Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

The prospects for further economic expansion into space seem full of promise with plans to send human exploration missions beyond Earth orbit to open new frontiers. To enable this process, there are a few fundamental questions:

— Why should we try to stimulate this economic expansion?

— What are the benefits to society?

— What steps can best facilitate it?

Credit: NASA/ESA

Opinion paper

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has issued Recommendations for In-Space Infrastructure Initiative: Enabling In-Space Infrastructure to Provide Economic and Societal Benefits.

This AIAA opinion paper explains that in-space infrastructure would consist of the systems and services operating in Earth’s neighborhood to facilitate commerce, exploration, and scientific discovery.

Earth orbiting research lab – the International Space Station (ISS).
Credit: NASA

Immediate need

“We postulate that there is an immediate need for at least a ‘critical mass’ of in-space infrastructure to be planned, funded, and implemented to expedite broader, efficient, and easy access to cislunar space for all interested stakeholders/participants, and lay the foundation of a vibrant space-based economy,” the document notes.

“Since a fully developed space economy will have worldwide significance and impact, we further suggest that a global advocacy for development of an in-space infrastructure should be initiated,” explains the document.

To read the full AIAA opinion paper – Recommendations for In-Space Infrastructure Initiative: Enabling In-Space Infrastructure to Provide Economic and Societal Benefits – go to:

https://www.ascend.events/whitepaper-recommendations-for-in-space-infrastructure/?utm_campaign=ascend%20-%20mm&utm_source=ascend%20comms&utm_medium=email

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