Economic Prime Drivers

Opening up India trade = spices, teas, opium
Opening up China trade = teas, spices
Opening up Central American trade = Gold
Opening up North American trade = furs
Opening up Orbital trade = ? ? ?

In opening up these frontier economies, something acted as the prime
economic driver and then the niche markets were filled in order to
support the prime. The farmers, the stevedores, the chandlers, the
merchants, the blacksmiths. All of these independent players didn't
go into the frontier to work their craft for the economy of the home
market. What sense is their for a blacksmith in Jamestown, if nobody
in Jamestown needs his services. Why is there a farmer in the New
World if not to supply food to the local market?

Why is there a fuel supplier in orbit if no one needs the fuel? Same
question for a miner, refiner, argronomist, etc.

What is the economic driver in orbit that allows other niches to
follow and to profit?

TangoMan