The final frontier, once the domain of government agencies, is now being reshaped by private enterprise. This shift marks a new chapter in space exploration that promises unprecedented opportunities but also raises a critical question: As private companies take the helm, are we advancing collective human aspirations or merely paving the way for a cosmic marketplace? General B. Chance Saltzman of the US Space Force captured this tension when he warned, “We are now at the precipice of a new era in space... The old ways of doing business are too slow, too late to need, and too behind the times to meet the challenges we face” (SpaceNews, 2023).
This new space race is no longer solely about who can reach the farthest planet; it’s about leveraging space as an economic engine and a strategic frontier. The privatisation of space presents both vast opportunities and complex challenges. According to the World Economic Forum, the global space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven largely by commercial innovation and strategic investments (World Economic Forum, 2024, p. 10). Yet, with this explosive growth comes a host of new risks.
General Saltzman highlighted the increasing threats in space: “We’re seeing on-orbit grapplers, pursuit satellites, nesting dolls, directed energy weapons, cyber-attacks” (SpaceNews, 2023). As space becomes more accessible, the same technologies that power exploration are also accessible to adversaries, intensifying the need for strategic leadership and ethical decision-making.
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Furthermore, Saltzman emphasised the urgency of adapting to this new reality: “We’re now seeing investments in space mobility and logistics, refuelling, life extension programs, proliferated low Earth orbit, internet satellites and more… it is imperative that we understand that our traditional ways of addressing challenges must be evaluated” (SpaceNews, 2023). This statement is a clarion call for professionals across the industry not only to innovate but to lead with strategic foresight and ethical clarity.
University of South Australia Business Dean of Programs (Postgraduate), Professor Lan Snell, articulates the challenges and opportunities of this new era: “As private companies take the lead in space, the responsibility to balance profit with ethical considerations becomes critical. Leadership here isn’t optional—it’s essential.” Snell’s insight underscores the importance of equipping professionals with both the technical knowledge and business acumen necessary to thrive in this landscape, which was the driving force behind UniSA’s Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space (GEMBA).
The 18-month GEMBA program has a strong practical focus on leadership and decision-making, while embedding the latest in defence and space management research. And it’s a combination that’s resonating with industry and helping meet those leadership challenges head on. “We need to develop ambidexterity in thinking and working. Being adaptive leaders in this era of change is a must”, Snell says.
Saltzman’s insights further illuminate the need for a new type of leadership in space and defence. The traditional, government-led model of space exploration is being replaced by a dynamic environment where private companies drive innovation. However, this shift also introduces risks—particularly as the democratisation of space makes cutting-edge technology more accessible to adversaries. As Saltzman notes, the proliferation of space technology across the globe is both an opportunity and a threat, making the role of ethical leadership even more critical.
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The rapid commercialisation of space demands a rethinking of the skills required to lead. While technical expertise remains essential, the future of space leadership will hinge on a broader set of competencies. Professionals in the space and defence sectors must develop advanced project management skills, financial acumen, and a deep understanding of data analytics and artificial intelligence. These skills will be crucial for leading complex, multidisciplinary projects integrating space capabilities across various industries.
Moreover, a global perspective is essential. Space is inherently international, requiring collaboration across borders and sectors. Navigating these complex geopolitical dynamics will be critical for professionals aiming to lead in this space. As Saltzman’s comments suggest, adaptability and pivoting in response to new challenges are key to thriving in this rapidly evolving environment (SpaceNews, 2023).
The privatisation of space has brought about a paradigm shift, where the roles of government and private enterprises are increasingly intertwined. Initiatives like AUKUS highlight the strategic importance of space for defence, particularly as countries like the United States and Australia seek to maintain sovereignty in a rapidly changing global landscape. Space is now a critical enabler of advanced defence capabilities, and the intersection between space and defence has never been more crucial.
Professor Snell agrees that developing advanced leadership cooperation, mobility of labour, and a community of industry professionals between the three AUKUS nations is necessary across the defence and space supply chain: “The AUKUS arrangement means working with different cultures, agencies, organisations and teams. Industry leaders will need to be able to create and sustain significant global professional networks as well as keep on top of emerging technology and technical best practice.” And it’s a significant factor to the GEMBA program design: high quality online learning interspersed with two-week intensive study periods held in the UK (University of Exeter), the USA (Carnegie Mellon University) and Australia (UniSA) to mirror the AUKUS relationship.
However, technical and strategic skills alone are not enough. The ethical responsibilities of individuals in these organisations are paramount. The decisions made today will shape the future of space exploration, impacting not just the economic landscape but also international relations and environmental stewardship. Professionals with the right skills and ethical grounding will be crucial in ensuring that space remains a domain that benefits all of humanity, not just the privileged few.
As private corporations take on a larger role in space exploration and defence, the moral and ethical responsibilities of individuals within these organisations cannot be overstated. The commercialisation of space, while unlocking vast potential, also raises profound ethical questions. Who gets to decide how space is used? How do we ensure that space remains a global commons rather than a marketplace dominated by a few powerful entities? These are not just questions for policymakers—they are questions that every leader in the space industry must grapple with.
Saltzman’s emphasis on the need for a pivot in how space operations are conducted highlights the urgency of this ethical challenge. Traditional ways of doing business are no longer sufficient; new approaches are needed that prioritise not just profit but the long-term well-being of humanity and the planet. This requires a new kind of leader—one who is not only technically proficient but also ethical, strategic, and commercially astute.
Explorations Manager at Fleet Space Technology and current student in the GEMBA program, Jeremy Aubert, aptly put it: “I play ice hockey. Wayne Gretzky’s famous quote, which was echoed by Steve Jobs, was ‘Skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.’ It’s about moving forward to where the puck is going to be so that by the time it arrives, you’re already there. When it comes to space, these are areas of industry that are not going away. The skills you learn in this program will allow you to skate to where the puck is going to be.”
This insight captures the essence of the new space race: it’s not just about the technology or the rockets but about being knowledgeable, equipped, and informed. Ultimately, your decisions—the decisions of our industry leaders—determine whether space remains a shared dream for all humanity or is dominated by a select few.
Launched in 2023, the GEMBA program has already been recognised as an ‘innovation that inspires’ by the world’s largest business education alliance, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The program is designed for uniformed and non-uniformed personnel from small and large defence companies, government and adjacent industries from AUKUS and other allied nations to bolster capabilities. Applications are now open for the 2025 cohort. Further information is available at unisa.edu.au/gemba-defence-space.
References
1) Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth. (2024). https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Space_2024.pdf. World Economic Forum.
com. (2024). Available at: https://spacenews.com/space-force-chief-we-must-pivot-to-new-ways-of-doing-business/ [Accessed 21 Aug. 2024].
2) Spacenews.com. (2024). Available at: https://spacenews.com/space-force-chief-we-must-pivot-to-new-ways-of-doing-business/ [Accessed 21 Aug. 2024].
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