NASA: Replaced

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-Shot of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket-

When you think space exploration, do you think NASA? So do I.

Everyone understands that NASA is the leader in space exploration, both human and robotic. NASA has the knowledge, the money, and the will to explore a great unknown, the vastness of space. Neil DeGrasse Tyson recently said, "NASA as best as I can judge, Is a force of nature like none other." I agree with Mr. Tyson on this point. Out of every governmental department, NASA inspires more of the youth than any other. When was the last time you saw a kid excited about potentially working for the department of agriculture? The fact that NASA is a government agency, and people have such positive opinions about it means a lot. It can also wield great power when it is given the power to wield it. Unfortunately, therein lies the major problem I have with NASA as the leader in U.S. space exploration.

When NASA is given the power, it can do amazing things. When it is not given the power, it cannot do amazing things. 

NASA is given its power by the people, a congress, and presidents who may or may not understand the full potential value of space exploration. The only time (in my opinion) we as a nation saw the true value of NASA, was when we sent a man to the moon. However, we did not send a man to the moon because we thought it may benefit all of humanity. NASA was told to go to the moon, because we needed to conquer the Soviets in the Space Race. Again, NASA is a government program, which means it bends to the will of whatever President and Congress that presides over it. President Obama recently declared we shall go to Mars by mid-2030. How does he know that? He doesn't. Because by 2030, we will have at least 6 presidential elections, and every 2 years we vote on a third of our senate. Who knows who will be involved in keeping NASA on course to provide the mission to Mars. A president who succeeds him may decide Mars is not important, and cut funding. How long will we wait then? The NASA model to future space exploration just won't cut it. 

If we can't rely on NASA, then who can we rely on?

Private space companies are the key to all future space exploration. Here are the reasons why they can easily become a more powerful force than NASA:

1. These companies were started by individuals who had a business plan in mind for their success in space.

They intend to see that plan come to fruition, since they have poured hundreds of millions of dollars of their own money, and also their investors. They say they want to do X, so they do X, PERIOD. You think Elon Musk or Robert Bigelow are investing millions of dollars of their own money so that they might get to space? These are extremely smart men, who are not throwing money into something they have not thought about cautiously. Presidents and congressman are not pouring in their own hard earned money to see us get to space. Maybe I'll start relying on them when they do.

2. SInce there is no limit to the number of space exploration companies that can be started, we have an unlimited potential for competition.

Competition breeds game-changing technology, and multiple paths to space. We won't be relying on one NASA path anymore, and that is a good thing. When there are multiple companies looking to commercialize space, whoever can service the customer the cheapest, and safest, will be the winner. That is a situation in which we all win.

3. How will America maintain its superiority in space if we don't have NASA as the leader?

Private space companies ensure our superiority in space, by diversifying the way we look at space travel. NASA no longer has to spend so much money on research and development, if other companies are willing to sell what they discovered to them. NASA won't have to develop the next vehicle, if someone like SpaceX might be able to sell it to them at a cheap cost. The more NASA can outsource some of it's needs across the wide array of talent we have in this nation, it will become a much stronger agency. 

And one more thing: A Fresh Perspective

Quick history lesson: The computer company IBM has been around since 1924, but was growing as early as 1890. Imagine the amount of knowledge it had approaching the early 70's when the personal computer was invented. However, did IBM create the personal computer? No. Steve Wozniak of Apple did. How can a newcomer like Wozniak come up with such an amazing computer idea before IBM? Because he came into the computer world with a fresh perspective. A fresh perspective is the greatest strength new private space companies have against NASA. 

Click here to take a quick look at the amount of private space companies out there right now. This is not a complete list, there are much more out there, and many more to come. Private Individuals and companies will start looking at space in a whole new light, and when they do, be prepared to have your mind blown.

-Derek Nye

Make sure to leave a comment and let me now what you think! =)

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Links:

D Minus Zero Article: SpaceX: Making History

D Minus Zero Article: Our Own Personal Space Station

Senator John D. Rockefeller IV: NASA Needs New Direction, Cannot Stay Static

Peter Diamandis (CEO of X-Prize) Interview with ReasonTV

April 28th, 2010 Happy Birthday Space Tourism!