Space Economics Workshop and Webinar Series

Outer space has long been called the final frontier— but in practice, it is the very next frontier of human exploration. Space is a shared resource that both enables Earthly benefits and is in need of novel governance and continued care.

The field of natural resource economics has much to offer in understanding space as a resource to be both utilized and responsibly managed. Economists have already conducted work on the valuation of geostationary orbital slots, the use of auctions for radio spectrum allocation, the benefits of private sector involvement in developing space technology, and the design of policies to stimulate technological innovation. These insights become even more valuable as the number of space stakeholders and uses of space continue to grow rapidly.

Join Resources for the Future (RFF) for a unique workshop on space economics to learn about the state of multi-disciplinary research and be part of the conversation guiding future economics research directions. Previous experience working on space economics is not required; in fact, we’re actively working to expand the community of researchers working on these topics.

Applications are open to natural resource/environmental economists in all career stages, with young researchers particularly encouraged to apply. This free 1.5 day workshop will be held in Washington, DC, in summer 2026.

At the moment, Resources for the Future does not have travel funding to offer for this workshop (although we will provide breakfast and lunch on both days of the event). All travel-related expenses, including airfare and hotel accommodations, must therefore be covered by the attendee or their organization--although we’ll certainly alert applicants as soon as possible if travel funding does become available.

This workshop is dedicated to former RFF Senior Fellow and Vice President for Research Molly Macauley, who worked tirelessly to promote the potential contributions of economics toward space-related programs and policies. Since Molly’s tragic death in July 2016, the importance of the issues to which she dedicated her intellectual life has only grown.