASA’s Vandi Verma
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Take a seat at Mission Control as NASA’s Vandi Verma details the AI and software powering the Mars rovers and how her field...
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
How will the space economy change the world?
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Space is no longer the sole domain of governments and aerospace and defense companies. Businesses that pursue emerging opportunities...
Article
A different space race: Raising capital and accelerating growth
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As innovation accelerates within the space sector, companies may benefit by taking a disruptor’s mindset to accessing and...
Article
The role of space in driving sustainability, security, and development on Earth
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A new report reveals five actions that leaders can take to contribute to economic development, advance global security and...
Podcast
Why on earth should business care about space?
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Two decades of technological innovation have unlocked a wealth of space-based opportunities for commercial entities to offer...
Podcast
Laying the foundations for a space economy
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Space already plays a larger role in our lives than we realize, and it’s only going to grow as new technologies and innovations...
Podcast
Space: Building a digital infrastructure above the sky
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Venture capitalist Mark Boggett offers an investor’s view of the strides being made in space technology, its practical...
Article
Is there a ‘best’ owner of satellite internet?
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New satellite internet concepts are moving ahead. Are some types of companies better positioned to succeed in this growing market...
Article
The potential of microgravity: How companies across sectors can venture into space
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Should you move your R&D and manufacturing into the ether? A new McKinsey analysis explores the opportunities.
Article
Space around the globe
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The United States remains the epicenter of space activity, but many more countries are getting involved and increasing their...
Collection
The Next Normal – The future of space: It’s getting crowded out there
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Could you soon be taking trips to outer space? Some experts think so. Rocket launches have become much less expensive, so thousands...
Article
Space: Investment shifts from GEO to LEO and now beyond
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Investors have recently focused on space ventures in low-Earth orbit, but interest is growing in lunar and beyond orbital regimes....
Article
R&D for space: Who is actually funding it?
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Government still funds most space-sector R&D, but private companies have recently driven a notable uptick in overall investment....
Article
Look out below: What will happen to the space debris in orbit?
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With more satellites and space debris in orbit, it’s time for a new approach for mitigating collisions.
Commentary
Wall Street to Mission Control: Can space tourism pay off?
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With the COVID-19 pandemic curtailing earthly travel, space tourism may seem like a far-fetched dream—but some companies are...
Article
Large LEO satellite constellations: Will it be different this time?
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New satellite constellations are on the cusp of deployment, but their long-term success hinges on substantial cost reductions....
Featured Experts
Ryan Brukardt
Senior PartnerMiami
Advises global aerospace, defense, and space companies on achieving sustainable growth and operational excellence
Giacomo Gatto
PartnerLondon
Leads our space sector work in Europe and advises groups in the aerospace, defense, and space ecosystems on increasing collaboration...
KEEP EXPLORING
McKinsey Center for Advanced Connectivity
The McKinsey Center for Advanced Connectivity helps organizations leverage the world’s new digital backbone – including 5G, fiber, cable, Wi-Fi, and short-range technologies – to innovate, boost productivity, and capture the opportunity of a more connected world.
Related Practices
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Navigating rapidly changing markets to promote innovation, capture new opportunities, and create value
McKinsey Sustainability
Learn how we work with private- and public-sector institutions on challenges created by growing pressure on resource systems and increasing environmental risk.
Strategy & Corporate Finance
Building enduring value through bold strategies
Operations
Read about how we combine strategic thinking with hands-on pragmatism to help our clients achieve world-class operations.