Building the Future: The Essential Role of Logistics in Sustainable Space Exploration

Something we’ve been talking about quite a bit recently is space logistics and supply chains for space exploration. And with the news of the SpaceX Dragon 2 and Boeing Starliner in the cycle, it seems even closer than ever before. But the incredible imagery from those space flights are great for the media, but they also leave out the huge components of the whole process. Logistics is what makes the whole thing work, and the entire concept of space logistics is a work in progress. It is unprecedented. It has never been done before. 

So, the playbook for space logistics is being written in real time. Of course, it is based on the tried and true lessons learned from terrestrial logistics. As space logistics continues to evolve, you can be sure that Greenwood Aerospace will be at the forefront of the space logistics development and implementation. 

Understanding Space Logistics

The place to start is understanding space logistics. The first thing that space mobility needs to function efficiently, effectively, and reliably is a strong logistical system. 

Theoretically, this isn’t much different than earth-bound logistics. It is the same idea as earthside logistics, except the stakes are higher. 

Definition and scope of space logistics

Space logistics is fundamentally similar to aerospace logistics on earth. The key difference is that getting supplies to space is much more costly and difficult than sending parts and supplies across the world. 

"SpaceX launch of Thaicom 6 to Geo transfer orbit" by jurvetson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Aerospace logistics is the delicate and intricate web of supply chain management and ops that keep aviation running smoothly. One hiccup is enough to throw off the flow of parts and materials and cause all kinds of problems with the operations side of aviation. 

But it goes a lot deeper than just getting some parts. This isn’t AutoZone. Aviation and aerospace logistics rely on highly complex working relationships, extremely high levels of quality control, and maintaining the necessary inventory levels to make these missions work. 

Space exploration logistics takes this already tenuous process and adds the complexity of a limited replenishment process. The cost to ship parts into outer space is astronomical; some estimates put it as high as $10,000 per pound in the Space Shuttle era. Even with SpaceX’s desired outcome of around $1,000 per pound, it will still be an exorbitant cost. 

Importance Of Logistics In Space Exploration

Here are a few of the key takeaways for just why logistics is so important in space exploration. There won’t be any space exploration without a reliable logistics chain developed for the process. 

Outer space exploration and space mobility pose serious challenges to logistics as we know it, which we talked about at length both in this article and in previous articles. But for exploring space, we need to lean into the sustainable space exploration and space logistics market to establish the logistics chain. 

  • Logistics is essential for the success of space missions, as it ensures the timely and efficient delivery of resources and personnel to space.
  • Effective logistics management can reduce costs, improve safety, and increase the overall efficiency of space operations.
  • Space logistics is critical for the development of a sustainable space industry.

Since all supplies, parts, and equipment have to be shipped from earth to space, it is up to the space logistics market to adapt, lower costs per pound and ton, and ultimately make the space economy and space ecosystem more affordable and accessible. 

Brief History Of Space Logistics Development

The origins of space logistics stretch back to the origins of space travel itself in the 1950s and 1960s when the first satellites and space probes were sent into orbit. Without the pioneering efforts, there would be space exploration today. 

After the first barrage of space exploration in the 1960s and space launches had become somewhat routine and predictable, the idea came up for a long-term research station. This would be the first real test of the long-term viability of the logistics of staying in space for extended periods. And stay it has!  

The International Space Station has remained in orbit for nearing three decades with some occupants staying on the ISS for almost one year. 

This was the proof of concept needed for space mobility exports to prove that there could be enough provisions to last for the duration. And the ISS was never intended to last as long as it has; it was designed as a 15-year mission that has continuously been added onto. 

The space logistics industry is growing rapidly to respond to increased demand for space exploration and future deep space travel, along with other space activities, and the space station will probably serve as a model for space activities for many years into the future, albeit a model that has become operationally obsolete. 

  • The concept of space logistics emerged in the 1960s, with the launch of the first satellites and space probes.
  • The development of the International Space Station (ISS) in the 1990s marked a significant milestone in the evolution of space logistics.
  • Today, space logistics is a rapidly growing field, with new technologies and innovations emerging to support the increasing demand for space exploration and development.
"Blue Origins New Glenn Launch" by Kevin M. Gill is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Space Transportation Systems

The issue of traveling into space poses a serious challenge that we keep coming back to: cost. One way to combat that is with reusable rockets, which SpaceX is quickly getting very good at. 

Rockets are going to be the most economical system for launching cargo into space, and cargo is exactly what space logistics is. This is shaping up to become a logistics services industry because it is going to take a lot of materials being shipped from Earth to orbit.  

Efficient Space Exploration through Logistics

Efficiency is paramount for pushing the boundaries of space operation, and that efficiency will be fine-tuned through the logistics process. When a space system launches from Earth, it is fairly strictly limited to capacity and payload, which in terms limits the duration and distance it can explore. 

Space transportation is poised for a breakthrough as technology explodes. And as we all know, as technology rapidly increases, the cost actually drops. When the tech is readily available and mainstream, it will be much more financially achievable, henceforth, much more efficient. It will also increase in efficiency because as demand increases, technology advances even faster. We are watching this in real time with every SpaceX advancement, every Blue Origin launch, and so on. 

Since prices will inevitably go down, logistical efficiency will be on the rise. 

Space-Based Manufacturing and Resource Utilization

This is what we need to keep our eyes on, because it is going to be huge. Space-based manufacturing is one of the most important keys to this whole thing. It could definitely be argued that space based manufacturing is the linchpin to space logistics, and without space logistics there is no space travel at all. 

Now, initially it is going to rely on terrestrial supplies and raw materials to manufacture products but eventually that will shift away to resourcing material from space. It has to be this way because the raw materials are incredibly heavy and taking them to space for holding will be very costly, time consuming, and labor intensive. 

So, utilizing space resources will be the way to fix this problem in the future. How far in the future? Who knows. 

Building a Sustainable Space Supply Chain

How will the people go about building a sustainable space supply chain? There are more moving pieces than we can grasp to earth-bound logistics systems, so how can we build something in space that is not only reliable, but sustainable? Space travel is the definition of the ‘long game’. Here are a few of the key considerations. 

Environmental Impact

No matter how you cut it, the space industry leaves a significant environmental footprint. From rockets and satellite manufacturing to the ground-based part of the operation, enormous amounts of resources flow into the industry. A single rocket launch uses several hundred tons of propellants per launch. 

Implementing renewable energy sources that are also clean is paramount, and it might not even be anything we have an answer to yet. But it will be huge as it is developed. Also, with the sheer magnitude of rockets and other launch vehicles used for launch vehicles, harnessing ways to reduce emissions will be of the utmost importance. There are entire manufacturing sectors devoted to this that don’t even exist yet. 

Wise Use of Resources

Space exploration and development not only use a lot of resources, but it takes a blend of resources. From rare earth metals to specialized components, it is a highly unique manufacturing effort and will prove to be a unique niche in the logistics market. But it is also a niche that is no longer minor. 

The space environment has unique requirements and demand, so a circular approach to resource management. This is more than just a buzzword; space travel demands that we come up with more creative means of using the resources available rather than sending them straight into the waste bin. 

A few of the keys to circularity are 

  • Resource efficiency
  • Durability and repairability
  • Reduce and substitute materials
  • Preventing and reducing waste
  • Recycling

These are important on planet earth. They are a necessity for outer space. The further space travel is pushed, the more reliable and repairable parts and components have to be to sustain it. There are no second chances in space. 

Supply Chain Resilience 

While resource utilization is paramount for successful space missions, space logistical services all begin with one common root: it has to get into space first. There is no supply chain management for space missions when there is nothing going into space. Simple. 

Supply chain resilience will be one of the foremost challenges and also one of the highest priorities for space travel and for space logistics services to tackle. There is no other way. 

Building redundancy into the supply chain will take time and effort, but it is necessary. Risk management strategies will most certainly involve 

  • Stockpiling key components
  • Establishing backup manufacturing capabilities
  • Building and establishing space-based manufacturing and additive manufacturing. 

Regulatory Frameworks

Like it or not, there will be significantly expanded and new regulations pertaining to space exploration and travel, and therefore anything and everything associated with it. The hope is that policymakers will work to create clear, concise and most importantly coherent frameworks that will incentivize sustainable practices. There is also a demand for international collaboration and cooperation; after all, it will be an international effort. The world has a vested interest in space exploration, and the effort will involve all of the major countries on earth. 

The regulations will include a significant number of multinational regulatory structures to keep the process consistent across the board for all major players. 

Autonomy and Robotics in Space Logistics

Space infrastructure will rely heavily on autonomous machinery and robotics. There just isn’t any other way to efficiently run a logistical operation in space. 

But think about the possibilities! Space-based supply depots positioned strategically on the most common routes to and from destinations, something like a Jet route in the National Airspace System. Orders can be placed by inbound spacecraft and parts or supplies and materials can be pulled autonomously upon arrival. 

Or say there is no part on hand but it can be manufactured using robotic processes. The part request is processed and a freshly manufactured component is available upon arrival. This will be the way ahead for space logistics in space projects. Space sustainability depends heavily on the ability to no longer rely on huge inventories of items on shelves in a warehouse because these simply will not exist. 

Of course, farther out from this idea is the reality that advanced robotics will be a requirement for in-space assembly and the construction of large structures. Space sustainability will depend on autonomous assembly and a robotic workforce, and ultimately, mining and refining materials found in space. 

Sustainable Development by Commercial Companies

The major drivers for deep space travel and colonization will be heavily influenced by partnering governments, but it will certainly be the private companies that create and manufacture the materials and the strategies to execute these plans. From solar panels for electrical power production to artificial intelligence for complex problem solving and streamlining processes, it will not be government agencies that pave the way to the celestial bodies; it will be private companies solving the logistics problem. 

It will take a large infrastructure initiative and buy-in, but governments and government agencies have to work in concert with private companies. As we see now, government programs are doing very, very little lifting into space. The Space Shuttle program has been shuttered, and almost all of space work is being done by the private companies. 

As with all technologies, each successive generation of spacecraft gets better. The next generation of spacecraft will be better than the last and so on. Development time also is compressed, especially as governments and nations see more value and invest into them. The real challenge will be keeping up with the advances and new technologies. The logistics chain takes time to build, and before we can talk about manufacturing activities in space, we have to establish space supply chains on earth first. Autonomous manufacturing will significantly reduce logistics burdens in time, but they are not an option now. 

Traditional methods of building supply chains and logistics will take center stage for the foreseeable future. Tools that automate the process, namely the Greenwood Parts Intelligence Program (GPIQ) are what will shape the first generations of space logistics. Our GPIQ software focuses on market intelligence and value enhancement linked to such aircraft and was created with prime contractors that support special mission aircraft in mind. It will look very much the same for some time into the future, although the timeframe always compresses with each successive generation. 

Greenwood’s Role in Space Logistics

We are a leader in government procurement, storage, and logistics, so space logistics with government programs and contractors is a natural progression for us. We can apply the same principles that have worked so well over the past forty years to space logistics and help your organization realize the same results. 

Learn more about our services for the defense and military industries. For additional information, you can also get in touch with us here or by emailing sales@governmentprocurement.com.