THE ROLE AND CAPACITY OF THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS CONTRIBUTORS TO FUTURE COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SPACE EXPLORATION

摘要

The end of general budget growth and the expansion of commercial markets during the last decade has led to increased deliberations regarding the appropriate roles for public space programs and the commercial space sector. Whatever the future commercial opportunities within space exploration markets that scarcely exist today are, it will surely involve and be determined through extensive consideration of the roles and capacity of both the public and private sectors in future space exploration. This paper will examine the recent performance of the major sectors of the industrial space sector and will survey recent trends in world public expenditures for space activities. This analysis will provide the backdrop for our future debate and discussions regarding the potential of commercial opportunities in space exploration and discuss this potential in the context of long-term space exploration activities. The paper will also look at the benefits that might accrue from public-private investment and partnerships.