fter nearly 60 years of government investment and activities in space, we have reached the point where the private sector, leveraging the accumulated knowledge and accelerating advancement of technology, has become interested in and motivated to develop economic activity in low Earth orbit (LEO). Even those with only a casual interest in space travel and exploration recognize the changes and evolution in the past decade.
Today, there are many indications throughout the space sector, in both human and robotic spaceflight, that momentum is building. The next decade will reveal the extent of the changes that have been in the works. Both SpaceX and Blue Origin have demonstrated and continue to develop reusability concepts. Virgin Galactic has completed its second spaceship and resumed testing. NASA’s Commercial Crew progam contractors are on the verge of first flight. Commercial cargo contractors are busy supplying the International Space Station (ISS). Orion and the Space Launch System continue to make progress, achieving important milestones. Bigelow is testing its inflatable habitat on the ISS. The small-satellite sector is booming, enabling a wide variety of interested parties—students, small startups and new-sector entrants—to engage in activities in LEO. There is an incredible amount of activity and promise!
To read more, click here.