Home
Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4
Podcast
Download the full eBook
Learn about Ignition sessions
Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and thier affiliates or related entities.
The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. KPMG LLP does not provide legal services.
© 2026 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
For more detail about the structure of the KPMG global organization, please visit https://home.kpmg/governance.
USCS038673
What if the most profound transformation of this decade isn’t visible at all?
It’s forming as an invisible mesh of technologies—a lattice of space infrastructure, data streams, and intelligent systems—quietly becoming the backbone of global innovation. This is the +Space Tech eBook, exploring how four interconnected layers are shaping a new digital infrastructure for the next decade.
Explore the four layers of the space economy
The new space economy is built on four interconnected layers. Together, they form the foundation for a future where space is not a destination, but a strategic platform for growth and resilience.
Click a layer to learn more.
Launch costs have collapsed from $65,000 per kilogram in the Space Shuttle era to approximately $1,500 per kilogram today.
Encompassing launchers, satellites, and orbital platforms, this layer forms the invisible backbone of the global space economy. It is the foundational utility that enables humanity to transcend Earth’s gravity, operate persistently in orbit, and return safely. Without the physical capability to transport mass to orbit and sustain it there, the downstream benefits cannot exist.
Space access and infrastructure
Hear the story of the launch revolution.
Press play to listen to the Layer 1 audio episode now.
“Space is no longer a distant frontier—it is becoming the operating system for our planet. As space-enabled technologies quietly turn data into intelligence and intelligence into action, the leaders who understand the stack will be the ones who turn resilience, growth, and risk into lasting advantage.”
— Brian Miske, US Ignition Leader, Americas Space Leader, KPMG US
Mega-constellations are closing the digital divide, with providers like Starlink now operating over 7,800 satellites in orbit.
This layer turns orbital infrastructure into streams of signals and insights that power terrestrial and orbital economies. It encompasses satellite communications (SATCOM); Earth observation (EO); and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), collectively underpinning everything from global logistics and financial markets to precision agriculture and disaster response.
Space data and connectivity
Data is the new oil.
Hear why in the podcast.
Press play to listen to the Layer 2
audio episode now.
“Our ability to observe the planet at high resolution to rapidly communicate from anywhere is becoming fundamentally real. This will drive new business models and ways of working.”
—Neil Rae, Space Lead, KPMG UK
Enabling technologies
What happens when
AI goes to orbit?
Press play to listen to the Layer 3
audio episode now.
The satellite edge-computing market is projected to grow from $1.1 billion in 2024 to over $6 billion by 2033.
This is where the space economy evolves from “metal in orbit” to a software-defined, self-optimizing system. It covers artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, quantum sensing, and automation, which transform space infrastructure into an intelligent, responsive network that can process vast data streams autonomously and deliver actionable insights in real time.
“The intersection of digital innovations such as AI, edge computing, and quantum with space-based capabilities will help us to manage the sheer volume of Earth observation data and communications capacity that is now available.”
—Neil Rae, Space Lead, KPMG UK
Downstream applications
How is space tech changing your world?
Press play to listen to the Layer 4
audio episode now.
Earth observation insights could add more than $700 billion a year to global GDP by 2030.
This is where the space economy transcends rockets and satellites to become the invisible infrastructure powering everyday business, government, and society. It integrates the other layers into concrete solutions for agriculture, energy, finance, insurance, logistics, and public services, turning space from a research and development curiosity into a cross-cutting enabler of enterprise transformation.
Listen to the
+Space Tech podcast
Go behind the headlines with the leaders, engineers, and investors building the new space economy. Each episode offers a deep dive into one of the four layers, translating complex technology into strategic business insight.
Explore our latest insights
Explore our latest insights on the dynamic universe of the space economy, featuring deep analyses and innovative strategies spanning commercial ventures, defense developments, and beyond.
KPMG Astro Economy
2025 Spaceport
KPMG +Space: Infinite Horizons
Downloads
KPMG COSMOS
Go deeper.
Get the complete guide to the new space economy.
The space economy is projected to grow from $630 billion to $1.8 trillion by 2035. This thorough guide provides the strategic foresight your organization needs to navigate this transformation.
Understand the four interconnected layers of the space economy, from launch infrastructure to downstream applications.
Identify actionable opportunities for your business in the NOW (1-–2 years), NEAR (3–5 years), and NEXT (5–10 years).
Learn how to create value and manage risk from the perspective of the chief financial officer, chief technical officer, chief executive officer, and the board of directors.
Meet our
global
leaders
Ready to explore the space economy?
Contact KPMG today to discover how your organization can thrive in the space economy.
Download eBook
Download the full eBook
Download the full eBook
Download the full eBook
Download the full eBook
Download the full eBook
Engage Ignition
Explore
Explore
Explore
Download
What if the most profound transformation of this decade isn’t visible at all?
It’s forming as an invisible mesh of technologies—a lattice of space infrastructure, data streams, and intelligent systems—quietly becoming the backbone of global innovation. This is the +Space Tech eBook, exploring how four interconnected layers are shaping a new digital infrastructure for the next decade.
Download the full eBook
Download
KPMG Ignition: Discovery and accelerator sessions
Explore
Latency to Leadership
Download
Quantum +Space
LAYER 1
EXPLORE
The physical backbone that provides access to orbit and a persistent presence in space.
LAYER 2
EXPLORE
The data pipeline that transmits signals and observations, connecting the globe.
LAYER 3
EXPLORE
The intelligence engine that
processes raw data into valuable, actionable insights.
LAYER 4
EXPLORE
The real-world impact, where
space-derived insights are integrated to transform global industries.
Discovery Session Igniting the space economy
Explore the growing space economy!
This immersive, design-thinking-fueled workshop takes you into the heart of the space revolution, examining the wealth of opportunities orbiting our planet. Through highly engaging, interactive exercises, you'll uncover the near-term realities and future potential of space-based ventures.
Collaborate with your team and subject matter professionals to identify strategies that can benefit your organization, helping ensure you are well positioned in the expanding space market now, near, and next.
Accelerator Session A space economy deep dive
Take a deep dive into the specifics of the space economy and discover how your organization can benefit today.
This focused workshop offers practical insights into the applications of space technology with tailored use cases for your team. Collaborate with other participants to identify potential partnerships within the space sector, fostering ventures that amplify your impact. You will leave with clear strategies for leveraging immediate opportunities and aligning with space-based assets and technologies for future growth.
KPMG Ignition is ready to transform your organization's capabilities and contribute to the future of space exploration and commerce.
Scroll to top
Jonathon Gill
Global Sector Lead,
Aerospace & Industrial Markets,
KPMG UK
Romain Liotard
Global Sector Executive,
Aerospace & Industrial Markets,
KPMG France
Joe Cassidy
EMEA & UK Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications,
KPMG UK
Brian Miske
Americas Space Lead, US Ignition Leader KPMG US
Carsten Schiewe
Defence & Space Co-Lead, Geopolitics & Defence, KPMG Germany
Johannes Hanshen
Head of Space Corporate
KPMG Germany
Susumu Miyahara
Space Business Strategy Lead,
KPMG Japan
Bee Levett
Head of Defence, Space and Aerospace
KPMG Australia
Stephen Ponce
US Space Force Lead, KPMG US
Neil Rae
UK Head of Space Technology & Strategy,
KPMG UK
Amanda Price
Head of High Growth Ventures, KPMG Australia
KPMG Ignition: Start here. Go anywhere.
KPMG Ignition creates insights and experiences that clarify your business challenge, align decision-makers, and deliver actionable outcomes.
You move forward with confidence and momentum, unlocking innovation and growth.
Ignition experiences help teams think clearly, reduce bias, and focus on what matters. Using behavioral science, LUMA methods, and storytelling, we align leaders around the right problem and drive confident action.
HUMAN CENTRIC
We use technology and AI intentionally to enhance experiences and accelerate outcomes. Through immersive environments, both digital
and physical, we make ideas tangible, keep teams engaged, and spark new ways
of thinking.
Tech enabled
Our work is grounded in insight, not assumptions. By combining KPMG intelligence with your team’s perspectives, we cut through the noise and help you focus on the signals that matter most.
Insights led
Download the full eBook
Download eBook
The invisible tapestry of space technologies accelerating commerce, innovation, and exploration.
Insights
Download
Infrastructure +Space
Download
Transport +Space