Space tech: Experts name 12 transformative technologies reshaping our cosmic future

As humanity reaches toward the stars, the space economy is poised to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. The European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, captured the moment perfectly at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos: "The 21^st century will be really the century of space."

While we might not be building Star Trek's Enterprise just yet, the technologies emerging today are transforming science fiction dreams into practical realities. Here are twelve innovations reshaping our cosmic future that emerged as key talking points among participants during a session at Davos 2025. (Watch the full session below).

Modern Earth Observation (EO) has become our planet's diagnostic system, with over 50% of climate data now coming from satellites. The newest systems combine hundreds of spectral bands with unprecedented spatial resolution, utilizing sophisticated hyperspectral imaging. As MIT Media Lab Director, Dava Newman, emphasized, "We can't live a day without this."

These systems are complemented by machine learning algorithms for real-time data analysis, enabling immediate detection of events from pipeline leaks to crop diseases. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has pioneered much of this work, with their GOSAT programme accumulating "15 years of carbon dioxide data variation seasonally and globally," as JAXA President, Hiroshi Yamakawa, noted.

The technology now approaches the kind of planetary monitoring once imagined in science fiction, combining quantum sensors and advanced data fusion techniques to track everything from greenhouse gases to geological activity. According to analysis from the World Economic Forum, these capabilities could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to two gigatonnes annually in the next five years – the equivalent of taking 400 million cars off the road.

Timeline: Current systems operational, with next-generation capabilities rolling out through the 2020s.

The MIT Media Lab's BioSuit makes traditional puffy spacesuits look as dated as the clunky robots from 1960s sci-fi. Developed under Dr Dava Newman's leadership, this revolutionary system employs mechanical counterpressure, using precisely calibrated elastic materials to maintain constant pressure against the astronaut's body.

The slick and frankly stylish suit reduces mass by approximately 60% compared to current models and provides unprecedented mobility. Its modular construction allows for rapid repair in the field, while advanced biosensors continuously monitor vital signs and environmental conditions. When we finally make it to Mars, these suits might make the difference between just surviving and actually thriving on the red planet.

Timeline: Advanced testing phase, with deployment anticipated for Mars missions in the 2030s.

Imagine having a miniature sun in orbit, beaming clean energy anywhere on Earth 24/7. That's essentially what JAXA's SBSP prototypes are working toward, using massive solar arrays spanning several kilometres and achieving conversion efficiencies exceeding 45%, transmitting power via precisely targeted microwave beams to receiving stations on Earth.

Caltech's Space Solar Power Project demonstrated successful wireless power transmission in space in early 2024, moving us closer to the dream of unlimited clean energy from space. A single installation could deliver 2 gigawatts of power — enough to power about 1.5 million homes — to any location on Earth. Indeed, with China, Europe and the UK also working on projects to unlock unlimited clean energy from space, this dream may someday soon become a reality.

Timeline: Pilot installations are underway, with utility-scale deployment projected for the 2040s.

The next generation of satellite networks, developed by companies like Amazon's Kuiper, SpaceX's Starlink, Eutelsat's OneWeb, and China's Guowang, utilize inter-satellite laser links capable of transmitting data at rates exceeding 100 gigabits per second. As venture capitalist, Zack Bogue, noted, "Launch cost has decreased by at least 10X... with probably another 10X decrease coming over the next decade." Increasingly lower costs will make it more feasible to launch thousands of satellites to create mega-constellation networks.

These networks incorporate cutting-edge quantum encryption along with automated collision avoidance systems and active debris mitigation technologies. Advanced constellations will feature on-orbit servicing capabilities, allowing for hardware and software updates without requiring satellite replacement – think of it as the ultimate tech support house call, just in space.

Timeline: Current networks are operational, with next-generation systems featuring enhanced capabilities planned for deployment by 2030.

While we're not quite at the point of manufacturing spaceships in zero gravity, the microgravity environment of space offers unique conditions for manufacturing processes impossible to replicate on Earth. Current facilities aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are producing ZBLAN optical fibers with signal loss 100 times lower than traditional silica fibres.

Pharmaceutical companies are utilizing microgravity crystallization to develop more effective treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and various cancers. The next generation of space factories will feature autonomous robotic systems for continuous production, advanced 3D printing facilities for large-scale structures and biological manufacturing capabilities that may, one day, print human organs. As Newman observed at the World Economic Forum, "Now we get opportunities and within months we can design and develop... and launch it within a year."

Timeline: Expanding R&D operations on the ISS, with dedicated commercial facilities planned for deployment in the late 2020s.

If WALL•E had a space-based cousin, it might look something like modern debris removal systems. With over 35,000 tracked pieces of debris threatening satellites and missions, these technological trash collectors combine multiple technologies: robotic capture arms with advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven vision systems, electromagnetic tethers for contactless debris manipulation and innovative "drag sail" systems that can de-orbit multiple pieces of debris simultaneously.

These systems are being equipped with ion propulsion for precise manoeuvring and laser-ranging systems for accurate debris tracking. The technology could potentially remove up to 5-10 large debris objects per year per vehicle. As JAXA's President Yamakawa highlighted, international cooperation in space situational awareness is becoming crucial for protecting orbital assets.

Timeline: Initial demonstration missions are ongoing, with full-scale operations expected to commence in the 2030s.

Next-generation planetary habitats are already pushing the boundaries of what's possible. ICON's Project Olympus is developing autonomous 3D printing systems that use local regolith to construct radiation-shielded structures capable of withstanding extreme temperature variations and micrometeorite impacts.

These habitats incorporate advanced life support systems that can recycle up to 98% of water and oxygen, while utilizing bioregenerative systems that combine waste processing with food production. Newman noted, "Do the business cases close for the Moon and Mars? I haven't seen them close myself...habitats will be important for more permanent stays on the Moon and certainly in the longer term on Mars" where "research and science can be conducted in more comfort and astronauts can stay longer".

While business models will most certainly evolve, one thing continues to advance – technology. The structures feature self-healing materials that automatically repair minor damage, while smart radiation shielding adapts its properties based on solar activity.

Timeline: Initial lunar habitats operational by early 2030s, with Mars habitats following in the 2040s.

Current operations aboard the ISS conduct approximately 250 science missions during each six-month crew rotation, with a significant portion dedicated to biomedical research. JAXA's protein crystal growth experiments in microgravity produce exceptionally well-formed crystals that enable better analysis of protein structures, accelerating drug design processes. These advances are particularly vital for long-duration missions, with Newman emphasizing the importance of understanding "the spectrum of gravity" from microgravity to Earth-normal and beyond for human health. While this research will continue to take place in Earth orbit, it will also potentially be conducted in future Lunar habitats.

Timeline: Ongoing research with significant breakthroughs expected through the 2030s.

As Bogue highlighted in a session at Davos, companies like Impulse Space are developing systems to "take satellites very quickly from low Earth orbit (LEO) to mid-Earth orbit (MEO) or geosynchronous orbit (GEO)," expanding commercial opportunities in higher orbits. Breakthrough developments in magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters offer the potential for both high thrust and high efficiency, while new variable-specific impulse systems allow for optimized performance across different mission phases. This is incredibly innovative for "between orbit" transfers close to home, but what is being done to push the boundaries of solar system exploration?

While warp drive and hyperdrive may still be relegated to sci-fi, the future of space propulsion is looking increasingly futuristic. Nuclear thermal propulsion systems currently under development by NASA and DARPA promise to reduce Mars transit times by 40% compared to chemical rockets. Advanced ion propulsion systems, utilizing new propellants and higher-power solar arrays, are achieving thrust levels previously thought impossible for electric propulsion.

Timeline: First operational nuclear thermal systems by early 2030s, with advanced electric propulsion systems already being deployed.

While we're not quite at the level of resource extraction seen in The Expanse, modern asteroid mining concepts go far beyond simple precious metal collection. New technologies enable processing of raw materials directly in space, with autonomous refineries capable of producing fuel, construction materials, and even complex manufactured goods.

Advanced prospecting systems combine multiple sensing technologies — including neutron spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and deep-penetrating radar — to precisely characterize asteroid composition and structure. Zack Bogue emphasized how decreasing launch costs are making such ambitious projects increasingly feasible. The technology could potentially access resources valued at trillions of dollars while providing critical materials for in-space manufacturing and propellant production.

Recent media headlines have highlighted the work of space agencies to spot, track, and forecast the future orbits of potentially hazardous asteroids as they balance future resource activities with the safety of the planet.

Timeline: Initial prospecting missions in the late 2020s, with pilot extraction operations beginning in the 2030s.

The emerging field of in-orbit servicing is evolving from simple life extension missions to comprehensive maintenance and upgrade capabilities. Modern servicing vehicles combine sophisticated robotics with AI-driven autonomy, capable of performing complex repairs and modifications in orbit. New capabilities include in-orbit assembly of large structures, component-level repairs using 3D printing technology, and the ability to upgrade satellite hardware and software systems.

These services are supported by advanced diagnostic systems that can predict potential failures before they occur, and new standardized interfaces that facilitate routine servicing operations. As highlighted at the Annual Meeting, this technology could extend satellite operational lifetimes by decades while enabling regular upgrades to maintain technological relevance.

Timeline: Basic services – currently in prototyping – should be available before 2030, with advanced repair and upgrade capabilities coming online through the 2030s.

Today, the rotating space station concept from 2001: A Space Odyssey is actually yesterday’s approach to creating gravity in space. Current research in artificial gravity systems extends beyond simple rotation-based approaches. New designs incorporate variable gravity zones that can be adjusted for different physiological requirements, while advanced magnetic systems show promise for localized gravity control.

As Newman explained, understanding "the spectrum of gravity" from microgravity to Earth-normal is crucial for future space exploration. Research is exploring the use of selective artificial gravity exposure combined with advanced biotechnology to maintain human health during long-duration spaceflight. The technology could enable indefinite human presence in space while eliminating many of the health risks associated with microgravity exposure that have circumscribed human space exploration previously.

Timeline: Research ongoing, with operational systems expected by the 2040s for deep space missions.

The space sector is experiencing unprecedented democratization and commercialization. As Newman observed, "SpaceX is not so special anymore. Low Earth orbit... it's just available to everyone." However, challenges remain, particularly in areas like defence and sustainability. Kubilius emphasized the growing importance of "defence for space" against various threats, while industry leaders stress the need for international cooperation in addressing challenges like climate monitoring and space debris.

Perhaps most excitingly, as Kubilius playfully suggested, by century's end, people might choose between "100km to the nearest beach or 100km up to space... for the weekend." A by-product of a quick trip to space could be the "overview effect", whereby travelers coming back from space gain a new perspective and understanding of the fragility of our planet.

Many of these developments in space applications are already delivering now on Earth, playing a crucial role in our day-to-day activities. While we may not be building the Starship Enterprise just yet, the technologies emerging today are laying the groundwork for humanity's cosmic future.