After the Apollo missions, many expected Moon bases, manned Mars missions and, of course, floating wheel-like Space Stations. However that future has not yet transpired. So when will Joe and Jane Everyman get into orbit? In the years following the Apollo space program, a gradual evolution of
NASA (and otherworld space agencies and programs) has been in progress. What started out as a politically motivated space race has now evolved into a slow, steady outward expansion and consolidation of government and commercial space activities. From the multibillion dollar data, voice, television, GPS navigation satellite services to privately developed expendable rockets and space cargo, the private sector has commercialized many aspects that were once the sole domain of government space agencies.
Events / Vehicles (None)
28 February 2000 by Peter Wainwright
Space Tourism on the agenda
A workshop on Human Space Transportation and Exploration is taking place from February 28-March 1st in Galveston, Texas.
Other / Vehicles (None)
6 August 1999 by Patrick Collins
Uses False Logic to Press for NASA's Interest Against Taxpayers'
In an interview with _Space News_ (July 12, p 1)
NASA Administrator
Dan Goldin stated his view that taxpayers should increase
NASA funding in order to develop reusable launch vehicles that will lower the cost of access to space.
Publications / Vehicles (None)
29 May 1999 by Peter Wainwright
Exhorts government to 'help either no one, or everyone'.
On May 20th Andrew Beal, CEO of Beal Aerospace, a commercial venture to build a cheap expendable launch vehicle (
ELV) testified to the Senate. This is the transcript of his speech:
News / Vehicles (None)
19 May 1998 by Patrick Collins
Former ESA official says investment priorities are backward
Pierre Bartholome, former head of
ESA's office in Belgium argued that commercial profits from space activities have been earned from satellite operation, ground equipment manufacturing, satellite manufacturing and rocket manufacturing, in that order.