Abstract
The article examines the problem of assessing the market for small space tugs. The purpose of the article is to analyze the development trends of the commercial segment of the space services’ market associated with the emergence of new space technology, the improvement of space technologies, the need to explore deep space and the problems of attracting funds of private investors. The method of researching assessment of the market for small space tugs is a consistent analysis of the market structure, segments and conditions of use, which is the necessary basis for the study. The analysis of the small space tugs market used in the authors’ study is based on an in-depth analysis of various approaches used in the economics of space activities, and also allows for a visual presentation of results of the data obtained. The article examines both the practical and theoretical studies of the problem, and proposes an approach to ensuring consistency in the process of assessing and analyzing the market for small space tugs. The main trends in the development of space technologies are associated with this final commercial segment. The article analyzes the structure of the small space tugs market, identifies and substantiates approaches to assessing the capacity of small space tugs, taking into account the characteristics of the space market, the search for investment attractiveness and extending their life in orbit. Services provided by small space tugs can be divided into two groups: with a short and extended life cycle. The costs of such services may be taken into account depending on the life cycle of the products.