National Space Technology Readiness and Achievement Index

Paper number

IAC-09.E3.3.6

Author

Mr. Ian Christensen, Futron Corporation, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Thomas Kashangaki, Futron Corporation, United States

Year

2009

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a comparative analysis examining the relative space technology readiness and capability levels of 15 of the world’s established and emergent space nations.  This study is based upon two central questions:

1)  What are the key technologies which enable a country to explore and exploit the space environment?

2) Which countries demonstrate the most competitive national space technology enterprise?

Analysis of these questions results in a first of its kind Space Technology Readiness and Achievement Index which ranks space faring nations on the basis of technological competitiveness. 

The methodology of the Index is based upon a set of internationally comparable metrics, both qualitative and quantitative in nature.  Metrics are identified under three broad categorizations: Government, Human Capital and Industry.  The Index is constructed using a model in which each metric is valued at 100 points prior to weighting its value within the complete set of metrics.  Therefore a country that leads a given metric receives a rating of 100 points and each country that follows receives a pro-rated score based on its ranking relative to the leader. Individual metrics are in turn weighted within their area of categorization (Government, Human Capital and Industry).  

Metrics in the Index include, but are not limited to:
\begin{itemize}\item In the Government category (40\% of the overall model):  qualitative assessment of space and technology policies, and government investment in space research and development.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item In the Human Capital category (20\% of the overall model):  national educational achievement levels; the number of relevant university degree programs; and the Space Technology Achievement Component.\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item In the Industry category (40\% of the overall model); space related manufacturing capabilities; aerospace import/exports; and the Space Technology Achievement Component.\end{itemize}

The Space Technology Achievement Component, a unique metric developed for this study, contributes to both the Human Capital and Industry portions of the model.  This Component ranks countries’ indigenous technology achievements and capacity across the full range of space activities, including launch, satellite development and operations, and ground systems.  The Space Technology Achievement Component, as a major contributor to the overall model, identifies key space related technologies utilized by the ranked countries and assesses the relative ability of countries to deploy and leverage those technologies as a contribution to the overall competitiveness of a national space sector.

Data for this study was obtained primarily through open-source research, augmented and validated through interviews where appropriate. 

Abstract document

IAC-09.E3.3.6.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)