orbital infrastructure

Orbital infrastructure refers to the growing network of assets and services being established in Earth's orbit. Historically, space programs focused on scientific discovery, national prestige, and demonstrating technological prowess. However, there's a significant transformation underway, with space increasingly viewed as a domain for commercial activity and essential services. Companies like SpaceX are at the forefront, conducting a high volume of launches at competitive prices and developing advanced technologies like Starship. The expansion of satellite internet constellations, such as Starlink, highlights the commercial potential and the shift towards utilizing orbit for practical applications. This evolving landscape signifies a "NewSpace" economy, where orbital infrastructure is becoming crucial for global connectivity, economic growth, and potentially, future space exploration and resource utilization, moving beyond purely symbolic achievements.