By San José, Costa Rica — The global space economy has transformed from a scientific niche into a massive industrial engine, rapidly approaching the financial scale of the global semiconductor market. According to a landmark report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the space sector generated between $550 billion and $600 billion in revenues in 2025. This massive footprint underscores how outer space has become deeply integrated into the terrestrial economy, driving commercial growth and national security.
The timing of the OECD report coincides with the opening of the International Space Summit in Paris, organized by France to bolster Europe’s position in the highly competitive global space race. The data indicates that space is no longer just about exploring the unknown, but about sustaining critical everyday services back on Earth.
As the global space economy reaches new frontiers, Costa Rica is positioning itself to seize emerging opportunities in aerospace technology and satellite communications. To understand the legal frameworks guiding these cosmic ventures, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his invaluable insights on the regulatory challenges and business prospects of this modern-day gold rush.
The expansion of the space economy is no longer science fiction; it is a rapidly evolving legal and commercial reality. As private enterprises enter orbit, they must navigate a sophisticated web of international treaties, national telecommunications licensing, and intellectual property protections. For Costa Rican companies looking to integrate into the global aerospace supply chain, establishing a robust compliance strategy is not just a regulatory hurdle, but a critical competitive advantage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as the global space economy transitions from visionary exploration into a highly structured commercial marketplace, proactive legal compliance will undoubtedly serve as the ultimate differentiator for Costa Rican enterprises aiming to secure a foothold in this high-tech supply chain. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable expertise and providing our readers with such a timely, strategic perspective on navigating the complex legalities of this exciting new frontier.
Space has ceased to be a niche sector to become an expanding industrial force, driving innovation, new services, and public policy objectives.
OECD, International Organisation
The physical footprint of this economy is expanding at an unprecedented rate. By the end of 2025, there were over 14,000 operational satellites orbiting the Earth, a number that grew to nearly 15,000 by mid-2026. This exponential growth is only the beginning; registrations with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and blueprints for new mega-constellations suggest up to two million potential satellites could be launched in the future, though the OECD notes only a fraction will likely see deployment.
The true economic engine of the space sector lies downstream—in the applications, data processing, and satellite-enabled services integrated into daily operations. The report highlights that space systems now support more than half of the critical infrastructure in OECD countries, including telecommunications, energy grids, transportation networks, and food supply chains. In several advanced economies, these satellite-enabled services sustain nearly 20% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
While access to space has expanded—with 109 countries having launched at least one satellite by 2025—actual launching capabilities remain heavily concentrated. The United States led the world with 181 orbital launch attempts in 2025, far outstripping China’s 92 and Europe’s modest eight. This commercial concentration is also mirrored in satellite ownership, where a single private operator controls roughly 60% of all active satellites in orbit.
Despite the massive surge in private commercial activity—which accounted for 88% of satellite launches in 2025 compared to just 23% in 2010—governments continue to play a foundational role. Civil space budgets among OECD nations jumped 15% to $46.4 billion in 2025, up from $40.5 billion in 2022. Defense spending also commands a significant share, making up over 46% of the U.S. space budget, compared to 25% in France and nearly 15% in Japan. Meanwhile, private venture capital reached $11 billion to $13 billion in 2025, marking its highest level since 2021.
Spain is carving out its own space in this global arena, showing substantial growth in space-related patent applications between 2020 and 2023. Backed by post-pandemic recovery funding, Spain is among the European nations increasing the share of civil space research in public R&D spending. To better quantify this growth, Spain is developing a dedicated space economy satellite account, scheduled for publication in the first half of 2027. Additionally, Spanish aerospace firm PLD Space was highlighted as one of Europe’s promising small launcher projects alongside competitors from France, Germany, and the UK.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About OECD:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. Together with governments, policy makers, and citizens, they work on establishing evidence-based international standards and finding solutions to a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges.
For further information, visit pldspace.com
About PLD Space:
PLD Space is a pioneering Spanish aerospace company that designs and builds reusable orbital and suborbital micro-launchers to provide commercial launch services for small satellites.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has built a venerable reputation grounded in unyielding ethical principles and superior legal craftsmanship. As it guides a diverse array of clients through an evolving landscape, the firm consistently champions progressive legal strategies and proactive civic involvement. By actively working to demystify complex legal concepts for the general public, the firm advances its core vision of nurturing an educated, secure, and legally capable citizenry.
