Here is why we have such a positive view and faith in humanity’s future in space.
NSS proposes public/private partnerships to develop space solar power
A new white paper lays out the strategy
The Space Resource Report: 2020
The Space Resource has released their compendium of major developments in space resources in 2019, with an eye toward monitoring progress through 2020 and beyond. The Team aims to cover advances in the science, business, and technology development that will pave the way for humanity’s expansion into space
Air from moondust
ESA proves feasibility of extracting air from simulated lunar regolith. This is a giant leap toward sustainable lunar settlements using ISRU. Here’s the bonus kicker: as a by product of the process, metal alloys are produced for other uses.
Everything nuclear
You’ll find all the latest advances in space nuclear power at Beyond Nerva
Living off the “land” in space
Getting to Mars faster
A good summary of state-of-the-art advanced propulsion technologies
Building blocks for governance of space resource activities
The Hague International Space Resources Governance Working Group announces adoption of the Building Blocks of an International Framework on Space Resource activities
At last: a plan for demonstration of space solar power technology
Stars and Stripes reports that the Air Force Research Laboratory in partnership with Northrop Grumman is planning a Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstration. No word on when flight hardware will be ready, but this is the first initiative of which I am aware that actual space technology demonstration is in the works.
Although the project’s primary objectives are intended to augment military operations with beamed power from space to remote bases, the technology has potential commercial applications as a power source for isolated communities worldwide.
A proposed solution for space debris removal
Maritime traditions can be used as a model for creation of a space salvage entity that would incentivize private contractors to remove orbital debris via a credit based system.