Building A Case For Space

Most space activists and theorists agree that we should avoid the "Apollo trap" as we develop future space policy. That is, we should not pick a goal, like landing humans on Mars by a date certain, and allow that goal to drive the entire effort. Apollo met its goal, but led nowhere. NASA's programs should be integrated into broader economic and science policies.

That will require building infrastructure, both on Earth and beyond, that will support continuing activities in space-- by NASA, and by private industry and other groups. Part of that necessary infrastructure is legal in nature. If we want capital invested to expand the economy into space, we must make it clear to investors and corporations that their investments, and any resulting profits, will legally belong to them. Space law on this point at the moment is squishy and untested.

Establishing infrastructure will require educating the public, and many politicians, on the issues involved. One useful tool in that education effort may be developing a series of conferences, held at sites across the country or across the world, that would focus on the specific issues involved in expanding the human economy to the Moon and beyond. Quarterly conferences with outreach efforts (publications, websites, etc.), could educate the public, provide focus and support for a public debate, and monitor progress.

Isn't that how modern democracies function?