Space Is Going Private | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Space Is Going Private

NASA isn't the only major player anymore

20
Space Is Going Private
www.spacex.com

Human innovation has been the driving force of change since the dawn of civilization. Once we invent something incredible, the next step is to improve upon it. In the last few centuries the factor of improvement has been based on affordability. This can be seen in today's society with the invention of the telephone, television, and computer.

Once these items were invented, the next logical step would be to make them easier to produce and more affordable. We are a society driven by profit and the only way to increase profit is to decrease the cost of an item. Why buy a product for $300 when we can get it $5 cheaper elsewhere? This has been the basis for all inventions since the beginning; this is due in no small part by the introduction to private business. The free market economy many countries use today has birthed some incredible innovations from pre-existing technology. The television used to only have black and white colors, the telephone used to need a landline to function, and the computer used to be as large as an entire room. Innovation with the decrease in cost has made technology grow and the competition within a free market economy has only added to the desire to innovate.

Over the last decade the private world has begun to delve into space, a frontier once only controlled by the three largest superpowers in the world. Since NASA first sent a man to the moon till now, so many innovations have been made in the field. However one key factor never changed; it is ridiculously expensive to send anything into space. As of right now, NASA's current propulsion technology can send one kilo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for $18,000. This is expensive considering that's an entire year of college for some of us. However that is only one kilo; now imagine all the weight of the shuttle, the fuel, the cargo, the passengers; the number as one could imagine climbs significantly.

However, SpaceX, a private space company, has begun huge projects of their own. They have been teaming up with NASA for years by using their rockets to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) and have recently been testing out new propulsion technology. Last week was a huge week for SpaceX because they used their new Falcon 9 rocket to send cargo into LEO. What is impressive about this launch is that they were able to make the huge fuel tank of the rocket land back on Earth, unscathed. Since the beginning of space flight, NASA has been letting the massive fuel storage containers detach in LEO and slowly drift into orbit or fall back to Earth where it would be destroyed. This means that every time NASA wanted to launch another shuttle, they would need to manufacture new fuel containers, which drives up the cost of the mission.

SpaceX has created a rocket, the Falcon 9, that can be completely reused for each mission. This decreased the cost substantially, however, it is not the only thing SpaceX is doing to lower the cost of space flight. Their Falcon 9 is loaded with the most powerful thrusters in the field. This means that they can produce more power from their thrusters with less fuel. This also makes the cost of sending cargo into LEO less expensive. Finally, SpaceX manufactures all of its own parts; every piece of equipment is created by SpaceX. This differs from NASA who sends other companies contracts to build specific parts for them. By eliminating the 'middle man' from the equation, the cost of manufacturing all of the supplies drops significantly. This all helps drop the price to send a kilo into LEO to only $2,700.

NASA is still a crucial part of the space industry, and will be for a very long time; however, adding a private corporation into the mix will push our technology to the next level significantly faster. The less expensive it is to get into space the more our world will reap the benefits. NASA and SpaceX are doing incredible things and the goals for future space exploration are now becoming more and more of a reality.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16350
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7005
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5170
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4528
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments