Publications

DSCoverFor decades, the US has led the charge in space exploration. American astronauts were the first to land on the moon. NASA’s Pioneer, Galileo, Voyager, NEAR, and Cassini-Huygens missions continued to forge ahead: first to fly by Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; first to orbit Jupiter and Saturn; first to land on an asteroid and first to land on Titan. These are but a few of the achievements of American deep space exploration over the last five decades. So what efforts are continuing today, and what does the future look like? On October 16, 2019, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ (PIPS) Center for Enterprise, Exploration, and Defense in Space (CEEDS) held a seminar titled: “The Future of Deep Space Exploration” to examine and discuss issues related to the next steps in the manned and unmanned exploration of our solar system.

It is important to first understand why it is beneficial to continue space exploration. The exploration of space has been a beacon of US leadership since the first moon landing. It has increased American prestige and allowed the US to be the de facto leader in developing the norms of space operations. Space exploration is the perfect opportunity for international collaboration to strengthen partnerships. Like the expedition of Lewis and Clarke, it is the first step in a greater move into the solar system. Without exploration, there can be no return trips, and certainly no permanent home elsewhere in space. Space science missions also allow us to understand the origin of our planet, our solar system, our galaxy, and even the entire universe. Furthermore, as is evidenced by each previous space program the technological development necessary to complete ambitious scientific and manned expeditions directly leads to advancements in science and technology for the rest of society. However, most of all, continued space exploration has a unique effect on the human species, raising aspirations skyward and inspiring dreams in hearts and minds across all ages.

“The Future of Deep Space Exploration” panel participants offered visions for both manned and unmanned American space exploration for NASA, commercial companies, and research organziations like universities.

 

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Low Earth OrbitThe Next Step in Low Orbit Space Commercialization

On June 21, 2019, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ Center for Enterprise, Exploration, and Defense in Space (CEEDS) held a seminar titled: “The Next Space Industry: Low Earth Orbit Commercialization” to examine and discuss issues related to low Earth orbit (LEO) commercialization.

 

See Full Report here

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Preface:

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies (the Institute) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development and support of non-partisan analysis of technology and technology policy. The Institute has conducted studies that provide insight into the impact of new technologies on our society, the proper relationship between government and industry, and the future of the U.S. industrial base.
The International Space Station Commercialization (ISSC) Study was performed by the Institute, principally under a grant from NASA. Financial support was also provided by the Institute and other companies. We greatly appreciate these contributions, which made possible an interesting and meaningful study. Views expressed are those of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and are not necessarily endorsed by NASA or the other contributors.
We would also like to express gratitude to the more than two hundred people from industry, universities and government, who contributed their time and insights. Their views enriched the study immensely. Our Space Commercialization Experts Panel (SCEP) earned special thanks for guiding the study to fruition, and for helping to develop its findings and recommendations.

Download the full PDF here.