OrbHab Paper
Near Term Policy and Research Priorities to Enable the First Space Settlement (2019)
ID: 191 Flag Paper
Title: Near Term Policy and Research Priorities to Enable the First Space Settlement
Authors: Al Globus
Journal Name: International Space Development Conference
Year of Publication: 2019
Page Number:
Category: noosphere
Availability: pdf
Detail Page: /papers/191
Web Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354474153_Near_Term_Policy_and_Research_Priorities_to_Enable_the_First_Space_Settlement
BoK Link: [[paper:191]]
Abstract
We 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 Earthbound 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, psychosocial issues, and unique settlement construction and operation issues.
Title: Near Term Policy and Research Priorities to Enable the First Space Settlement
Authors: Al Globus
Journal Name: International Space Development Conference
Year of Publication: 2019
Page Number:
Category: noosphere
Availability: pdf
Detail Page: /papers/191
Web Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354474153_Near_Term_Policy_and_Research_Priorities_to_Enable_the_First_Space_Settlement
BoK Link: [[paper:191]]
Abstract
We 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 Earthbound 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, psychosocial issues, and unique settlement construction and operation issues.