http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/04/business/in-traveling-to-the-stars-risk-and-cost.html?ref=todayspaper
Space travel is now moving into the private sector, with billionaires looking to find ways to use space travel for commercial use. One of these billionares is Richard Branson who is looking to create a space tourism company.
But with two recent accidents of private companies, some people have doubts about the private companies being involved because they are looking to cut cost for commercial benefits. One of the accidents occurred on a test run by Virgin Galactic, Branson's company, in which one pilot died and the other was injured. The other accident occurred when and Orbital Sciences rocket blew up shortly after being launched. The rocket was carrying a supply vessel to the international space station.
There are dangers in the private sector being involved in space travel, but there is also tremendous gain. And if the government was the only ones working on space travel, there would still be risk involved. Involving the private sector will increase the innovation that comes out of space technology. Coming from a different perspective, there will most likely be greater and better innovations with both the private and public sector working.
Your last paragraph is on the money. I hope these unfortunate events don't discourage private space ventures and I think, with the right bit of optimism, the failures can be spun into learning opportunities. Up to now, nearly all innovations in the space industry was made by NASA and the government and with the advent of private space companies, there is tremendous potential for rapid progress. Mistakes will be made, as with any burgeoning industry, but I think we can move forward at a fast er pace than ever before. Privatizing space creates countless jobs, gets money flowing in the economy through government contracts with private firms, and will lead to innumerable advancements in technology and productivity so I think it's something we need to stick with.
ReplyDeleteI kind of agree with what you're saying. Putting space travel into the hands of the private sector will definitely speed up innovation and progress. However, it'll also majorly increase the danger. Private corporations, while totally beneficial and essential to our economy, are constantly looking for ways to cut costs. Space travel is one area that I feel needs to stay within an arena where cost and pricing is not the main factor. The government cares more about the safety and effectiveness of space travel and I believe that that is the correct focus. Once we have established safety guidelines, the private sector will greatly enhance our research into and progress in the field of space travel. Until then, I think we should let the government keep the reins.
ReplyDeleteThe topic of space travel has reared its head again recently and it is interesting to see how the private sector is handling it. Although they are most likely looking to cut costs, this is an industry that has a lot of potential danger. It is important that these private companies continue to build on their mistakes and not get discouraged. It will definitely take many years until space tourism is a thing, but it has to start somewhere, The companies may experience losses at first, but with proven results, they will receive plentiful investments.
ReplyDeleteThe private sector provides friendly competition with the government and will help innovate space travel. This will also give regular people the opportunity to go to space if they have the funds and if Richard Branson can successfully build the space tourism company.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of space travel, mistakes are inevitable, although we will see how long it will take before people start forgetting about these two accidents. I believe something must steer people's opinions on space travel, perhaps a successful test run or several. As Sean mentioned above, danger is going to increase come such never-before-seen innovation, although, it's important for these private companies not to lose hope in something that could be truly amazing in the future.
ReplyDelete