#6 - A Rational Perspective on the Space Launch Market with Pierre Lionnet

Today, I am speaking with Pierre Lionnet, the Research & Managing Director at Eurospace, the trade association of the European space manufacturing industry. Pierre is an economist with more than 25 years of experience in the space industry, and a well-known expert on space markets.

In this episode, Pierre and I discuss what is NewSpace, recent developments in the launch sector, launcher economics particularly focusing on the micro launcher segment, meaning small-lift launch vehicles capable of lifting up to 2,000 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Being an experienced analyst, Pierre provides a realistic assessment of the recent developments in the launch sector.

Pierre's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eurospacepierrelionnet/

Pierre's Twitter: https://twitter.com/lionnetpierre
 

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01:42 Pierre's story
05:55 What is Eurospace? 
08:45 How policy-driven is the space industry?
13:10 What is NewSpace - is it based on the source of funding or based on the source of revenues?
26:04 Number of launch companies needed to satisfy the market demand
35:46 The business case of Astra (a small-lift launch vehicle)
40:14 Why is there so much investment flowing into the space industry?
48:41 The last-mile delivery market in space transportation
53:31 The importance of price and quality of service in the launch market
59:39 Is Uber & Deliveroo part of the space industry? 
1:07:10 What Pierre is looking forward to in the space industry (hint: Earth Observation & SpaceX Starlink)
1:11:10 The 1-line Pierre wants to tell the space industry

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