In recent years, private space companies have become significant in space exploration efforts. Although many have criticized this, claiming private companies are taking over government space agencies, others say space exploration shouldn’t be connected to the government.
Since many entrepreneurs are (literally) shooting for the stars, one cannot help but wonder if this is the right path. So here’s why space exploration should be private.
What Is Space Exploration?
Space exploration uses space technology and astronomy to investigate outer space. Although many believe space exploration began recently when we started sending people to space, this isn’t true.
In the beginning, space exploration took place from the Earth in astronomical observatories. Many will be surprised to hear that the first optical telescope used to study space was built in the 17th century, meaning space exploration is several centuries old.
Astronomical observatories were usually funded by wealthy individuals and local communities, and the resources invested were equivalent to those of modern space missions. In addition, of course, the government-funded several vital projects, including the Smithsonian and the Naval Observatory, but most investments in telescopes and rockets have been private.
Why did private citizens invest in space exploration at the time? While some of the focus was on science and new discoveries, it was often about signaling. Namely, people wanted to show others they have the money to invest and advertise their beneficence. This allowed them to create a positive image in the public eye.
When we think about it, even today, in the age of NASA, signaling remains one of the driving forces of space exploration. Different countries have competed against each other to show others they have the most advanced technology or the most achievements in space exploration.
Short History of Modern Space Exploration
The beginning of modern space exploration usually traces back to October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite. The satellite sent a radio signal to Earth for three whole weeks before its batteries ran out.
The Sputnik launch happened during the space race, a 20-year competition between the two Cold War rivals, the Soviet Union and the United States. The two nations competed to develop missiles.
With the Sputnik launch, the U.S. grew worried because it seemed the Soviet Union had better technology. A month later, the Soviet Union sent another satellite to space, only this time it had a living creature aboard: a dog named Laika. The U.S. sent its first satellite into space in January 1958.
A significant milestone in the U.S. space exploration industry was the founding of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958. This government agency remains responsible for space exploration even today.
The Soviet Union once again stole the space exploration spotlight by sending the first human to space. Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, was the first person to orbit the Earth. About three weeks later, NASA sent its first human to space.
Alan Shepard, an astronaut, became the second human and the first U.S. citizen to travel to space. The U.S. achieved a significant milestone before the Soviet Union: sending a human to the Moon. In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the Moon. During the mission, the astronauts collected samples that are still being studied today.
The next phase of space exploration was space stations. The first space station was Salyut 1, launched by the Soviet Union in 1971. NASA launched its space station called Skylab in 1973, the first manned research laboratory in space.
One of the most significant multinational projects is the International Space Station (ISS), launched in 1988. This collaborative project involves space agencies from the Soviet Union (now Russia), the United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada. The station still operates for research and testing.
The 2000s marked another era for space exploration, where numerous private space companies were founded. In addition, wealthy businessmen like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson have expressed interest in space exploration and space tourism and launched their companies. In the coming years, the companies have become major players in space exploration, and many wonder whether this is the right path.
Why Should Space Exploration Be Private?
Many agree space exploration should be privatized, and the potential reasons are:
Advanced Technology
If we look at the U.S. space exploration scene, we see NASA and numerous private space companies. Most of these private companies were founded by billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. Although they may have different goals, one thing is sure — private space companies are changing the space exploration game and leading the world in a new direction.
Private companies are constantly working on developing innovative technology. This technology is significant not only for companies but for the entire world. For example, the new technology developed by private space companies has made space flight more accessible than ever.
But, of course, it did much more than that. Thanks to technology development, private companies now have satellites in space, resupply the International Space Station, and even send private citizens and experts to space.
Cost
Many people think space exploration shouldn’t be privatized due to monopoly; if the government has no control of space exploration, owners of private space companies can do whatever they want. But, of course, this isn’t true. In fact, one of the best benefits of the shift to private space exploration is the reduced costs.
Private space companies may be private, but they must be government-approved to conduct business. So, such companies bid for contracts with NASA. Since NASA is a federal agency, it’s financed by the annual budget passed by the U.S. Congress. In other words, NASA is funded by taxpayer money.
So, when companies bid and sign contracts with NASA, more money is left for other projects. This allows NASA and other government agencies to focus on projects that otherwise wouldn’t fit in the budget. As a result, such agencies can continue to push exploration and scientific frontiers in space exploration and other fields.
More Investment
It’s wrong to assume all private space companies have the same goal. For example, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, stated his goal is to develop reusable space vehicles and make space travel more affordable and frequent. On the other hand, Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, wants to build reusable vehicles, but he also wants manned Mars missions.
Even though such ambitions may seem far-fetched, remember that humans didn’t even travel to space 70 years ago. If time has taught us anything, it has shown us anything is possible.
Wealthy businesspeople like Bezos, Musk, and many others are devoted to fulfilling their dreams and have the resources to invest in space exploration like never before. The more investments, the more advancements.
Accountability
Many are against the privatization of space exploration because of ethical concerns, including the lack of accountability in case of accidents. In addition, the critics state that private companies must answer to their shareholders and justify the profits (or the lack of).
Due to this, many people believe that private companies are more focused on speed and cost, which may sound logical. However, this doesn’t mean private space companies don’t recognize the need for safety. In fact, it can be said that they’re more focused on safety than government agencies.
Namely, government agencies can control (to some degree) how transparent they want to be. For example, in the past, when there weren’t as many private space companies, government agencies were the only choice, and accidents were seen as a part of the exploration process.
With the appearance of numerous private space companies, this has changed. Private companies are aware of the backlash they would get in case of an accident, so they are even more devoted to ensuring nothing goes wrong. However, they face a completely different set of issues if an accident happens because they don’t have the government’s support.
One mishap could destroy a company’s reputation and run it out of business, which could never happen to a government-owned agency.
Joint Force
As mentioned, private space company owners don’t just decide to build a rocket or a satellite and fly it to space. They work with government agencies and must respect various national and international agreements and rules.
As a result, the government isn’t seen as the enemy; instead, it is there to assist private space companies and ensure there’s no unfair competition.
One actual example of the collaboration between a private space agency and NASA is SpaceX. This company has sent numerous crew members to space on behalf of NASA.
Such collaborations can only be a good thing and promote the development of the space exploration industry.
Competition and Cooperation
Competition isn’t always a bad thing. In the space exploration game, several private companies stand out. Here are the three most popular companies:
SpaceX
SpaceX is a company founded by Elon Musk in 2002 and is probably one of the best-known private space companies. Musk launched the company intending to colonize Mars. Although this may seem impossible to many, the company has made significant progress, and Musk believes people will go to Mars in 2026.
Of course, this isn’t the company’s only goal. Currently, SpaceX sends satellites and people to space. In addition, the company has a contract with NASA and transports astronauts to the International Space Station. In addition, SpaceX has been working on Starship, a fully reusable launch vehicle.
Virgin Galactic
Richard Branson, a British entrepreneur, founded Virgin Galactic in 2004 with the intent to fly private citizens to space. Although Branson predicted the first voyage would happen in 2009, numerous setbacks along the way caused delays.
One of the most significant issues was the 2014 disaster. The company was testing the spacecraft, which suffered an in-flight breakup and crashed in the Mojave Desert. The co-pilot lost his life in this accident while the pilot was seriously injured. The accident raised serious safety concerns.
In 2018, Virgin Galactic successfully launched a spacecraft that reached almost 56 miles above the Earth’s surface.
In 2021, Richard Branson became the first person to travel to space on a rocket he funded. His company has been selling tickets for rides to the edge of space.
Blue Origin
Blue Origin is a company established in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. Since the launch, Jeff Bezos stated the company aims to provide private citizens access to space.
The company has built a reusable rocket called New Shepard, successfully launching and landing in 2015. Blue Origin is also developing a lunar lander that could make cargo deliveries to the Moon.
In 2021, Jeff Bezos did the same only a few days after Richard Branson traveled to space. By doing this, Bezos became the second person to go to space on a rocket built by his company.
Why are we mentioning these companies? Because of competition. All three founders are incredibly dedicated to reaching their goals. Although these goals vary, it’s undeniable each of them has contributed immensely to the space exploration industry. It could be said companies are pushing each other to be better, more affordable, accessible, and innovative. Thanks to this, we’ve witnessed many milestones.
Private space companies are launching their own space race. They are developing new technologies, hiring experts, and investing vast amounts of money to be the first ones to achieve their goals. This competition helps keep the costs down and makes space travel more accessible.
Space exploration and common goals can also lead to cooperation, as they have done many times.
Benefits for the Planet
While we’ve witnessed extraordinary expeditions and projects in the past, outer space still remains largely unexplored. Who knows what we’ll find in 10, 20, or 30 years? Nevertheless, private space exploration could lead to amazing discoveries that may benefit our planet.
Let’s See What the Future Holds
Up until 70 years ago, traveling to space seemed impossible. People couldn’t dream of traveling to the Moon 60 years ago, and space tourism was only a dream 25 years ago.
We’ve witnessed numerous significant events in past decades that still sound surreal to many. These days, private space companies continue to push the limits, and it’s hard to predict what will happen next. One thing is sure—we can’t wait to see what the future has in store.