World Space Week: Why project professionals are mission-critical for strategic success in the space sector

Ahead of World Space Week (4 October-10 October 2026), Martina Blake, and Mark Heelis (Lead and Deputy Lead of the APM Space Sector Interest Network) share their views on how a project management-led approach can result in success for organisations in the space sector.

The human element of projects and programmes in the space sector will be a driving force for exploration and discovery in the age of AI, but organisations must invest in their project capability to overcome some key challenges, leading experts say.

Research by the Association for Project Management (APM) has found that only 54% of senior leaders in the aerospace and defence sector integrate project management principles into their organisational strategies, compared with a pan-sector average of 64%.

According to Martina Blake, Lead for the APM Space Sector Interest Network, a failure at leadership level to recognise the strategic significance of the project profession not only jeopardises effective delivery but also makes organisations less responsive to change.

She said: “The space sector manages complex mega-projects, with strict timelines and multiple stakeholders; alongside a delivery environment that is highly dangerous and unpredictable. With the global space sector growing at nearly 10% annually and projected to reach £1.5 trillion by 2035, the scale and complexity of space missions is accelerating. Accelerating and scaling delivery in a way that respects an environment as challenging and uncertain as outer space demands a focus on project management capability– not only in terms of recruitment and upskilling, but in how organisations perceive the project profession.”

An APM survey of senior aerospace leaders, conducted last year by research company Censuswide, found the most commonly cited reason for strategies failing were:

• Lack of communication (cited by 24% of leaders in the sector)
• Not having people to oversee delivery (22%)
• Lack of clarity on requirements (20%)

Martina added: “Project management is about delivering a strategic vision. Organisations who integrate project management principles into their strategies all report significant benefits from doing so.”

Overcoming boundaries to success

Mark Heelis, Deputy Lead of the APM Space Sector Interest Network, echoed the importance of strong leadership, highlighting the role of sponsors in driving their organisation closer to its desired future state by overcoming corporate and functional boundaries to ensure projects succeed.

He said: “Many of the challenges highlighted in APM’s survey can be tackled through stronger project leadership, governance and sponsorship. Project professionals are helping organisations break down silos, improve communication and ensure strategic priorities are translated into successful delivery. Strong sponsorship is key in aligning stakeholders and ensuring projects maintain speed in delivery.

“Space is a frontier where technology, engineering and strategic leadership converge. My hope is that World Space Week will serve as an opportunity to inspire those working and leading in the sector to view project management as a strategic imperative. 

Martina concluded: “Project professionals, alongside engineers, scientists and astronauts to name a few professions, make up the space sector, but there is more we can do to realise the benefits of investing in the project profession” 

• To mark World Space Week, the Space Sector Interest Network will be adding a new resource onto the community page daily which explores this year’s theme, "the rocket revolution." Check here throughout the week to find the latest updates which includes exclusive articles, a Q and A case study with David Tellett of Magdrive, a podcast featuring Meganne Christian, ESA Reserve Astronaut, and a special Friday quiz.
• The APM Space Sector Interest Network brings together people from across the international space sector to share good practice, knowledge and insight, while inviting contributions and participation in discussion and events. Follow the APM Space Sector Interest Network.
• APM members can access the latest issue of Project, featuring an interview with Kevin Gilligan, NASA’s most senior project professional, who discusses why taking on difficult challenges can lead to the biggest rewards.