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Space cargo costs could fall more than 90% by 2040, study suggests
United Kingdom💻 Technology6 hr. ago

Space cargo costs could fall more than 90% by 2040, study suggests

According to new research led by Cambridge University, the cost of launching cargo into space is expected to decrease significantly over the coming decades. The study forecasts that the price of sending a kilogram of payload into low Earth orbit will drop by more than 58% to $1,569 by 2030 and could fall further to as low as $273 per kilogram by 2040. This prediction is based on an extensive dataset analyzing over 4,400 rocket launches between 1960 and 2025. Researchers suggest that declining launch costs could lead to the emergence of new industries such as zero-gravity research, orbital tourism, and manufacturing of high-value goods in space. However, they warn that potential monopolization by companies like SpaceX and geopolitical factors might hinder progress. The space economy has grown substantially since 2020, with the value of the space economy reaching over $600 billion in 2024.

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Phys.org logoPhys.orgIndependentCenter6 hr. ago
Space cargo costs could fall more than 90% by 2040, study suggests

According to new research led by Cambridge University, the cost of launching cargo into space is expected to decrease significantly over the coming decades. The study forecasts that the price of sending a kilogram of payload into low Earth orbit will drop by more than 58% to $1,569 by 2030 and could fall further to as low as $273 per kilogram by 2040. This prediction is based on an extensive dataset analyzing over 4,400 rocket launches between 1960 and 2025. Researchers suggest that declining launch costs could lead to the emergence of new industries such as zero-gravity research, orbital tourism, and manufacturing of high-value goods in space. However, they warn that potential monopolization by companies like SpaceX and geopolitical factors might hinder progress. The space economy has grown substantially since 2020, with the value of the space economy reaching over $600 billion in 2024.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses technological advancements and economic projections related to space travel, focusing on cost reductions and potential industrial developments. It does not present a clear ideological stance or political bias, merely presenting findings and expert opinions without favoring any側

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