As others mentioned: mining, special manufacturing exploiting microgravity.
A lot of competition and innovation in the area of data transfer protocols and encryption and localization and espionage increasing the need for engineers that can build, test and maintain new communications directly from orbit, which is cheaper than launching prototype after prototype.
A fad for having a marriage and honeymoon in space, making luxury space hotels commercially viable.
Companies having headquarters in space as the ultimate signal. Especially if it gives them an advantageous legal environment.
China wanting to outshine the US, so heavily subsidizing the stuff above for it’s citizens / companies.
Space junk becoming enough of a problem that specialized repair and disposal jobs become viable, mostly financed by the satellite insurance companies.
Some of the things above increasing the number of space flights, and so decreasing prices and making a few more uses become viable.
As others mentioned: mining, special manufacturing exploiting microgravity.
A lot of competition and innovation in the area of data transfer protocols and encryption and localization and espionage increasing the need for engineers that can build, test and maintain new communications directly from orbit, which is cheaper than launching prototype after prototype.
A fad for having a marriage and honeymoon in space, making luxury space hotels commercially viable.
Companies having headquarters in space as the ultimate signal. Especially if it gives them an advantageous legal environment.
China wanting to outshine the US, so heavily subsidizing the stuff above for it’s citizens / companies.
Space junk becoming enough of a problem that specialized repair and disposal jobs become viable, mostly financed by the satellite insurance companies.
Some of the things above increasing the number of space flights, and so decreasing prices and making a few more uses become viable.