Week 9 Desma 9

Space has always been a frontier that has fascinated people. For most of human history, we couldn’t imagine traveling to space – it was only inspiration for myths and legends. However, relatively quickly from 1900 to now, we have made significant progress in space exploration (Wilkinson). At the beginning of the race, space exploration was a unifying technological goal for humanity. However, in recent years, the landscape of space exploration has witnessed a shift toward privatization, heralding a new era of commercial space ventures. 

Blue Origin commercial space flight carrying Jeff Bezos

Last year, NASA announced that operations at the International Space Station (ISS) would end in 2031 (Hernandez). Since its inception, the ISS has served as a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration. However, tensions between Russia and the other countries operating the ISS have Russia threatening to pull out as early as 2024 (Sullivan). 

ISS (International Space Station)

Private entities are stepping in to fill the void. NASA has transitioned funding to supporting commercially owned and operated space stations by awarding contracts over $100 million (Sullivan) to companies such as SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, and Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos. With the emergence of SpaceX and Blue Origin (Space pt5 1:53), we are at a pivotal moment in the privatization of space as the torch is passed from international collaboration to corporate endeavors that are developing space habitats and platforms for scientific research and commercial use. 

NASA's yearly budget as % total  of yearly US federal budget

SpaceX and Blue Origin have emerged as industry pioneers, revolutionizing space access and pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. SpaceX's successful development of reusable rockets has drastically reduced the cost of launching payloads into space, making it a frontrunner in the commercial space race. On the other hand, Blue Origin’s focus on developing reusable launch systems and lunar landers will enable a sustainable human presence on the Moon (Howell). 

The switch to privatization of space exploration has sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism. Supporters argue that commercial entities bring entrepreneurial drive and efficiency to the table, fostering innovation and accelerating progress. However, critics express concerns about the potential monopolization of space resources and the prioritization of profit over scientific research (Forbes). As we switch to private space exploration, it is essential to carefully navigate the balance between commercial interests and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

References:

Berger, E. (2023, May 30). The Falcon 9 may double the record for consecutive launch success Tonight. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/05/spacex-is-going-for-its-200th-consecutive-falcon-9-success-tonight/ 

Hernandez, Joe. “What Will Happen to the International Space Station When It Is Retired?” NPR, 3 Feb. 2022, www.npr.org/2022/02/03/1077832486/what-will-happen-to-the-international-space-station-when-it-is-retired. 

Howell, Elizabeth. “8 Ways That Spacex Has Transformed Spaceflight.” Space.Com, 14 Mar. 2022, www.space.com/ways-spacex-transformed-spaceflight. 

McCarthy, Niall, and Felix Richter. “Infographic: The State of NASA’s Budget as Pence Seeks New Moon Landing.” Statista Infographics, 27 Mar. 2019, www.statista.com/chart/17504/nasas-budget-share-of-the-us-federal-budget/. 

Quora. “The Pros and Cons of Privatizing Space Exploration.” Forbes, 14 Apr. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/04/04/the-pros-and-cons-of-privatizing-space-exploration/?sh=684415003319. 

 

Sullivan, Will. “The ISS Will Fall from the Sky after the End of the Decade. What Will Replace It?” Smithsonian Magazine, www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-iss-will-fall-from-the-sky-at-the-end-of-the-decade-whats-next-180981879/#:~:text=Last%20year%2C%20NASA%20announced%20that. 

US Gov, NASA. “Planetary Exploration Timeline.” NASA, nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/chronology.html. Accessed 30 May 2023. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Space PT5.” YouTube, 30 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnSUHMXBmdg&t=117s&ab_channel=UCOnline. 

Wattles, Jackie. “Blue Origin Successfully Completes Fourth Space Tourism Mission | CNN Business.” CNN, 31 Mar. 2022, www.cnn.com/2022/03/31/tech/blue-origin-rocket-space-launch-thursday-scn/index.html. 

Wilkinson, Freddie. “The History of Space Exploration.” Education, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/history-space-exploration/. Accessed 30 May 2023.