Launchers are on the higher end of the space value chain. Given the importance of the subject, in 2014 ESA has requested an independent consulting team to perform a dedicated study to assess ex-post the direct, indirect and induced socio-economic impacts of the Ariane 5 programme (mid-term evaluation) and of the Vega programme (early evaluation).
The total GDP impact of the Ariane 5 programme for selected countries in the period 1988-2012 has been assessed through the total Gross Value Added and the GVA multiplier*. For most countries, the GVA multipliers range between 1.6 and 3.4, while ESA average is 2.2, a good indication of the immediate positive effect of space spending. In the case of the Vega programme, the GVA multiplier has been estimated at 1.4 in ESA average across participating Member States.
* GVA Multiplier = total Gross Value Added divided by ESA spending