Artist’s rendition of the Irazu CubeSat. Photo: ACAE

[Via Satellite 07-19-2016] Euroconsult projects 20 countries will invest in their first space program by 2025, with the total number of Emerging Space Programs (ESPs) reaching 47 by the same year. The research firm identified 24 countries as ESPs in 2015 having launched a total of 69 satellites in the last 20 years, based on its recent “Trends and Prospects for Emerging Space Programs” report. As satellite technology has become more accessible and affordable, the number of countries investing in their first satellite system has increased dramatically. Last year set an all-time record with nine satellites launched, by the research firm’s count.

Euroconsult has developed a metric called the ESP Index that seeks to model the probability for a new country to invest in a satellite system. The ESP Index is based on a three-part process consisting of data gathering, analysis, and ranking of 148 countries.

“Based on their score in Euroconsult’s ESP Index, some countries show a high profile regarding potential investment in satellite solutions and acquisition; four countries show very high potential as they rank in the top 20 countries while not having yet procured a satellite,” said Steve Bochinger, COO of Euroconsult and editor of the report. “Five other countries rank between 20th and 30th position.”

According to the firm, the index used factors deemed relevant to evaluating the start of a space program, and included a “reality check” verification by reviewing scores against countries that have already launched or ordered a satellite.