Based on the title of this article, "The New Space Economy is Getting Real,” I would say that it is highlighting the reality of space travel. Not too long ago, the idea of space travel for the public or paying civilians was not even heard of, but with the rapid advancements in technology it is now possible.
Twenty five years from now I think it will be quite common, but still at the cost of a pretty penny. NASA will continue it’s missions, the ending of the space shuttle program will have little effect on the scientific exploration, research and development conducted by NASA. As stated on the NASA website under “future,” http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/what_does_nasa_do.html, NASA states they will continue to study the solar system and universe, work towards landing humans on mars, keeping the International Space Station staffed, research and development on safer, quieter, and more efficient aircraft, such as the X-43 scramjet technology for commercial air travel as well, and working with the government on NextGen. It also states that commercial companies are well on their way to the capability of providing cargo and crew flights to the space station, which seems will be the role of theses private companies in space travel in the coming years. Without the assistance and the space shuttle program gone, operation of the space station would not be possible without this assistance. Therefore, private companies will have a very important role in space in the near future. These companies such as Virgin Galactic, I assume will finance their operations from high paying customers, but also engage in government contracts as well as stated on their website, http://www.virgingalactic.com/news/item/virgin-galactic-signs-deal-with-nasa-for-research-missions-on-spaceshiptwo/. With the condition of the economy and the governments budget, there are many opportunities for these private companies to take off if they can fund their own operations.
The current purpose of space travel in reference to NASA is research and development, as far as private companies, again Virgin Galactic for example, which serves a model and most established organization to date. They will also aid in research and development, but also transport paying customers into space. We can be pretty sure that we will see more companies like this devlop around the world in the coming decades. The purpose of space travel now has not really changed over the years. We will still travel into space to learn about our surroundings and make every attempt to exceed previous limits and missions. The only real difference is that anyone will have the option to experience it and we realized there are some filthy rich people out there that will pay to do so, which is a very good way to fund this type of research.
Sure, there is a cost to all of us for this research but with a shift to the private sector, it seems that government funding for NASA and space exploration could be reduced and picked up by these companies. Either way I believe that is a huge benefit for all mankind to continue space exploration and the study of the solar system and universe as well as the study, and research and development for aviation inside of our atmosphere.
Thinking about career implication for the future of these programs is exciting. Obviously you will need a significant amount of experience and most likely time in space to be considered, but eventually it could be as common as applying for an airline job. If the business takes off, there will be more jobs available and not just for pilots. I assume the FAA will be responsible for regulation of flight in space, but can’t be sure, something else to consider because that is a whole different category of airspace.
Well-written. Informative links.
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