Abstract There are two fronts to the commercialization of the International Space Station (ISS). One involves commercial use of ISS, while the other involves commercial service to ISS. This paper addresses the latter. How big is the market? Last year, United Space Alliance, the joint venture formed only a few years ago, came in second in a top 100 list of federal prime contractors. Their contract covers about a third of NASA’s $3.2 billion annual budget for Space Shuttle operations. As other responsibilities are transferred to private industry, that percentage could double to two-thirds of NASA’s shuttle budget. NASA’s ISS budget may not be as big, but if one includes the projected operational costs of all of the international partners combined, the figure is quite high. What services could private industry provide? This paper touches upon some of the possibilities, and also introduces how firms in japan are well-positioned to capture pieces of the emerging market. The key to success will be the ability of the service provider to save costs, reduce risk, add value, and spin-off newly acquired know how. Examples include the use of commercial satellite communications service for the downlink of payload data, microgravity environment upgrades for improving science performance, telescience systems and robotic servicers to reduce crew workload and risk. Another more general way is for a service provider to facilitate the overcoming of traditional barriers and disincentives for commercial use of ISS.
Market Potential for the International Space Station (ISS) Service Sector
2000-01-01
8 pages
Aufsatz/Kapitel (Buch)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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