The Commercial Space Industry

Between the 1960s and 1980s, U.S. companies manufactured and produced various launch vehicles and satellites to be under NASA contracts to launch their payloads. According to the FAA, in the late 80’s the need for launches grew to the point where NASA could no longer handle the demand and manufactures expressed interest in commercial launch services. In 1982, Space Services successfully launched the first private American launch testing its prototype Conestoga rocket. This flight also proved how the approval process takes an extraordinary long time. Shortly after the first test launch, Charles D. Walker from McDonnell Douglas became the first non-government astronaut to fly in 1984. This manned flight led to a huge spark in the future of space tourism. Various companies started designing and engineering cabins that could hold individuals and payloads. NASA allowed its first citizen to fly during the shuttle program, Christa McAuliffe. NASA predicted that after this flight two to three civilians a year would fly on shuttles. Due to the Challenger disaster that killed McAuliffe, this was never able to happen. Ever since the early 2000’s, commercial space tourism has grew extraordinary and multiple successful companies due to better, safer technology and stable regulations. Yet, no company has yet to launch an individual into space, but there is talk to do so in the near future.

After the United States first successful private launch, it was brought to light that the procedures required gaining approval for launch. The house introduced a legislation to make it easier to achieve commercial launch capabilities. On July 4, 1982 President Ronald Reagan issued the “National Space Policy”. This expressed that the expansion of U.S. private commercial involvement in civil space activates to be a national goal. It basically stated that private commercial involvement would provide jobs for thousands, strengthen U.S. global position, provide a market for excess flight hardware, and create a market for U.S. government and facilities. In 1983, Reagan issued NSDD 94 which states the U.S. Government will, license, supervise, and regulate commercial space flight. Over the years the regulations have changed due to the advancement in technology and other factors. Current FAA commercial space transportation regulations are located in Chapter III, parts 400 to 460, Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations. I feel all these regulations are appropriate to ensure the safety of the public and correct operation procedures.

I see commercial space tourism headed in a very positive direction, very, very, soon. Space X has recently announced that individuals have already placed a significant deposit for a trip to space and will begin fitness tests and begin training later in the year. Compared to the $500 million dollar per launch Saturn 5, the falcon heavy only cost $90 million per launch and has 2.5 more thrust power then the Saturn 5. Space X also announced the BFR, will be the biggest and cheapest rocket ever made. Elon Musk and Space X plans on using this for Mars missions, both as cargo ships as well as passenger transport. The only issue I can see is the cost. Individuals would have to pay thousands for a ticket, only so many people could afford certain costs. Also, I could for see this issue getting resolved in the future as different technologies is brought into play.

According to NASA, the basic qualifications for pilots of human space flight must possess and carry an FAA pilot certificate with an instrument rating and FAA first class medical. High altitude and emergency procedures will be the most focused on in training, something fighter pilots may have a lot of experience with. Military pilots will have the most experience under G Tolerance, pressure suits, glide landings, emergency procedures, all under extreme conditions. Not to mention thousands of hours needed.

Citations:

(www.spacefuture.com), P. W. (n.d.). Space Tourism - The Story So Far. Retrieved February 17, 2018, from http://www.spacefuture.com/tourism/timeline.shtml

 (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2018, from https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/hqlibrary/pathfinders/spacetourism.htm

Shanklin, E. (2017, February 27). SpaceX to Send Privately Crewed Dragon Spacecraft Beyond the Moon Next Year. Retrieved February 17, 2018, from http://www.spacex.com/news/2017/02/27/spacex-send-privately-crewed-dragon-spacecraft-beyond-moon-next-year