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Writer's pictureAsia Pacific Oceania Space Association

Youth as Catalysts in Developing Asia-Pacific Space Industry: Achieving Sustainable Growth through Innovation and Strategic Collaborations

Author: Muhammad Ibrahim Soejoeti, International Relations graduate, State Islamic University of Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia.


One of the most compelling developments in the industry today is the increasing involvement of young innovators and groups spearheading efforts to address critical global challenges through scientific advancements. Whether tackling issues like educational inequalities or climate change, these young leaders have been instrumental in driving progress by leveraging innovation and fostering strategic collaboration.



Nowadays, countries are increasingly seeking new resources to boost their economic power and fulfill national interests. While certain areas of space, like Earth's orbit, are becoming increasingly crowded due to its economic value, much of space remains a vast and largely unexplored frontier and is also a target for spacefaring nations aiming to utilize it. The development of space activities worldwide holds significant potential for emerging opportunities (Syahreza, 2017).


Moreover, globalization has led to an increase in space actors around the world, both state and non-state, bringing new challenges to national security due to the rise in human activities related to space. Currently, various human activities are influenced by space technology, impacting security, economics, and politics. For instance, in the legal and governmental sector, technology supports justice and order through innovations like e-ticketing (Indarsih, 2021) and remote sensing (BRIN, 2024). Socially and culturally, space technology enhances daily life with advanced household appliances, communication tools, and social interactions. Also, in the context of education, it serves as a vital medium for accessing information and knowledge, underscoring the growing regional demand for space technology in the Asia Pacific.


Whether a nation is developed or developing, the Asia-Pacific region's reliance on space assets is evident. These assets, which encompass satellites for communications, Earth observation, and navigation, are crucial for numerous aspects of contemporary life. It facilitates essential functions such as telecommunications, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and national security (Ireland-piper, 2023). Technological advancements in this globalized era create new avenues for economic growth, and countries that effectively harness space potential gain strategic advantages in the international arena. The ability to maximize space potential strengthens a nation's bargaining power in global political constellations (Nadarajah, 2024).


In light of this, one of the most compelling developments in the industry today is the increasing involvement of young innovators and groups spearheading efforts to address critical global challenges through scientific advancements. Whether tackling issues like educational inequalities or climate change, these young leaders have been instrumental in driving progress by leveraging innovation and fostering strategic collaboration (Charlton, 2023). Their dedication to creating a more sustainable world has sparked international movements, leading to significant advancements in space-related initiatives. Such as Asia Pacific Oceania Space Association, Originally established with the simple aim of publishing a paper at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), it has now evolved into a broader initiative of creating a more connected community of space problem solvers in the Asia-Pacific (APOSA, n.d.).


In the space sector, the passionate activism of youth has heightened awareness of space-related issues and pressured governments and corporations to embrace more sustainable practices. These young visionaries, with their fresh perspectives, have shown that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. Their commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships has set the stage for achieving sustainable growth in the space industry, inspiring a global push towards a more responsible and forward-thinking approach to space exploration and commercialization.


Youth are critical catalysts in the development of the Asia-Pacific space industry, but they face several challenges that need to be addressed to harness their full potential. One of the primary obstacles is the limited access to resources, including inadequate educational opportunities, financial constraints, and insufficient access to advanced technology, particularly in developing countries (UN ESCAP, 2018). Moreover, there is a skills gap in specialized areas such as space law, aerospace engineering, satellite technology, and atmospheric science, which are not widely available across the region, further limiting the ability of youth to contribute effectively to the industry. 


Regulatory and policy barriers also present another challenge, as complex and often restrictive regulatory environments can restrain the innovation of youth. This is further complicated by geopolitical and diplomatic constraints, where regional tensions and diplomatic challenges might hinder international collaboration efforts essential for the growth of the space industry. These limitations create barriers for young individuals aspiring to enter the space sector.


How can they dream big to be able to participate in high-level industries like space if their basic needs are difficult to fulfill?

These challenges must be addressed to empower young people and enable them to play a pivotal role in the sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific space industry. We should acknowledge and believe that youth in the Asia-Pacific region have immense potential to drive growth in the space industry through innovation and international collaboration, particularly by joining hands to create space communities or startups that introduce cutting-edge solutions. This is essential for sustainable development in the space sector. By participating in cross-border partnerships, young innovators can bridge gaps between nations, enhancing cooperation and sharing ideas together to optimize the space sector so it can help countries fulfill their needs more optimally (World Economic Forum, 2023).


Partnerships between the public and private sectors also play a pivotal role in providing opportunities for youth to engage in both government and private sector initiatives that drive sustainable growth, such as the collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and startups that fosters the India space sector (The Hindu Bureau, 2024). Furthermore, there is an increasing focus on education and capacity building to prepare youth for successful careers in the space industry, such as the JAXA Space Education Center in Japan that offers young people hands-on training in satellite technology and space exploration, helping to develop a skilled and knowledgeable workforce (JAXA, n.d.). On top of that, in order to capture diverse ideas and perspectives, inclusivity and diversity in the space sector are needed. So that it can enrich the industry with diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. Such as the Women in Aerospace (WIA) program to advocate gender diversity, ensuring that more young women contribute to space-related fields (Women in Aerospace, n.d.).


By embracing these opportunities, youth can become powerful catalysts for sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific space industry. Strategic collaborations are essential for achieving sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific space industry, with youth playing a pivotal role in these partnerships. This is in line with the Asia-Pacific Plan of Action on Space Applications for Sustainable Development (2018–2030), which recognizes the critical role to engage with youth to stimulate research and take advantage of innovations from young entrepreneurs.


To ensure the success of these collaborations, it requires multi-stakeholder involvement. Starting from government policies to encourage young people to work in the space sector, the role of academics and non-governmental organizations in helping to foster and mentor young people, the role of industry in providing grants and financial support, to the media in reporting and creating awareness raising related to the urgency of youth involvement in this matter.


For example, institutions like the Asia-Pacific Oceania Space Association (APOSA) provide platforms for young professionals to engage in global space discussions, offering networking opportunities and advocacy channels to influence policy and industry practices. These strategic collaborations, supported by regional and global partnerships, government policies, media exposure, academic studies, and NGO initiatives, are key to empowering youth and driving sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific space industry.


Through strategic collaborations, both regional and global, supported by targeted government policies and NGO initiatives, young innovators can drive the industry's future. As the space sector continues to evolve, youth-led innovation and collaboration will be at the forefront of its development, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific region. 


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Author's Biography

Muhammad Ibrahim Soejoeti is an International Relations graduate from the State Islamic University of Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia.




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