My new paper on space settlement policy is available

Full text is available athttp://space.alglobus.net/papers/Near-Term-Policy-and-Research-Priorities-to-Enable-the-First-Space-Settlement.pdfNear Term Policy and Research Priorities to Enable the First Space SettlementAl GlobusMember of the Alliance for Space Development boardPolicy Forum on Space SettlementAn Examination of Policy OptionsInternational Space Development Conference 2019Arlington, VAJune 5, 2019AbstractWe present a number of preliminary policy options and research directions intended to enable construction of the first space settlement starting in two or three decades. Most of the necessary technology development can be driven by either Earth-bound applications or the construction and operation of a series of ever more capable space hotels as space hotel requirements are very similar to those of space settlements. This paper examines policy options for the necessary development that will not be catalyzed by terrestrial needs or space hotels. The options include making space settlement an official goal for the relevant agencies, developing launchers a factor of 20 or more less expensive than today, and debris cleanup. We will also describe an applied research program to better understand the Equatorial Low Earth Orbit (ELEO) radiation environment, space farms, psycho-social issues, and unique settlement construction and operation issues.