"The exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and shall be the province of all mankind."
(ifrc.org)
Humanity has explored in a 360° pattern. The path less traveled is an upward opening interval. We've used the off-road trucks. We've used the submarines. Space ships are more expensive. Let's use space ships.
Now, upward mobility is drastically changing with rocket, electronic, and technological advancements. Space will take its place on the lists of top ten travel destinations. Earth's atmosphere will have rest stops with restrooms.
"How long will it be until we get there?"
(Quote: unknown author)
Why did the star decide to take a vacation?
It needed some space. (rd.com)
Global citizens will be applying for travel credit cards that include frequent "space" travel miles. At the 63 miles marker, we might see a satellite that reads, "Welcome to space.".
Why 62 miles/100 kilometers? The Karma line is the boundary.
Earth ends and outer space starts at the Kármán line, some 62 miles (100 kilometers) above the planet’s surface. (astronomy.com)
"The Kármán line is based on physical reality in the sense that it roughly marks the altitude where traditional aircraft can no longer effectively fly. Anything traveling above the Kármán line needs a propulsion system that doesn’t rely on lift generated by Earth’s atmosphere — the air is simply too thin that high up. In other words, the Kármán line is where the physical laws governing a craft's ability to fly shift. " (astronomy.com)
Space economy includes tourism, production, trade and commerce goods and services taking place between Karman line and above.
"Right now, you see a lot of attention on the launch business,” says Phillip Ingle, a Managing Director in Investment Banking.
The horizon dawns large launch companies in opposition to the traditional government providers. One thing these companies have in common is the economic outlook of their chief executives. Small launch side companies are focused on launching smaller, lower-cost satellites into orbit. The global low-cost satellite market revenue is boosted. The major factors are an increased demand for low-cost satellites, high requirement of small satellites for research missions, and rising investments in developing cheaper and miniature satellite systems. The currently competitive companies include: Thales Alenia Space, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Planet Labs, Inc., GomSpace, Blue Canyon Technologies, Dauria Aerospace, Spire Global, Inc., AxelSpace Corporation, Swarm Technologies, Inc, GeoOptics, Inc., and others unmentioned.
Small launch companies are profitable. There is increasing demand to launch smallsats. It is estimated that a single satellite launch can range in cost from a low of about $50 million to a high of about $400 million. The launch business is implanting itself into the the foundation of the space ecosystem. CubeSat is very common. It's used in interplanetary missions for space research. CubeSat enhances communication and data collection. In contrast to larger satellites, these low-cost satellites require cheaper and smaller launching vehicles. In addition, being cost-effective, it is economical to launch these satellites in multiples. Large satellites are much less cost efficient. These low-cost satellites have low launch risks and faster turnover rate. They offer a cost-effective method for earth observation through remote sensing. They deliver high temporal and spatial resolution imageries for monitoring and studying various processes. Some of the observed processes include: vegetation, land cover, oceanography, and inland water. CubeSat also offers in-depth analysis of factors such as water scarcity, poverty, climate change, and urbanization among others. Low-cost satellites such as microsatellites or nanosatellites are also used in military applications such as navigation, military communications, and intelligence gatherings.
Launch companies are trying to lower the cost of launch. The purpose is to launch cheaper, easier, and faster. The ecosystem is satellites to services. Space marketplace. The launch companies depend on satellite manufacturers. The manufacturers rely on services companies. Services companies box in satellite broadband, low-earth-orbit imaging and weather monitoring.
This is a positive feedback loop. (morganstanley.com)
Production, distribution, trade, and consumption of goods and services are the economy. That definition will soon include areas in zero gravity. Outer space will evolve into a social domain. The new economy will spawn from the first space colonies. Reaching that point will force business law above the Karma line, and beyond.
