Industrial Innovation Cycle analysis of the Orbital Launch Vehicle Industry

Paper number

IAC-13,E6,2,6,x19035

Author

Mr. Julio Aprea, European Space Agency (ESA), France

Coauthor

Mr. Ulfert Block, European Space Agency (ESA), France

Coauthor

Ms. Emmanuelle David, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany

Year

2013

Abstract

When evaluating the Orbital Launch Vehicle industrial innovation cycle, it is helpful to use a well-established, academically-based framework to compare it with. This paper models the Orbital Launch Vehicle industrial innovation cycle with a model created by James M. Utterback and William J. Abernathy in the book entitled “Mastering the
Dynamics of Innovation”. The paper analyses the Orbital Launch Vehicle industry from a historical perspective and compares the development of
this industry with the three main phases of innovations proposed by the authors (Fluid, Transitional and Specific). The paper as well
describes the current situation of the industry, taking into account new competitors as well as long established players. It also proposes
a possible evolution of the marked based on the cyclic nature of the model.

Abstract document

IAC-13,E6,2,6,x19035.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,E6,2,6,x19035.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.