Marathon to the Stars: How the US Can Avoid Losing the Global Space Race

Abstract

The United States ever growing reliance on space assets requires a paradigm shift in how the government invests resources to obtain high quality capabilities, and remain ahead of international peers in the global space race. This research paper answers the question, what specific technology investment strategies should the US take to increase its position among the international space powers? Using a problem-solution methodology, an optimum investment strategy is determined and then compared against the current investment approach of the US. The US currently relies heavily on direct government-led funding and development, leveraging very little of the vast commercial potential within the US and international community resulting in high costs, long schedules, and a lack of innovation. This conclusion supports the recommendation that the US must greatly increase the use of commercial assets for space launch, satellite communications, and imagery intelligence, and pursue international cooperation for space exploration.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2010
Accession Number
AD1019257

Entities

People

  • David M. Wrazen

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of State
  • Economics
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Satellite Communications
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space