ABSTRACT. Space exploration has produced remarkable advancements in the past decade, marked by a surge in lunar missions, inspiring firsts for nations and businesses alike, growing international and cross-sector collaborations, and expanded opportunities for the commercial sector. As global government funding for space exploration is projected to continue growing over the next decade, effectively communicating the benefits of these investments remains essential for space agencies. Providing transparent, evidence-based rationale for the socioeconomic value of space exploration is key to sustaining public and governmental support for ambitious exploration goals and to fostering a shared understanding of their importance. This paper examines benefits as a foundational rationale for investments in space exploration. It introduces a benefits model developed by the 27 space agencies participating in the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) to articulate a unified perspective on the positive socioeconomic impacts of space exploration. The model is structured around 12 benefits, which are defined as quantifiable, positive changes resulting from exploration investments and organized into five categories. They reflect pragmatic and measurable ways in which space exploration drives socioeconomic returns, such as advancements in scientific knowledge, economic growth and enhanced international collaboration. The model also incorporates two cross-cutting themes that capture priorities of sustainable exploration and diversification of actors in the space sector. Leveraging case studies, practical examples and success stories, agency reports and assessments of initiatives, this paper provides insights on concrete positive changes resulting from space exploration for various stakeholder communities. The findings align with ISECG’s Global Exploration Roadmap, underscoring the essential role of global partnerships in tackling modern challenges and achieving collective progress in space.
