Speaker
Description
Space sustainability is a multifaceted problem; thus, it must be addressed systematically and from different angles. While the technological and commercial facets of space sustainability seem to be attracting the spotlight, the key process behind any technological development and commercial advancement remains in the shadows. The process in question is investment. This study aims at shedding light on the perception of sustainability within the space sector from the perspective of investors, focusing on whether environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are integrated into investment decisions (if yes, then how; if no, then why).
A mixed-methods approach is employed, with the primary data source being qualitative insights from a series of semi-structured interviews with investors, venture capitalists, and startup founders, and complemented by quantitative data from investment trends in the space industry. Against a backdrop of very scarce existing research, the study at hand provides insights into the evolving expectations around sustainable practices in space ventures, carefully noting the data limitations, universal and sector-specific challenges. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the intersection between sustainability and financial performance in such a capital-intensive sector as space, and offer actionable suggestions for sustainability integration in space investments.
