The Aerospace Industries Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers U.S. released a new analysis on March 17 that finds the U.S. space industrial base is struggling to keep up with rapid growth in the sector, raising concerns for national security, civil, and commercial space programs.
The report highlights the importance of a resilient supply chain to support continued leadership in space as demand for launches and satellite production increases. According to Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), "The rapid expansion of the U.S. space industry has driven demand to historic highs, placing significant pressure on the supply chain that underpins U.S. leadership in space. Without deliberate steps to strengthen suppliers and modernize regulations, we risk turning today’s momentum into tomorrow’s bottlenecks. A resilient space supply chain is not optional — it’s a national imperative.”
Doug Anderson, Partner at PwC’s Operations and Supply Chain Services practice, said, “Demand growth across the U.S. space sector is outpacing supplier capacity. Organizations that take a wait-and-see approach risk falling behind as constraints persist. Now is the time to reassess supply strategies, invest in scalable capacity, and build the operational resilience needed to compete in a rapidly expanding market.” The report notes that more than 3,400 U.S. space objects were launched in 2025 alone—nearly ten times the volume seen in 2019—while industrial capacity has not kept pace.
The Aerospace Industries Association operates within the aerospace and defense sector supporting manufacturers and suppliers according to its official website. The association also supports diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at improving representation within the industry according to its official website. In addition, AIA pushes for policies designed to bolster national security while encouraging innovation and economic expansion according to its official website.
Other activities by AIA include shaping policy on issues such as aviation safety, workforce development, and promoting international business ethics through efforts like leading the International Forum on Business Ethical Conduct since 2010 according to its official website. The association also provides advocacy efforts, networking opportunities via councils and committees, as well as access to over 1,400 industry standards according to its official website.
The report concludes with recommendations intended to help build a stronger supply chain capable of meeting rising demand across all sectors of space activity.
