The term "New Space" refers to the commercialization and increasing privatization of traditional space exploration. What began two decades ago with the first commercial rocket launches has evolved into an interconnected system of infrastructure and services in Earth's orbit. From 5 to 8 April 2027, HANNOVER MESSE highlights this topic.

According to a Global Market Insights industry analysis, the global aerospace industry was valued at approximately $439 billion in 2025. A growth rate of 5.33 percent is expected by 2026. The market is expected to grow by approximately 94 percent by 2035, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of about seven percent.

“Data-driven business models are already in use today. However, the orbital economy creates new opportunities for industry. These include novel manufacturing processes in microgravity, agile small-satellite fleets, AI-supported Earth observation, and automated space robotics. All of this creates entirely new value chains,” explains Kathrin Schmidt, director of the Research & Innovation exhibition area at HANNOVER MESSE. “With the topic New Space, we offer a business platform for research institutions and traditional industrial sectors such as propulsion technology, automation, and the supplier industry. Furthermore, it is well-suited for sectors such as digitalization, logistics, startups, and service providers in areas like network infrastructure, computing power, telecommunications, consulting, finance, and insurance. On the other hand, established business models from the manufacturing sector are of great interest to space companies and their suppliers.”

“The orbital economy is evolving into a new sector with significant potential for Germany. We bring strong technologies, manufacturing expertise, and a robust industrial base to the table. At the same time, satellites, data, and space technologies are becoming indispensable to an ever-growing number of industries on Earth. HANNOVER MESSE 2027 is the ideal venue to bring together NewSpace companies and traditional industries and foster new partnerships,” says Matthias Wachter, managing director of the NewSpace Initiative and co-director of innovation, security and technology at the Federation of German Industry (BDI).

“New Space and the orbital economy are no longer a vision of the future, but a growth field that directly affects industry in Lower Saxony. Our companies already have proven expertise in lightweight construction, precision manufacturing, sensor technology, and systems integration, all of which are in high demand in the space sector. At the same time, satellite data and space-based technologies make an important contribution to security and resilience while opening up new applications in manufacturing, logistics and energy supply. What matters now is closely bringing together the expertise of industry, research and startups. HANNOVER MESSE provides a suitable framework for advancing new technologies, initiating collaborations and opening up business opportunities,” says Stefan Schröder, director of the Lower Saxony initiative Niedersachsen Aviation.

New Space in Hall 11: Mission control center at the show

At HANNOVER MESSE, exhibitors demonstrate the vast potential of New Space. Premiering in Hall 11, the New Space Pavilion is the central hub for all questions related to the orbital economy, bringing together visitors and company representatives and providing first-hand guidance. The focus is on the entire spectrum of business in space, including Earth-based industries, in-space manufacturing, data-driven applications, critical infrastructure, security technologies, and profitable technology transfer to traditional industries.

Individual exhibitors located throughout the exhibition center expand the range of products and solutions. The supporting program also focuses on this topic. For example, there will be a discussion on 6 April in the Solution Lab and a dedicated session on the Center Stage on 8 April.