Disruptive Space Technologies

Abstract

The theory of Disruptive Technologies explains the evolution of technologies that disturb the status quo of both dominant technology platforms and competitive market layouts. In this paper, the theory of Disruptive Technologies for the space sector is explored. This exploration is required because the Disruptive Technology theory is currently based upon the innovation dynamics of mass consumer markets, which are significantly different from the dynamics of the low volume, highly governmentally influenced space sector. The objective is to clarify the dynamics of innovation in space (with particular respect to technological disruptions) in order to help decision makers in their effort to support innovation in the development of space technologies. This is done by analyzing the dynamics of the space sector and the theory of Disruptive Technologies in respect to its applicability to the space sector. The result of these analyses leads to the creation of a theory that is tailored to the specific innovation dynamics of the space sector. The theory is termed Disruptive Space Technologies. Key element of this theory is the fact that Disruptive Technologies in the space sector focus mainly on technology disruption rather than market disruption.

A Systematic Review of Product Design for Space Instrument Innovation, Reliability, and Manufacturing

“…The exploitation and exploration of space have led to the emergence of new technologies in science including areas such as telecommunications, navigations, and medicine (van der Veen et al [8]). Product innovation is the major goal of the space fairing nations to increase the capabilities of space technology to increase the benefits of space utilization.…”

“…Van der Veen et al [8] described disruptive technology as the kind of technology that emerges out of the niche market and dominates the market to the extent of disrupting the status quo of the market. Innovation is described as disruptive when it starts to appeal to the majority of users of the technology in the market.…”

Designing for Human Factors in the Technology-Intensive Domain of Fighter Aircraft

“…Similar to space industry, the fighter aircraft industry has to manage technology-intensive development where the end user often has implicit or explicit human factors requirements or expectations that has to be managed through design. And similar to challenges within the space domain of how to manage complex technology innovation and development (Szajnfarber & Weigel, 2012;van der Veen, Giannoulas, Guglielmi, Uunk, & Schubert, 2012) the fighter aircraft domain has to manage innovation. However, also domain specific constraints have to be considered when designing for human factors.…”