Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IMLSpace Logistics is the infrastructure of space: Logistics is viewed as the largest growth market within the space economy, as it is essential for the transport of goods, supplies, and infrastructure in space. In the field of Space Logistics research, increasingly necessary, innovative logistics solutions are being developed to support all stakeholders and activities along the space industry supply chains.
Space Logistics
The Space Economy Needs Space Logistics
A new economy is emerging in space—the space economy. At a time when geopolitical tensions, cyberattacks, and extreme weather events are on the rise, space is taking on ever greater strategic importance. Earth observation satellites, communication systems, and, in particular, military surveillance play a central role in this context.
Space logistics is a central component of the space economy and refers to the planning, execution, and optimization of transport, storage, maintenance, and disposal processes in space, including all stages of the value chain, similar to those on Earth. It is the largest growth area of the space economy and will be crucial for activities such as raw material extraction, space stations, satellite operations, and, increasingly, interplanetary missions.
The transfer of existing logistics knowledge and technologies to the space sector promotes the development of new space value chains. Space logistics connects terrestrial and space-based supply chains, thereby enabling entirely new logistics operations and services for the space economy.
Our Services
Areas of Expertise in Space Logistics
The exploration of space not only opens new horizons for humanity but also presents us with complex logistical challenges. We specialize in knowledge transfer and help adapt solutions and approaches that work on Earth to the space environment in these areas of expertise:
100% Logistics: From the terrestrial shop floor to orbit—and back
- Integration of supply chain and technology
- Linking physical, informational, and financial flows
- Development & evaluation of value chains (upstream, in-space, and downstream)
Supply Chain Design & Optimization: Efficient, Resilient, and Scalable Supply Chains
- Strategic procurement, supplier management & supplier markets
- Scalable and mission-critical logistics infrastructure
- Financing concepts and liquidity of supply chains
Standardization & Adaptation: Transfer of terrestrial logistics expertise to industrial space applications
- Development of standard space payload carriers
- Conceptualization & design of in-space logistics assets and services (e.g., warehousing & orbital logistics)
- Open-source approaches and de facto standards
- Interfaces and systems for interoperability
“The New Space Economy is giving rise to a new economy. An economy in which value creation will increasingly take place up above – in space – in the future: from raw material extraction, the construction and supply of space stations and habitats, the maintenance and refueling of spacecraft and satellites, all the way to lunar and Martian missions, strategic presence, and resilience.”
Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael Henke, Director of the Fraunhofer IML
Space travel is increasingly becoming a business
The space economy is developing rapidly. Numerous innovations are planned by 2040, including the establishment of new space stations, the construction of a “Lunar Gateway,” and the development and expansion of infrastructure on the Moon and Mars. This will require fully-fledged supply chains in space that encompass procurement, storage, delivery, assembly, maintenance, and disposal. “In-Space Manufacturing” and In-Space Logistics (ISL) will play a decisive role in this. Logistics forms the central backbone of space infrastructure—best practices from terrestrial logistics are being systematically applied.
Logistics is considered the largest growth market in the space economy, with growth rates far exceeding those of the gross domestic product. Depending on the source, annual revenues ranging from $20 billion in 2032 to $300 billion by 2035 are projected. Value creation takes place along the entire chain: on Earth, in the upstream and downstream sectors, and in orbit.
Space logistics encompasses:
- all logistical activities, processes, capabilities, and services that enable Earth-based launch capabilities
- all logistical activities, processes, capabilities, and services that enable in-space operations and services (ISOS) and thus in-space value creation
- all logistical activities, processes, capabilities, and services that enable the connection between Earth and space and back
“Logistics is a prerequisite for scaling up in industrial value-added networks. It is therefore key to value creation—without logistics, there is no economy. To tap into the growing space market and quickly leverage the business potential for Germany and Europe, the transfer of existing expertise and existing terrestrial logistics solutions and technologies will be crucial.”
Axel T. Schulte, Department Head at Fraunhofer IML
Space Logistics as an Enabler of the Space Value Chain
The Space Value Chain describes all stages of value creation related to the use of space. The Space Value Chain approach consistently focuses on the applications and users of goods and services. It is divided into two central levels: Space and Non-Space.
Non-Space: Earth-based activities
Non-Space encompasses all activities and logistics processes on Earth that are necessary to achieve operational capability in space. These include:
- Development and manufacture of launch systems
- Transport and storage of these systems
- Ground-based activities to ensure functionality and safety
Space: Activities in space
Space refers to all in-space activities that require space logistics services. These activities:
- are part of future In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS)
- add value to Earth-based processes or promote further development in orbit
Connection between non-space and space
There are two key directions in the value chain:
- To-Space: Linking Earth-based and in-space activities (e.g., launch operations, payload logistics)
- From-Space: Value creation that originates in space and is delivered to Earth (e.g., data, materials)
The close integration of Earth- and space-based activities gives rise to new, end-to-end value chains and networks.
The comprehensive approach of the Space Value Chain provides a framework for analyzing all elements and levels of space-related value creation. It enables a holistic view and analysis of the relationships between space and non-space activities.
Technologies for Space Logistics
Our technology portfolio and experience from a wide range of logistics projects and developments are available for transfer to space logistics.
- Logistics Robotics: Swarm Technology & Fleet Management , Radio Communication , Simulation-Based AI
- Trust Services: Localization and Track & Trace , Product Passports & Lifecycle Records
- AI Services: Computer Vision , Plausibility Check , Smart Assets , Quantum Sensing
- Supply Chain Simulation : Logistics Simulation , Supply Chain Planning , Supply Chain Analytics , ETA Services
- In-Space Assets & Services : Demonstrator Construction, Design , Planning & Construction , Simulation
Space Logistics: Our References
Automated Orbital Warehouse
The "STARFAB" research project is developing an automated orbital warehouse to support in-space logistics and services such as satellite assembly, refueling, and maintenance. The goal is to create a sustainable infrastructure for future commercial space activities by utilizing state-of-the-art robotics and automation technologies.
NewSpace Acceleration Hub
The Fraunhofer initiative “New Space Acceleration Hub” brings together Fraunhofer-wide expertise to take a holistic approach to entering the industrialization of the space economy. The goal is to offer a fast and efficient entry into the space sector.
What is Space Logistics?
Space logistics is an innovative field that deals with the planning, execution, and optimization of logistical activities in space. This includes the procurement, storage, manufacturing, and distribution of materials and resources to meet the needs of missions and interplanetary supply chains.
What is the Space Economy?
The Space Economy refers to all industrial and economic activities associated with the use of space. This includes goods and services that are either used directly in space, support such use, or require a direct input from space. Activities related to space exploration are also included.
What is the significance of in-space logistics?
In-space logistics is becoming increasingly important as it focuses on orbital and planetary logistics and applies the principles and best practices of terrestrial logistics to build interplanetary supply chains. It enables the efficient management of resources and materials within space and plays a central role in sustaining missions.
How can materials and resources be stored in space?
Materials and resources in space can be stored in specialized storage facilities designed for the extreme conditions of space. These include modular storage containers that provide temperature and pressure control, as well as systems to prevent contamination and ensure safety.
What are the challenges of in-space logistics?
The challenges of in-space logistics include the need to cope with extreme environmental conditions, ensuring safety and efficiency in the storage and transport of materials, and the need to implement reliable communication and data management systems.
What technologies support space logistics?
Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, robots, and artificial intelligence (AI) are used to apply existing knowledge from terrestrial logistics. In doing so, they bring transparency, traceability, and efficiency to interplanetary supply chains and enable responses to new and unknown situations using data.
How is space transport organized?
Space transport is organized through careful route planning and the selection of suitable spacecraft, taking into account factors such as gravity and orbital positions. Initiatives such as the collaboration between MIT and NASA to map transport routes between Earth, Mars, and the Moon are examples of such planning. This organization requires close cooperation between various stakeholders and precise coordination of launch and landing dates.