The key element of this paper is to identify key recommendations and future strategies to accompany the transition from the current space exploration approach, towards an innovative concept of “space industrialization”, which includes the construction and maintenance of space infrastructures directly in space, also by reusing space debris and space resources, and by developing new capabilities for civil passenger transportation and accommodation in space.

In this excellent interview, Jeff Greason explains in plain and simple words why civilization needs to expand into the outer space, why the expansion shall be a manned one, and why we need it now, and not in a distant future. About the basic socio-economic need for civilian space development, Jeff says: “There are many reasons which are true, but I find secondary, though others find them compelling. For example, the industrial and economic development of space is going to require both machines and people – just as has been the case in all past economic development efforts. And that economic development will drive some significant features of life on Earth. For example, raising the standard of living of everyone on the planet to “first world” levels is going to require something like 30% increase in the energy use of human civilization, and space is about the only place to get that (if you didn’t know, the solar system has about a billion Earth’s worth of energy available).”