Who Will Control the Resources of Space? Petr Zimčík Explores the Rise of Space Mercantilism

The next race for strategic resources is no longer confined to Earth. Governments and private companies are developing infrastructure that could unlock access to lunar water and valuable materials found in asteroids. Writing for Open Access Government, NEWTON University’s Petr Zimčík explains why this new era bears striking similarities to historical mercantilism.

The global space economy is currently worth approximately $630 billion and is projected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2035. Space exploration is therefore evolving into a new economic arena built around infrastructure, emerging markets and access to strategic resources.

Petr Zimčík, Head of the Centre for Economics and Data Analytics at NEWTON University, describes this development as space mercantilism. Just as historical powers competed for ports, mines and trade routes, future space powers may seek control over resource deposits, logistics hubs, communications networks and orbital infrastructure.

Competition could accelerate advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, energy systems and advanced materials. It could also create powerful monopolies, deepen global inequalities and increase environmental risks through space debris, collisions and contamination.

Zimčík therefore argues that international governance must develop alongside the technology. Possible measures include mutually recognised licences, transparent reporting, environmental impact assessments and taxation of space resources. The resulting revenue could support an international fund for research, capacity building in developing countries and the protection of the space environment.

Read Petr Zimčík’s full article in Open Access Government.