Space 4.0 - New Nations, New Actors and the Evolving Space Ecosystem

The field of space governance and technology is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the shift from a nation-centric landscape to an increasingly dynamic space ecosystem. While international space law (ISL) has long defined the parameters of permissible activity in outer space, its foundational treaties mostly mirror the interests and power structures of the early spacefaring states. Recent technological advances and falling barriers to entry are reshaping the operational reality. Lower costs and the broad dissemination of know-how now enable emerging space nations and private enterprises to participate meaningfully in space activities, challenging the legacy status quo. As access escapes the control of the most powerful states, significant questions arise about the adequacy of current regulatory frameworks, the readiness of new actors, and the evolving balance of power.

Recent studies signal a diversifying pool of participants in space, with innovative ventures in domains such as asteroid mining, debris management, small satellite deployment, and commercial launch services. These actors are not just replicating established models but are spearheading novel approaches potentially disruptive to traditional modes of operation. However, many of the legal and policy frameworks in place do not adequately anticipate the risks and opportunities posed by newcomers in the field. There are persistent gaps in regulatory harmonization and coordination, raising concerns over the long-term sustainability of the space environment, fair access, and the equitable sharing of benefits derived from space activities.

This Research Topic aims to scrutinize the novel solutions, strategies, and policies that emerging space-faring nations and private companies are pursuing to carve out a place for themselves in the expanding Space 4.0 ecosystem. The focus will be on understanding how these actors leverage technological innovation, policy development, and collaborative frameworks to build capacity and competitive advantages. It seeks to assess how these new participants might change the dynamics of global space governance, foster innovation, or disrupt established practices—either by addressing previously overlooked challenges or by pioneering specialized niche sectors in space.

To gather further insights in the evolution and limitations of this changing space ecosystem, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Innovative legislative and policy approaches for new actors in space
• Technological strategies and their implications for participation and competition
• Case studies on emerging space nations and private sector successes and challenges
• The impact of new actors on established stakeholders and on international law
• Issues related to sustainability, environmental risk, and space debris management
• Collaborative mechanisms and partnerships among old and new actors
• Analysis of emerging markets and niche services in the new space economy

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Space 4.0, Emerging Space Nations, New actors, New Space Ecosystem, Space Governance, New Global Space Economy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.