United States

THE LUNAR EXPLOITATION INDUSTRY COULD TAKE OFF WITH SOME MORE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

THE LUNAR EXPLOITATION INDUSTRY COULD TAKE OFF WITH SOME MORE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

THE LUNAR EXPLOITATION INDUSTRY COULD TAKE OFF WITH SOME MORE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 

by Giulio Prisco

In my last SpaceNews Op-Ed I argued that we should build a sustainable presence on the Moon before moving on to Mars and beyond.

I stated that promising business cases for returning to and start exploiting the Moon, with reasonable funding and reasonable expectations of return, are beginning to appear. Some readers criticized me for stating this without supporting evidence (I just linked to Paul Spudis’ 2016 book). They also noted that, were this the case, space companies should be rushing to the Moon with their own money, without government support.

There is, however, a big difference between the “promising business cases are beginning to appear” and “solid business cases exist” phases. In the first phase, a few venture capitalists start investing, but most large investors stay behind to see what happens. The exploitation of lunar resources is still in the first phase, and I think public funding is still needed to bootstrap the industry.

Therefore, I think governments (and in particular the U.S. government) should continue to lead the way, in partnership with private industry, and encourage commercial partners to assume leadership when the time is right. Continue reading →

Posted by Adriano in News, Newsletters, Space Economy, United States
Spacecom 2018, Houston, What’s Moving On The High Frontier

Spacecom 2018, Houston, What’s Moving On The High Frontier

SpaceCom, the Space Commerce Conference and Exposition, supported by NASA’s Johnson Space Center, since it’s beginning in 2015 has become one of the most important events in the United States, dedicated to commercial applications of space technologies. Concluding a very intense 2018, in which SRI participated in several important space events — the Space Renaissance Italia 2nd National Congress in May at INAF in Bologna, UNISPACE+50 in Vienna, IAC 69th in Bremen — we participated to Spacecom 2018, November 27th and 28th, in Houston, TX USA. Continue reading →

Posted by Adriano
A survey on space tourism

A survey on space tourism

In the near future it may be possible to buy a ticket and travel into space. Indeed, several people have already done so. We would like to know how much you are willing to pay for a trip into space, what kind of trip you might like to take, and how much risk you are willing to accept.

We will ask you two questions about each of three kinds of space trips one might take. There are no right or wrong answers. Please answer exactly what you really think and feel. After these questions there are some optional questions about you. Fee free to ignore these if you prefer. Here’s the first trip:

Trip 1 lasts three to five hours with five other tourists and one staff member in a small capsule. You are rocketed into orbit hundreds of miles above the Earth, jammed into your seat by the acceleration in an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. You will go around the world two or three times, each orbit taking about 90 minutes. Through small individual windows you will see the heavens and almost the entire Earth from your vantage point far above the clouds. You will experience continuous weightlessness as you move about the cabin in a whole new way. Amenities will be minimal: bottled water, cold finger food, no toilet but a way to urinate. There will be no privacy.

Please reply to all questions here.

The questionnaire was prepared by Al Globus, supported by the ELEO group.

Posted by Adriano in News, United States
Space Renaissance USA, Inc. is moving its first steps to the Stars!

Space Renaissance USA, Inc. is moving its first steps to the Stars!

One week ago the SRI USA chapter was incorporated, By Manuel Perez (President), Amalie Sinclair (Chairperson), Corrinne Graham (Secretaire), Walter Putnam and Sergio Lebid (Directors).

In the first days of its existence, the new chapter achieved two excellent directors: Jeff Greason and Paul Werbos!

And many old SRI supporters are rejoining, seeing the excellent plan defined by Manuel and his team, with the ambitious mission: “USA to the Stars!”.

Space Renaissance USA, Inc. was incorporated as a 501(c)4 non profit association, with capabilities of public education and outreach, and lobbying towards USA Congress and political institutions.

In his two first short videos, Manuel addresses not only the space community, but the general public at large, since our goals are of great relevance for the whole society, to help solving their daily problems, first of all jobs and hope in a better future for our children and nephews.

Posted by spacere in Location, News, United States

SRI to hold inaugural conference: spring 2013 meeting date eyed

[box]The Space Renaissance International will hold its inaugural conference in Boulder, Colorado, tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2013. Scott Brown, the head of the new U.S. chapter, said the conference will provide an opportunity to focus attention on what Space Renaissance International has to offer the space community and how it differs from many other related organizations. Read the press release: SRI Inagural Conference in CO [/box]

Posted by spacere in News, Press Releases, United States

SRI Operations Moving to the United States

[box] The Executive Committee of Space Renaissance International approved moving its base of operations from Italy to the United States through a U.S. chapter headquartered in Colorado. Read the press release:  SRI Ops Move to US [/box]

Posted by spacere in News, Press Releases, United States