Business adaptive strategies in crisis

: in the context of SpaceX and the space debris crisis

Abstract

This master thesis examines the business adaptive strategies, SpaceX has developed to address the ever-evolving space debris crisis today and in the future. The dissertation is written in the form of a case study and aims to link theoretical management frameworks with real-life issues. The theoretical management frameworks are presented in the research note chapter 4 and include dynamic capabilities, CSR reporting, Eco innovation and VRIO, followed by the case study in chapter 5. The case study chapter contains the theoretical part, with the demonstration of the space debris crisis, risks for space missions, risk for earth and space environment, current legal frameworks, and the business adaptive strategies of SpaceX in general as well as based on two major missions. The last chapter 6 is the teaching note, in which the theoretical frameworks of chapter 4 are linked to the business adaptive strategies of SpaceX. The case analyzes the strategies SpaceX has developed to address the crisis, from spacecraft reusability to transparently provision of informing about current space debris positions and the space debris avoidance maneuvers SpaceX must perform. Further, SpaceX’s cost benefits due to their adaptive strategies were highlighted and compared to other space operators. SpaceX’s premature development in sustainable space practices addressing the need for space debris mitigation will give SpaceX a recognizable competitive advantage in the future, as they are already acting above the required guidelines and can quickly react to changing legal requirements through their in-house production utilizing vertical integration.

Date of Award	26 Jan 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ricardo Reis (Supervisor)