Going Beyond The Status Quo In Space | SpaceRef

By Dennis Wingo, Paul Spudis, Gordon Woodcock , Posted 08/05/09

Link: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1334

"The next step in our space program is the development of a true space faring civilization using the Moon as a stepping stone. Elements of such a system include a lunar spaceport, settlement, and industrial infrastructure to support the further economic development of the Solar System. Pursuing this goal requires a different way of thinking about space infrastructure and operations. Reducing operating cost is paramount. We must accept high-payoff new technologies and manage their risks until they are mature. But the payoff is huge: a new economic frontier in space."  These three authors have a combined vision and strategy that aligns with an evolving view that the space enterprise must increasingly include all relevant government entities, the emerging entrepreneurial space entities, the international space community, and above all the investors (and customers), namely the public who expect a return on their investment in terms of various societal benefits, including profits and yes, jobs.