This paper first highlights the importance of (outer) Space as a new frontier for business and clarifies how and why Space differs from other terrestrial business environments. Second, the paper elaborates on the unique attributes of Space that lead to a set of specific challenges - congestion, contention, and competition - which fundamentally calls into question several of the underlying assumptions of international business theories. Third, the paper shows how international business and management scholars can affect research and outcomes of the opening of Space to commercialization. It suggests theoretical ways forward that are capable of extension and modification and provide a secure theoretical basis for future work. Fourth, it examines the role that multinational firms can and must play in addressing the global challenges that Space commercialization represents and provides pointers for the analysis and formulation of policy, suggesting a new additional 18th Sustainable Development Goal – Sustainable Space.
