Tariffs in Orbit: Unpacking the Long-Term Effects of U.S. Trade Policy on the Small Satellite Ecosystem (2024–2029)
Introduction: Trade Wars Meet the Final Frontier
While space may be the next frontier for innovation, it hasn’t been immune to Earth-bound politics. The Trump administration’s tariff strategy, aimed at curbing reliance on foreign manufacturing—particularly Chinese tech—has had a ripple effect across many industries, including aerospace. The small satellite market, with its intricate web...
Tariffs in the Stars: How Trade Wars Redefined the Economics of Space Exploration
Research Insight: Economic Friction in the New Space Race
The Trump administration’s imposition of steep tariffs on steel, aluminum, and a wide range of aerospace-related components significantly disrupted the cost structures and procurement strategies of both public and private space companies. What began as a move to protect domestic manufacturing inadvertently triggered a systemic shift in...