30 May - 03 June 2022
Healthy competition is vital in space, but we must not let it turn into conflict
Competition can drive innovation and increase access to space (image: pixabay)
A nervous optimism seems to prevail over the space sector, but more are voicing concern that space can’t remain indefinitely immune to the economic downturn, whilst others believe innovation can stride in and save the day in during these trying times.
One thing is for sure, the private space sector continues to look set for encouraging growth in the long term, and each week we seem to get a clearer idea about what our future could be. As we mentioned last week, this success must be for us all, and we do so through consideration and cooperation. However, as the reigns of the industry are inevitably passed from public to private sector, we must remember that competition will naturally increase. Competition can be good for encouraging accessibility, affordability and efficiency, but sadly it can also promote skepticism and greed.
Can governments promote only peaceful and healthy competition? Could the private sector take the lead and show the world how peaceful cooperation could work? After all, it’s our future that lies with them.
Private sector success, innovation & cooperation
Over the past couple of weeks we’ve heard voices of concern, regarding the economic downturn and the impact on industry e.g. supply chain issues and parts shortages causing a devastating affect on a number of sectors. We’ve also heard voices of both optimism and skepticism from the commercial space sector; concern that the sector cannot remain immune, but also that innovation in space could spur a new economic momentum, and that space could provide the answers to many of Earth’s problems (i.e. orbital communications, off-Earth manufacturing, resource mining). This prospect for growth has been seen in a number of forms this week. Astroscale has received €16 million funding from the ESA for a 2024 space debris removal demonstration, likely to be a one web satellite. Debris removal and orbital tug technology looks set to be a substantial growth industry in itself, as we look set to send many thousands more satellites into out orbit, and into the orbit of other bodies.
Relativity Space (USA) has taken another step forwards in preparation for launch of their 3D printed Terran-1 rocket this summer. Firefly will also return with a test of their Alpha rocket this summer. We also learnt a little more regarding the ambitious plans of new (and rather secretive) asteroid mining startup “AstroForge”, which successfully secured €13 million funding. They will attempt to demonstrate their retrieval technology next year using a “high-rated vacuum in zero gravity”. Does this mean they would not have to physically land on an asteroid?
Sierra Space announce that they will cooperate with Spirit AeroSystems for production of cargo modules for their Dream Chaser space shuttle, and Italian rocket manufacturer will work with Arianespace in order to help them fill their order (18 heavy lift launches) with Amazon for their Kuiper constellation project.
Lastly, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH Zurich) and the Research Center for Information Technology in Karlsruhe, Germany, have both entered designs for the ESA’s lunar polar challenge. The aim of the challenge is to design a rover capable of exploring the lunar south pole. ETH Zurich’s “robo-dog” design is a semi-autonomous vehicle using robotic limbs. Such a design could have advantages over a wheel based design, when attempting to cross the rough terrain. This is another example of competition being used effectively to innovate new and possibly revolutionary technology.
Nations increasingly seeing the potential of private sector, building the framework for the future
It’s becoming a similar story each week, and indeed a familiar pattern throughout the history of industry and capitalism; governments plant the seeds of innovation and then allow the private sector to take the lead. It’s far from perfect but it’s a recipe for massive growth in successful new technology. We can witness this transition from public to private sector happening now (without mentioning the huge contribution already made by companies such as SpaceX). India say they are updating their space policy in order to facilitate a new generation of private space, similar to the likes of SpaceX, and similarly, India’s first ever private spacecraft manufacturing and testing facility was inaugurated in Bengaluru this week. Surely, a sign of things to come.
In the USA, Artemis-1 got a new date for the countdown rehearsal of the SLS rocket, of June 19th, but NASA also announced that Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace will be creating the new spacesuits for the Artemis programme, in another sign handing-off to the private sector.
This is only the start.
Healthy or unhealthy competition?
It’s healthy competition that will pave the way for increased accessibility, help drive down costs and and increase efficiency and sustainability for the new space economy, especially as more space nations emerge. It’s also been noted that a new European cooperation with Ukraine, with their wealth of space manufacturing experience, could boost the space sector, and bring in a new wave of experience and competition. This could be a positive sign for Europe’s quest of non-dependance in space.
But there’s also examples of unhealthy competition. Of course, the Ukraine conflict has pushed Russia further away from Europe and the west, and into a closer relationship with China, and Russia are close to penning a deal on a moon base, in a Chinese-Russian lead rivalry to the US Artemis Accords.
China have also launched a satellite-based Earth observation initiative with BRICS nations, in what appears to be retaliation to the US establishing a similar deal with Quad nations. This international competition for leadership in space doesn’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon.
In Europe, it appears that the UK may soon abandon their commitment to the European Horizon network, an initiative designed to invest in space research and development. There could be many reasons for this; the UK continuing on its separative path after Brexit, building on their own success in space and/or looking to protect their own talent. We can only hope that healthy competition and cooperation can continue to coexist in some form.
Leading by example
In the past weeks we have taken note of the economic problems, how innovation can be a success story during trying times, i.e. new technology in order to solve problems, and new industries spinning into the space sector. This has the potential to create a hugely successful commercial space sector, encouraging rapid growth, and we can see this in how governments are putting their trust in the private sector.
We also know that with rapid growth comes increased competition. Competition is vital; in order to encourage growth, drive down costs and increase efficiency (e.g private sector companies bringing down launch costs and making space more accessible). Competition can also bring about innovation in sustainability and reusability. We only have to look this week at Relativity Space and their 3D printed rocket technology, and what seems to be the new design standard of reusable rocket stages.
But, during times like these we have to be aware that competition has to remain healthy. We have the technology, talent and innovation to create a highly successful and peaceful future, but sadly we also have the talent and tradition of creating conflict through greed and lack of trust.
We must learn to compete to bring about accessibility, and not conflict. Perhaps the private sector could lead the way in a truly healthy competitive space sector, one where business succeeds, and conflicts are resolved.
Want to keep up to date? Follow ANASDA
External Links
This Week
*News articles posted here are not property of ANASDA GmbH and belong to their respected owners. Postings here are external links only.
Our future in space
Competition can drive innovation and increase access to space (image: pixabay)
30 May - 3 June, 2022
Healthy competition is vital in space, but we must not let it turn into conflict
A nervous optimism seems to prevail over the space sector, but more are voicing concern that space can’t remain indefinitely immune to the economic downturn, whilst others believe innovation can stride in and save the day in during these trying times.
One thing is for sure, the private space sector continues to look set for encouraging growth in the long term, and each week we seem to get a clearer idea about what our future could be. As we mentioned last week, this success must be for us all, and we do so through consideration and cooperation. However, as the reigns of the industry are inevitably passed from public to private sector, we must remember that competition will naturally increase. Competition can be good for encouraging accessibility, affordability and efficiency, but sadly it can also promote skepticism and greed.
Can governments promote only peaceful and healthy competition? Could the private sector take the lead and show the world how peaceful cooperation could work? After all, it’s our future that lies with them.
Private sector success, innovation & cooperation
Over the past couple of weeks we’ve heard voices of concern, regarding the economic downturn and the impact on industry e.g. supply chain issues and parts shortages causing a devastating affect on a number of sectors. We’ve also heard voices of both optimism and skepticism from the commercial space sector; concern that the sector cannot remain immune, but also that innovation in space could spur a new economic momentum, and that space could provide the answers to many of Earth’s problems (i.e. orbital communications, off-Earth manufacturing, resource mining). This prospect for growth has been seen in a number of forms this week. Astroscale has received €16 million funding from the ESA for a 2024 space debris removal demonstration, likely to be a one web satellite. Debris removal and orbital tug technology looks set to be a substantial growth industry in itself, as we look set to send many thousands more satellites into out orbit, and into the orbit of other bodies.
Relativity Space (USA) has taken another step forwards in preparation for launch of their 3D printed Terran-1 rocket this summer. Firefly will also return with a test of their Alpha rocket this summer. We also learnt a little more regarding the ambitious plans of new (and rather secretive) asteroid mining startup “AstroForge”, which successfully secured €13 million funding. They will attempt to demonstrate their retrieval technology next year using a “high-rated vacuum in zero gravity”. Does this mean they would not have to physically land on an asteroid?
Sierra Space announce that they will cooperate with Spirit AeroSystems for production of cargo modules for their Dream Chaser space shuttle, and Italian rocket manufacturer will work with Arianespace in order to help them fill their order (18 heavy lift launches) with Amazon for their Kuiper constellation project.
Lastly, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH Zurich) and the Research Center for Information Technology in Karlsruhe, Germany, have both entered designs for the ESA’s lunar polar challenge. The aim of the challenge is to design a rover capable of exploring the lunar south pole. ETH Zurich’s “robo-dog” design is a semi-autonomous vehicle using robotic limbs. Such a design could have advantages over a wheel based design, when attempting to cross the rough terrain. This is another example of competition being used effectively to innovate new and possibly revolutionary technology.
Nations increasingly seeing the potential of private sector, building the framework for the future
It’s becoming a similar story each week, and indeed a familiar pattern throughout the history of industry and capitalism; governments plant the seeds of innovation and then allow the private sector to take the lead. It’s far from perfect but it’s a recipe for massive growth in successful new technology. We can witness this transition from public to private sector happening now (without mentioning the huge contribution already made by companies such as SpaceX). India say they are updating their space policy in order to facilitate a new generation of private space, similar to the likes of SpaceX, and similarly, India’s first ever private spacecraft manufacturing and testing facility was inaugurated in Bengaluru this week. Surely, a sign of things to come.
In the USA, Artemis-1 got a new date for the countdown rehearsal of the SLS rocket, of June 19th, but NASA also announced that Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace will be creating the new spacesuits for the Artemis programme, in another sign handing-off to the private sector.
This is only the start.
Healthy or unhealthy competition?
It’s healthy competition that will pave the way for increased accessibility, help drive down costs and and increase efficiency and sustainability for the new space economy, especially as more space nations emerge. It’s also been noted that a new European cooperation with Ukraine, with their wealth of space manufacturing experience, could boost the space sector, and bring in a new wave of experience and competition. This could be a positive sign for Europe’s quest of non-dependance in space.
But there’s also examples of unhealthy competition. Of course, the Ukraine conflict has pushed Russia further away from Europe and the west, and into a closer relationship with China, and Russia are close to penning a deal on a moon base, in a Chinese-Russian lead rivalry to the US Artemis Accords.
China have also launched a satellite-based Earth observation initiative with BRICS nations, in what appears to be retaliation to the US establishing a similar deal with Quad nations. This international competition for leadership in space doesn’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon.
In Europe, it appears that the UK may soon abandon their commitment to the European Horizon network, an initiative designed to invest in space research and development. There could be many reasons for this; the UK continuing on its separative path after Brexit, building on their own success in space and/or looking to protect their own talent. We can only hope that healthy competition and cooperation can continue to coexist in some form.
Leading by example
In the past weeks we have taken note of the economic problems, how innovation can be a success story during trying times, i.e. new technology in order to solve problems, and new industries spinning into the space sector. This has the potential to create a hugely successful commercial space sector, encouraging rapid growth, and we can see this in how governments are putting their trust in the private sector.
We also know that with rapid growth comes increased competition. Competition is vital; in order to encourage growth, drive down costs and increase efficiency (e.g private sector companies bringing down launch costs and making space more accessible). Competition can also bring about innovation in sustainability and reusability. We only have to look this week at Relativity Space and their 3D printed rocket technology, and what seems to be the new design standard of reusable rocket stages.
But, during times like these we have to be aware that competition has to remain healthy. We have the technology, talent and innovation to create a highly successful and peaceful future, but sadly we also have the talent and tradition of creating conflict through greed and lack of trust.
We must learn to compete to bring about accessibility, and not conflict. Perhaps the private sector could lead the way in a truly healthy competitive space sector, one where business succeeds, and conflicts are resolved.
Want to keep up to date? Follow ANASDA
External Links
This Week
*News articles posted here are not property of ANASDA GmbH and belong to their respected owners. Postings here are external links only.
30 May - 3 June 2022
Healthy competition is vital in space, but we must not let it turn into conflict
Competition can drive innovation and increase access to space (image: pixabay)
A nervous optimism seems to prevail over the space sector, but more are voicing concern that space can’t remain indefinitely immune to the economic downturn, whilst others believe innovation can stride in and save the day in during these trying times.
One thing is for sure, the private space sector continues to look set for encouraging growth in the long term, and each week we seem to get a clearer idea about what our future could be. As we mentioned last week, this success must be for us all, and we do so through consideration and cooperation. However, as the reigns of the industry are inevitably passed from public to private sector, we must remember that competition will naturally increase. Competition can be good for encouraging accessibility, affordability and efficiency, but sadly it can also promote skepticism and greed.
Can governments promote only peaceful and healthy competition? Could the private sector take the lead and show the world how peaceful cooperation could work? After all, it’s our future that lies with them.
Private sector success, innovation & cooperation
Over the past couple of weeks we’ve heard voices of concern, regarding the economic downturn and the impact on industry e.g. supply chain issues and parts shortages causing a devastating affect on a number of sectors. We’ve also heard voices of both optimism and skepticism from the commercial space sector; concern that the sector cannot remain immune, but also that innovation in space could spur a new economic momentum, and that space could provide the answers to many of Earth’s problems (i.e. orbital communications, off-Earth manufacturing, resource mining). This prospect for growth has been seen in a number of forms this week. Astroscale has received €16 million funding from the ESA for a 2024 space debris removal demonstration, likely to be a one web satellite. Debris removal and orbital tug technology looks set to be a substantial growth industry in itself, as we look set to send many thousands more satellites into out orbit, and into the orbit of other bodies.
Relativity Space (USA) has taken another step forwards in preparation for launch of their 3D printed Terran-1 rocket this summer. Firefly will also return with a test of their Alpha rocket this summer. We also learnt a little more regarding the ambitious plans of new (and rather secretive) asteroid mining startup “AstroForge”, which successfully secured €13 million funding. They will attempt to demonstrate their retrieval technology next year using a “high-rated vacuum in zero gravity”. Does this mean they would not have to physically land on an asteroid?
Sierra Space announce that they will cooperate with Spirit AeroSystems for production of cargo modules for their Dream Chaser space shuttle, and Italian rocket manufacturer will work with Arianespace in order to help them fill their order (18 heavy lift launches) with Amazon for their Kuiper constellation project.
Lastly, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH Zurich) and the Research Center for Information Technology in Karlsruhe, Germany, have both entered designs for the ESA’s lunar polar challenge. The aim of the challenge is to design a rover capable of exploring the lunar south pole. ETH Zurich’s “robo-dog” design is a semi-autonomous vehicle using robotic limbs. Such a design could have advantages over a wheel based design, when attempting to cross the rough terrain. This is another example of competition being used effectively to innovate new and possibly revolutionary technology.
Nations increasingly seeing the potential of private sector, building the framework for the future
It’s becoming a similar story each week, and indeed a familiar pattern throughout the history of industry and capitalism; governments plant the seeds of innovation and then allow the private sector to take the lead. It’s far from perfect but it’s a recipe for massive growth in successful new technology. We can witness this transition from public to private sector happening now (without mentioning the huge contribution already made by companies such as SpaceX). India say they are updating their space policy in order to facilitate a new generation of private space, similar to the likes of SpaceX, and similarly, India’s first ever private spacecraft manufacturing and testing facility was inaugurated in Bengaluru this week. Surely, a sign of things to come.
In the USA, Artemis-1 got a new date for the countdown rehearsal of the SLS rocket, of June 19th, but NASA also announced that Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace will be creating the new spacesuits for the Artemis programme, in another sign handing-off to the private sector.
This is only the start.
Healthy or unhealthy competition?
It’s healthy competition that will pave the way for increased accessibility, help drive down costs and and increase efficiency and sustainability for the new space economy, especially as more space nations emerge. It’s also been noted that a new European cooperation with Ukraine, with their wealth of space manufacturing experience, could boost the space sector, and bring in a new wave of experience and competition. This could be a positive sign for Europe’s quest of non-dependance in space.
But there’s also examples of unhealthy competition. Of course, the Ukraine conflict has pushed Russia further away from Europe and the west, and into a closer relationship with China, and Russia are close to penning a deal on a moon base, in a Chinese-Russian lead rivalry to the US Artemis Accords.
China have also launched a satellite-based Earth observation initiative with BRICS nations, in what appears to be retaliation to the US establishing a similar deal with Quad nations. This international competition for leadership in space doesn’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon.
In Europe, it appears that the UK may soon abandon their commitment to the European Horizon network, an initiative designed to invest in space research and development. There could be many reasons for this; the UK continuing on its separative path after Brexit, building on their own success in space and/or looking to protect their own talent. We can only hope that healthy competition and cooperation can continue to coexist in some form.
Leading by example
In the past weeks we have taken note of the economic problems, how innovation can be a success story during trying times, i.e. new technology in order to solve problems, and new industries spinning into the space sector. This has the potential to create a hugely successful commercial space sector, encouraging rapid growth, and we can see this in how governments are putting their trust in the private sector.
We also know that with rapid growth comes increased competition. Competition is vital; in order to encourage growth, drive down costs and increase efficiency (e.g private sector companies bringing down launch costs and making space more accessible). Competition can also bring about innovation in sustainability and reusability. We only have to look this week at Relativity Space and their 3D printed rocket technology, and what seems to be the new design standard of reusable rocket stages.
But, during times like these we have to be aware that competition has to remain healthy. We have the technology, talent and innovation to create a highly successful and peaceful future, but sadly we also have the talent and tradition of creating conflict through greed and lack of trust.
We must learn to compete to bring about accessibility, and not conflict. Perhaps the private sector could lead the way in a truly healthy competitive space sector, one where business succeeds, and conflicts are resolved.
Want to keep up to date? Follow ANASDA
External Links
This Week
*News articles posted here are not property of ANASDA GmbH and belong to their respected owners. Postings here are external links only.