Sébastien Rouillon, Université de Bordeaux

Jeudi 28 mai 2026, nous accueillons Sébastien Rouillon, Professeur d'économie à l'Université de Bordeaux.

Titre de sa présentation : Economics of Outer Space: An Introduction

Résumé : This presentation provides an introduction to the emerging body of economic literature on the space industry and the associated issues of pollution in Earth orbit. It begins with a brief overview of the structure of the space industry and recent developments, before discussing three recent research articles. The first paper examines how satellite operators make decisions regarding launch frequencies, satellite lifespans, and active debris removal. It compares the decentralized (open-access) equilibrium to the socially optimal outcome and explores policy instruments that could improve the regulation of orbital activities. The second article examines a context in which satellite operators provide differentiated services under a monopolistic competition regime. It compares the market equilibrium under monopolistic competition with an optimal policy and proposes regulatory tools to address inefficiencies in the sector. The third article focuses on markets for services provided by satellite constellations. It models the sequential entry of operators and shows how an incumbent firm can strategically saturate orbital space to deter potential competitors. Overall, the presentation highlights the main economic challenges facing the space sector and examines possible policy responses. »

References:
- Guyot J., Rouillon S. [2023], Sustainable management of space activity in low Earth orbit, Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy, 1–25.
- Rouillon, S. [2025], Monopolistic Competition in a Limited Orbital Space, Environmental and Resource Economics, 88:1009–1038.
- Rouillon, S. [2026], Strategic entry deterrence in a finite orbital environment, Revue d’Economie Politique, forthcoming.
 

Le séminaire a lieu à 13h30, au GAEL, en salle 227.