1998 — New Space Industries for the Next Millennium

December 1998

Author: David Smitherman, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Space Business Park — this multipurpose commercial space station features a space hotel with two counter-spinning rings to simulate lunar gravity, a core backbone of zero gravity state rooms, and two inflatable arena spheres. Each module is equipped with an emergency escape capsule or life boat that becomes part of the living space within the suite. Designed for approximately 200 people, travelers typically enjoy 1-wk cruises through space that includes a wide variety of activities, entertainment, and spectacular views of the Earth and stars. Power is produced through the circular solar concentrators shown in the foreground. (NASA)

Introduction

New Space Industries For The Next Millennium is a final report of the findings from the New Space Industries Workshop held in Washington D.C. in February 1998. The primary purpose of this workshop was to identify what must be done to develop new markets, and to generate plans, milestones, and new organizational relationships designed to facilitate the goal of space development. This document provides a summary report on the results of that workshop and is not intended as a statement of NASA or Government policy.

Previous studies had shown great potential for the development of new markets in space, and a great need for coordination and formation of infrastructures to facilitate the growth of new space businesses. The New Space Industries Workshop brought together Government, academia, and industry participants from several previous studies and other professionals interested in the development of space for commercial purposes. Their participation provided input into the role of Government and industry in space development as well as the technology needs that will enable space development.

The opening of the frontier of space — not just to Government missions, but to private individuals and commercial business — is a challenge of overarching importance. It is our hope that the workshop and this final report continue in earnest the process of identifying and overcoming the barriers to large-scale public access and development of space in the early years of the next millennium.

Full paper availability at:

NASA Technical Report Server: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19990021561