The Future of Space

Jim Zellmer has a wonderful video of the future of space travel from Oshkosh (my brother in-law went, I wish I could have gone): Burt Rutan's SpaceshipOne. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time (short) before the shuttle program is done in due to a failure (hopefully, not on this mission's recovery). After that happens, this is all we have.

My big question is: can the government (NASA) build a dynamic platform for a space industry? Historically, it hasn't and that is the root of our current problem. What would need to happen to make NASA into a keystone species in a space industry ecosystem? Here are some ideas: Competitions. A repository for open source technology generated via competition. Acquisition and operation of launch facilities and launch/landing corridors (a regulatory intensive process). Basic science (always a government chore). Emergency recovery and monitoring (applicable to all players). Security (both physical and a means to acquire the necessary clearances to launch classified projects). A common communications network (to enable both global terrestrial and orbital communications). Safety inspections and flight regulations (like those mandated by the FAA).

Comments

[Dennis]

NASA wants to do large XPrize-style competitions, but Congress has severely restricted the amount of prize money they're allowed to put up. Can't steer money to your own district with a competition.