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A strategy for investment in space resource utilizationConsiderations governing a strategy for investment in the utilization of space resources are discussed. It is suggested on the basis of an examination of current trends in terms of historical processes which operate on new frontiers that the limited markets and unfamiliar technologies associated with space commercialization today may change dramatically in 20 years when lunar resources are accessible. It is argued that the uncertainty of such projections discourages investment at a useful scale unless a strategy for technology development can be implemented which provides tangible and marketable benefits in the intermediate term. At present, technologies can be identified which will be required (and therefore valuable) at the time of lunar settlement, and whose development can be planned to yield marketable intermediate products on earth. It is concluded that the formation of precompetitive collaborative research consortia in the industrial sector could reduce technical and economic risk in the early stages and could promote a favorable political environment for the future growth of space activities.
Document ID
19920051600
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mendell, Wendell W.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Acta Astronautica
Volume: 26
ISSN: 0094-5765
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Accession Number
92A34224
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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