mendax.org

There’s been talk of moving our space program into the private sector for years, though not much has come of the proposition. Now, however, Scaled Composites, Inc. has revealed their SpaceShipOne Project, which has moved off the drawing board and into the testing process.

The two-stage craft known as SpaceShipOne and White Knight, respectively, is significantly cheaper to launch than the shuttles we’re used to, and even runs off hybrid fuel which is not prone to explosion like the fuels used to power previous NASA missions. Capable of both manned and satellite deployment missions into space, the project offers much potential for those who hope to make a mark in “the last frontier”.

Not only has this project shown the feasibility of private sector involvement in the oft-forgotten space race, but it hints at what’s next to come: space flight “tours” for non-astronauts, cheaper, more widespread satellite use, and the ability to drop reliance on NASA should privately-funded astronaut excursions take place.

This last point raises an interesting question: if private companies in the US can make space travel a reality, then wouldn’t other governments be eager to make use of these companies’ services? Furthermore, if the technology to do this is at such a relatively low cost, what’s really stopping other governments and foreign companies from doing the same?

Perhaps the space race really will begin anew.

Popularity: 2% [?]