Enterprise in Orbit: The Commercial Potential of Space


 

Publication Date: November 1984

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Milton R. Copulos

Research Area: Science and technology

Keywords: Economy

Type: Report

Abstract:

The space shuttle Discovery's recovery of two satellites that had misfired earlier this year is a major step toward space commercialization. The demonstration of the capability to retrieve objects from orbit as well as place them there not only will help stem the rising cost of insurance for space ventures, but also will encourage firms to look more seriously at the manufacture of items in space for use on Earth. As a result, it should spur the momentum for space-based ventures, which has been growing for more than two decades.