The space economy is undergoing a renaissance. Driven by technological advancements, falling costs, and growing public and private investment, the sector is expanding. The global space economy, encompassing the goods and services produced in space for use both in space and on Earth, reached $464 billion in 2022 and is projected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years.
Amidst this dynamic landscape, the Future In-Space Operations (FISO) telecon series has emerged as an important platform for fostering innovation, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and catalyzing collaboration among the diverse stakeholders in the space community. Launched in 2006, the FISO telecon series brings together experts from government agencies, private companies, academia, and non-profit organizations to discuss the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in space technology, engineering, and science.
Origins and Evolution of FISO
The FISO telecon series traces its roots back to the Future In-Space Operations Working Group (FISOWG), which was active in 2005-2006. FISOWG was established to assess how NASA’s evolving human spaceflight architecture could be leveraged for long-duration human operations in free space, supporting both a return to the lunar surface and eventual missions beyond the Earth-Moon system.
Building on the strategy developed by NASA’s Decadal Planning Team and NASA Exploration Team (DPT/NExT) in the early 2000s, FISOWG aimed to identify key capabilities and technologies needed for sustainable human presence in space. Although NASA ultimately did not adopt FISOWG’s recommendations for establishing a free-space human operations site, the working group laid the foundation for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among space professionals.
In the wake of FISOWG’s dissolution, the FISO telecon series emerged as a successor, providing a regular forum for the space community to engage with cutting-edge research and thought leadership. Co-chaired by Harley Thronson, a NASA scientist, and Dan Lester, an astronomer at the University of Texas, the telecon series has evolved over the years to keep pace with the rapidly changing space sector.
Fostering Innovation and Knowledge-Sharing
One of the key strengths of the FISO telecon series is its ability to bring together a diverse array of experts and perspectives from across the space community. By featuring presentations from leaders in fields ranging from propulsion and power systems to life support and space medicine, the series exposes participants to the latest breakthroughs and best practices in space technology and operations.
This cross-pollination of ideas is crucial for driving innovation in the space economy. As the sector becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, with a growing number of public and private actors involved in space activities, it is essential to break down silos and facilitate the free flow of knowledge and expertise. The FISO telecon series provides a unique platform for doing just that, enabling researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to learn from one another and identify potential synergies and collaborations.
Moreover, by making its presentations publicly available through an online archive, the FISO telecon series democratizes access to cutting-edge space research and thought leadership. This open knowledge-sharing model helps to level the playing field in the space economy, empowering smaller companies, startups, and emerging space nations to tap into the collective wisdom of the global space community.
Addressing Key Challenges and Opportunities
As the space economy continues to expand and evolve, it faces a number of critical challenges and opportunities that will shape its future trajectory. The FISO telecon series plays an important role in surfacing and addressing these issues, providing a forum for experts to share insights, debate solutions, and chart a path forward.
One of the most pressing challenges facing the space economy is the growing problem of orbital debris. With over 100 million pieces of space junk currently in orbit, the risk of collisions and damage to spacecraft and satellites is increasing. The FISO telecon series has featured several presentations on the latest technologies and strategies for mitigating this threat, from active debris removal systems to improved space situational awareness capabilities.
Another key opportunity for the space economy is the development of in-space manufacturing and assembly capabilities. By leveraging the unique properties of the space environment, such as microgravity and vacuum, companies could produce high-value materials and products that are difficult or impossible to make on Earth. The FISO telecon series has showcased cutting-edge research in this area, from 3D printing in space to the use of robotic systems for on-orbit assembly and servicing.
The series has also explored the potential for space-based solar power, which could provide a clean, renewable source of energy for both space and terrestrial applications. By capturing solar energy in space and beaming it back to Earth using microwave or laser technology, space-based solar power could help to address the growing global demand for clean energy while also supporting the expansion of human activities in space.
Supporting the Commercialization of Space
Perhaps the most significant impact of the FISO telecon series has been its role in supporting the commercialization of space. By bringing together experts from both the public and private sectors, the series has helped to bridge the gap between government-led space programs and the burgeoning commercial space industry.
This is particularly important given the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and growth in the space economy. As NASA and other space agencies increasingly look to partner with private companies to develop new capabilities and services, it is essential to have forums like the FISO telecon series where stakeholders can come together to share knowledge, align priorities, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
The series has also played a key role in highlighting the successes and challenges of commercial space ventures, from the pioneering efforts of SpaceX and Blue Origin to the emerging ecosystem of startups and small businesses working on everything from satellite constellations to space tourism. By showcasing these companies and their innovations, the FISO telecon series has helped to build excitement and momentum around the commercial space industry, attracting new talent, investment, and ideas to the sector.
Summary
As the space economy continues to grow and evolve, platforms like the FISO telecon series will become increasingly important for fostering innovation, facilitating collaboration, and driving progress in space technology and operations. By bringing together experts from across the space community and making their insights and expertise widely accessible, the series is helping to democratize access to space knowledge and empower a new generation of space entrepreneurs and innovators.
Looking ahead, the FISO telecon series will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of the space economy. As new challenges and opportunities emerge, from the rise of mega-constellations to the prospect of space mining and settlement, the series will provide an important forum for experts to share their perspectives, debate solutions, and chart a path forward.
Ultimately, the success of the space economy will depend on our ability to work together across disciplines, sectors, and national boundaries to solve the complex challenges and seize the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. The FISO telecon series is a shining example of the kind of collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that will be essential for unlocking the full potential of space for the benefit of all humanity.
