--––

Space Exploration – Through Time and Space

Re
th
My Reflection Page

This paper gave me an opportunity to explore a topic I was passionate about. I struggled with

determining what exactly about space exploration I wanted to write about, but once I specified

government controlled or privatized the words flowed quite easily.

Rylie Brown
KSP 151
Professor Dengler
 Brown 1

Through Time and Space

Rylie Brown

KSP 151

Dr. Mary Dengler

November 20, 2017

 Brown 2

Space Exploration Outline

I. Introduction
A. “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”
B. Science fiction about space has permeated the culture
C. Thesis Statement: Space exploration should be a privatized industry due to higher
efficiency levels, lower costs, and maintaining peaceful international affairs.
II. History of space exploration
A. Space Race: Development of NASA
B. Moon landings
C. Mars Rovers
III. Transition
A. Decreasing federal funding for NASA
B. Space X is born
IV. Efficiency
A. Government
i. Slow
ii. Conflicting opinions
iii. Change in authority every 4 years
B. Space X
i. Driven for success due to profit
ii. Managed like a business
iii. Able to keep clients happy
V. Cost
A. Government
i. Over $18.4 billion spent on space from federal budget
ii. Increased the budget under Trump
iii. Money to spend on other things
B. Private
i. Money through sponsors
ii. Money through trips to space
C. Colonization
i. Through government giving land to pioneers
ii. Through company selling land to wealthy
VI. International Affairs
A. Government
i. Nations competing: who really owns anything?
ii. Space giving opportunity for weapons
B. Private
i. Global company
ii. Goal: profit, not political
VII. Conclusion
A. Thesis
Example of science fiction and how that could one day be possible
 Brown 3

Larry Niven, an American science fiction writer, once said, “The dinosaurs became

extinct because they didn't have a space program. And if we become extinct because we don't

have a space program, it'll serve us right!” Perhaps, this is an extreme viewpoint, but space

technology innovation has led to amazing breakthroughs in other aspects of human existence

(Hewson). For example, advancements in cybersecurity, energy technology, communications

capability, and medical research have all been developed from the drive to keep humans alive in

the inhospitable environments of space (Hewson). Human beings should take advantage of and

participate in exploring space as a necessary and wonderful undertaking. While travelling to

space is a worthwhile investment, it is still extremely expensive. In fact, going to space would

cost a passenger upwards of $250,000 (Dubbs 218). However, the combination of curiosity in the

unknown and science fiction writing has excited people who are still willing to pay for this

experience, even with its hefty price tag. Whether “space vacations” become a regular

occurrence or they remain a distant dream, space will always intrigue people. Therefore,

governments should hire private companies to expand the world’s space exploration programs

due to the lower cost, higher efficiency levels and ability to maintain peaceful international

affairs of a private sphere over a governmental program.

The world was awed as the first satellite, the Soviet’s Sputnik, was launched into orbit in

October of 1956 (“Space Exploration”). The United States responded with the creation of NASA

– National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This began the era known as “The Space

Race” – a competition in technology between the United States and the Soviet Union (“Space

Exploration”). After America sent the first man to the moon, it quickly gained steam and

barreled into the future with lofty ambitions. The objectives and goals of NASA changed from a

political and military focus to an experimental and research oriented aim. The focus became to
 Brown 4

“plan colonies on the Moon and Mars and orbiting space stations. Its [NASA’s] mission became

space exploration, and it started looking for cheaper and less expendable ways to launch

payloads into orbit and return them to Earth” (Berinstein 223). Space exploration quickly led to

the possibility of “space vacations” through “space tourism” and possibly even living in space

(Berinstein 5). As the goals and objectives changed, perhaps the facilitator of said goals needed

to change as well.

One company willing to undertake such a robust project, as “space tourism,” was Virgin

Group. Sir Richard Branson, the CEO, started the idea of affordable space vacations when he

proposed “suborbital spaceflights for $190,000 per ticket” (Dubbs 218). That was 2004 and with

inflation would be roughly $250,000 in today’s money. Either way, it was much less expensive

than a current trip to The International Space Station through NASA coming in at $20 million

(218). Over time, Branson envisioned that prices would decline and the opportunity to view

Earth from space would be possible for thousands of individuals (218). Branson planned, if it

was a success, to move into orbital flights and possibly even an orbiting space hotel (218).

Branson, who became Sir Richard after being knighted by Queen Elizabeth for “services to

entrepreneurship,” was a corporal giant ready to successful do what no man had attempted before

(219). His trademark, Virgin Group, rapidly infiltrated the market becoming involved in almost

every industry from hotels to publishing to cosmetics to cars to commercial space flights (219).

Branson paired up with space expert Burt Ratan, “who had created the first commercial aircraft

into space” (219). Overall, Branson was one of the first to fully idealize the concepts of “space

vacations” and “space tourism” in the private sector.

One of the biggest concerns with space travel and exploration is the high cost. This is not

a cheap investment and certainly won’t be no matter if NASA or a private company are in
 Brown 5

charge. However, there are differences in the way the financial aspects are handled based on the

type of company running it – government or commercial.

NASA only claims about 1% of the United States federal funding annually (“Space

Exploration”); however, that is still $18.4 billion dollars spent on the space program (Wiles). The

proposed budget for NASA in 2018 is $19.1 billion dollars (Wiles). Out of this, only $4.5 billion

is allotted to be spent on exploration of space (Wiles). Compared to our national security budget,

which claims almost half of all federal spending, this may seem like a small investment.

However, if NASA were to outsource space experiments, research, and exploration to private

companies like SpaceX and Lockheed Martin, the money could be used more efficiently, or cost

could be reduced overall. When it comes to “space tourism,” NASA would struggle to make it an

affordable adventure. Governments are notorious for getting half the work done with twice as

much money. When it comes to “space vacations,” the government would not focus on selling

the experience to average citizens, but rather colonizing planets and the moon to gain land and

prestige internationally. Ultimately, the venture would not prove profitable financially. With all

the other expenses demanded of the United States federal budget, many critics claim that space

exploration and the entire space industry should be a privatized operation.

In contrast, private companies like Space X charge only $62 million for a launch on the

Falcon 9 which is their smaller rocket (Spacexcmsadmin). One can also purchase the “falcon

heavy” for a mere $90 million per launch (Spacexcmsadmin). The newest vehicle being

developed by SpaceX is called the dragon (Spacexcmsadmin). This spacecraft is “designed to

deliver both cargo and people to orbiting destinations (Spacexcmsadmin). Currently the dragon

is taking up to 6,000 kg of payload or 338 cubic feet of cargo into space (Spacexcmsadmin). In

fact, it was the first commercial spacecraft to dock at the International Space Station
 Brown 6

(Spacexcmsadmin). Also, “it is the only spacecraft currently flying that is capable of returning

significant amounts of cargo to Earth” (Spacexcmsadmin). Other companies, and even countries,

purchase flights on these spacecraft for their cargo. In the future, they will be able to send

humans on these spacecrafts as well (Spacexcmsadmin). Countries from around the world, as

well as corporations, may purchase cargo area and seats to space through these privatized

companies. Even without the development of human transportation yet, the revenue for U.S.

commercial space launch businesses in 2000 was still $8.2 billion (Spacexcmsadmin). So, while

NASA spent $19.1 billion of American’s tax dollars on space (Wiles), commercial companies

were making $8.2 billion in profits (Spacexcmsadmin).

Another aspect of space exploration is “the bang for buck” or return on the money

invested. While NASA has done their part to send astronauts to space, they spent roughly $100

billion to send 21 people to space, only 12 of which set foot on the surface of the moon

(Berinstein 3). Efficiency plays a huge role in the productivity and cost effectiveness of a space

program. Doing things quickly while using the least amount of physical and financial resources

is crucial to maintaining success. Obviously, the government struggles with this area. Every four

years, a new leader comes into power. This causes major issues for programs like space

exploration as their funding or purpose may change mid-project. One example was in 1968 when

Nixon was elected, he deemed that the cost of the previous project was too expensive and “cut

the shuttle’s budget almost in half” (Berinstein 223). The engineers working on the project had to

give up on some improvements they were developing as there simply wasn’t enough funding as

they had before (223). In addition, a republic government, like the United States, is not good at

making decisions quickly. There are often several different authorities they must run new ideas

by before obtaining approval. Also, projects must be approved, which can require months of
 Brown 7

fine-tuning before an agreement can be reached (224). Lastly, NASA is supposed to represent the

entirety of American interests. It can be hard to represent such a large body of people with such

differing opinions and values effectively. Overall, the government is not the most efficient

institution regarding its involvement in the space exploration program.

On the other hand, companies like Lockheed Martin and Space X have a CEO in charge

who retains power for a lifetime. When this figurehead dies or retires, they either have appointed

a successor who will carry on the same values or the company itself has a network of people who

share a common goal. Usually a company like this will have a mission statement which outlines

the goals and objectives of the company. Every action they take will be to further these

objectives. They could also have company standards or ethics which will permit what they can

and cannot engage in while pursuing these goals. Also, this company will have a business model

to follow. Companies cannot stay profitable unless they are meeting deadlines and using their

physical and financial resources wisely. Therefore, a private company will be forced to

contemplate each design decision in regard to the maximum efficiency. Space X and Lockheed

Martin have remained successful due to their steady timelines and ability to make decisions

quickly, something a government controlled operation could not do as easily, if at all

(Spacexcmsadmin). While the government attempts to fairly represent all people in their country,

a commercial company only has to focus on their clients. It is much easier to manage a project

when the clients have reasonably aligned interests and desires for the outcome of said project.

Because of the consistent power structure and motivation for profits, private companies are much

more efficient in their efforts to explore space and develop “space tourism.”

Space exploration also lends itself for some tension in the international sphere. If the

world can explode into war over certain land boundaries, governmental systems, and overall
 Brown 8

ideologies, imagine the chaos of colonizing space. Each country would have contrasting opinions

regarding every decision, not to mention if one country attempted to claim the moon or another

planet as their own colony. A glimpse of this race for space development between countries was

seen when the idea of going to space was first becoming a reality. The main purpose of NASA

and their motivation for developing a successful space program was beating the Soviets

technologically in the Cold War period (Berinstein 3). Gaining technological superiority over

The Soviet Union is no longer a national concern; however, currently, President Trump is

seeking to confirm America’s superiority and strength of leadership in space (Hewson). Since

“The Space Race” of the Cold War, America has attempted to be a leader in space exploration

and technology to establish dominance in national security and international supremacy. From

the very beginning of this whole ordeal, it was clear that America (or any country for that matter)

could attempt to claim space and avoid sharing it with others. While this may be a beneficial

setup for Americans, the rest of the world could become upset at their lack of involvement and

consequently, revolt. To combat this potential danger the 1967 Outer Space Treaty between

America and 91 other countries was created (Berinstein 361). The treaty “bars claims of national

sovereignty in space and forbids countries from claiming land or objects there” (361). Thus, the

American government could not, under this treaty, give land out for people to homestead.

Alternatively, private companies can be global operations that encompass all nations.

There may be political bias, but with profits in mind, a company will desire to promote as many

people’s interests as possible. They will seek international cooperation within the use of their

company to achieve overall success worldwide. In addition, the issue of private individuals or

corporations claiming private property on the moon or other celestial bodies is not strictly

prohibited. (Berinstein 361). In order to truly and successful develop “space tourism,” one would
 Brown 9

need to establish property rights. By being able to gain property, people would be willing to take

the risk and spend the money necessary to actualize “space tourism” – which is currently just a

dream. While NASA can explore space, without the ability to gain property rights, “space

vacations,” “space tourism,” and colonizing space in general are unable to become a reality

through governmental programs. Private space companies are much better suited to the “space

tourism” industry because of their ability to maintain property rights while keeping politics and

international affairs of this planet out of it.

Ultimately, NASA could still hire these private companies or work through them to

explore space in the name of the United States. According to the Space Frontier Foundation,

“NASA’s involvement in and support of commercial space endeavors has been controversial and

checkered…[we] are calling for NASA to stop operating the shuttle and the ISS and do two

things: become a good customer, and explore the farther regions of the solar system” (Berinstein

224). In other words, NASA could still exist, and even explore space, but the primary financial

efforts, effectiveness, and affairs with other countries would be the privatized institution’s

responsibility.

Overall, NASA’s development was a necessary start to the space program. After the

space race with the Soviet Union ended and NASA’s focus shifted, the realization that private

companies should oversee space exploration became apparent. NASA spent more money, time,

and energy to accomplish significantly less than private companies like Lockheed and SpaceX.

While NASA can still operate on research and experiments, private companies are better

equipped to explore space, develop “space tourism,” and colonize the final frontier.
 Brown 10

Works Cited

Berinstein, Paula. Making Space Happen Private Space Ventures and Visionaries behind Them.

Plexus Publishing, 2002.

Dubbs, Chris. Realizing Tomorrow: the Path to Private Spaceflight. Univ Of Nebraska Press,

2013.

Hewson, Marillyn. “Opinion | No, Human Space Exploration Is Not a Dead End.” The

Washington Post, WP Company, 13 Oct. 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/no-

human-space-exploration-is-not-a-dead-end/2017/10/13/808f257c-af88-11e7-a908-

a3470754bbb9_story.html?utm_term=.45f1d2584671.

"Space Exploration." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2016. Opposing Viewpoints

in Context,

ezproxy.dordt.edu:8080/login?url=http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/PC3010999034/O

VIC?u=dordt&xid=b93b73ec. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

Spacexcmsadmin. “Capabilities & Services.” SpaceX, SpaceX, 27 Nov. 2012,

www.spacex.com/about/capabilities.

Wiles, Jennifer. “Why We Explore.” NASA, NASA, 13 June 2013,

www.nasa.gov/exploration/whyweexplore/why_we_explore_main.html
 Brown 11

Annotated Bibliography

Berinstein, Paula. Making Space Happen Private Space Ventures and Visionaries Behind Them.

Plexus Publishing, 2002.

This book traces the history of space exploration and the development of the private-space

industry. It goes over costs of such a venture as well as health and safety risks. It also explains

why space exploration has declined and why it is still a necessary pursuit for mankind. This book

was published in 2002, so some of the information is a little dated. However, it gives meaningful

insight into the past decades of space and the possibilities of the future. The book itself is quite

large but easy to follow and read. The table of contents provides a good starting point for finding

information I need.

I will use this book to explain the history of space exploration. It is a good resource for giving

both sides – private and government – and which one is better. The book delves more into the

private sector of space travel, so it will be most useful for those points. I will also use it in my

introductory paragraphs, as it gives a good background to the space exploration phenomenon.

Dubbs, Chris. Realizing Tomorrow: The Path to Private Spaceflight. Univ Of Nebraska Press,

2013.

This book follows the development of the private space industry. From the cold war to today,

space exploration has grown and developed. It discusses the key players in this development as

well as the reasons space exploration was turned over into the private sector. The book was

published by a university, so it is an academic approach to this topic rather than an entertainment

approach.
 Brown 12

I will use this book to formulate my paragraphs on the private sector of space exploration. It will

give me the history as well as the need for privatizing this industry. The book will also prove

useful in my explaining some of the key companies that are researching and developing the

space program today.

Hewson, Marillyn. “Opinion | No, Human Space Exploration Is Not a Dead End.” The

Washington Post, WP Company, 13 Oct. 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/no-

human-space-exploration-is-not-a-dead-end/2017/10/13/808f257c-af88-11e7-a908-

a3470754bbb9_story.html?utm_term=.45f1d2584671.

This article offers a counter argument to the people who are attempting to shut down the space

program. The author argues for the necessity of federal funding in the space program by

discussing three points: robots vs humans, risk and cost, and why bother? The text is written by

the chairman, president, and chief executive of an aerospace company who specializes in

defense, security, and advanced technologies. She clearly states the questions raised by those in

opposition and then carefully presents her argument to counter theirs.

This text could provide insight into the reasons space exploration is a good thing. It focuses on

cost, purpose, and manned vs unmanned, which relate perfectly to the topics I wish to discuss. It

will give some good points for the governmental aspect, and thus I will use this source when

talking about the space industry is staying a federal concern.

 Brown 13

“Living in Space.” A&E Television Network, 2008,

fod.infobase.com/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=43158.

This is a video depicting what life on Mars could be like. The video is from a series of

documentaries about space called The Universe. It offers a variety of considerations for living in

space, including cost and risk. The video is a highly accredited documentary that wishes to guess

what living on Mars could be like. Obviously, all the content is hypothetical, an approach that

adds an element of doubt.

I will use this video for the section I am writing about colonizing Mars or space in general. The

video will discuss all the aspects of attempting to colonize Mars, to which I can then compare

and contrast government vs private business’s ability to meet these needs. The video claims that

private companies would be in charge of this project to allow anyone to be able to travel to

space, if he or she has have enough money.

"Space Exploration." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2016. Opposing Viewpoints

in Context,

ezproxy.dordt.edu:8080/login?url=http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/PC3010999034/O

VIC?u=dordt&xid=b93b73ec. Accessed 13 Nov. 2017.

This website provides a basis for a compare-contrast essay by giving a background to the topic

and a detailed overview of subject matter that could be controversial. Some people are for space

exploration, and some are against it. This site tries to provide an unbiased approach to a topic

that can bring out some very strong opinions. The text was recommended by the Dordt Library
 Brown 14

and has an academic approach to the topic. It goes over history, costs, and criticisms in an

outlined matter that is easy to follow and glean information from.

This article will give some basic ideas and suggest what to further research. It is a good overall,

quick-and-to-the-point source that provides depth to the topic of space exploration. I will use it

as a jumping-off point to the various concerns regarding space travel, including cost and risk.

Wiles, Jennifer. “Why We Explore.” NASA, NASA, 13 June 2013,

www.nasa.gov/exploration/whyweexplore/why_we_explore_main.html.

This article outlines the reasons to explore space and all the discoveries to be found there. It

explains why we want to travel and explore Mars, asteroids, and translunar space. It also

discusses the international space station. It is produced by NASA. They know better than anyone

the reasons that the American government wants to explore space and therefore are a reliable

source.

I will use this article in my discussion of the history of space exploration. It will also be a useful

discussion piece when I am talking about the government side of space exploration and what

they value to be important. This source provides insight into the governmental world of space

travel and will be useful in those pieces of my paper.