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The Kardashev Scale: A Cosmic Measure of Civilizational Progress

In our quest to understand our position in the cosmos and to speculate about the potential existence of extraterrestrial life, one tool stands out as both a gauge and a roadmap: the Kardashev Scale. This scale, proposed by the Russian astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev in 1964, offers a theoretical framework to measure the technological advancement of a civilization based on energy consumption.

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The Tyranny of the Rocket Equation: An In-depth Examination

Space exploration has captivated our collective imagination for generations. However, it is by no means an easy feat. Among the many challenges space engineers grapple with, one particularly notorious hurdle is often referred to as the “tyranny of the rocket equation.”

Visualizing the Race to Invest in Space

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Space Economy Executive Briefing: 30 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

The space economy is a growing sector that encompasses the commercial and economic activities related to outer space. As interest in space-based industries continues to rise, many questions have emerged about the various aspects of the space economy, from technological advancements and commercial applications to legal, ethical, and security concerns. This article provides answers to 30 frequently asked questions about the space economy.

Extremely Large Telescope – A Quick Overview

The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), nestled in Chile’s Atacama Desert, is being built to expand our understanding of the universe. The ELT is an initiative of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) organization.

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Understanding Mars Missions: The Role of Hohmann Transfer

The exploration of the universe beyond our home planet has been made possible due to a myriad of scientific advancements and discoveries, one of which is the Hohmann transfer orbit. The Hohmann transfer orbit is an efficient means of moving a spacecraft between two different orbits around a celestial body. This method is particularly significant in planning missions to Mars, our neighboring planet.

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Exoplanets: The Next Frontier in Space Exploration

Exoplanets, or extrasolar planets, are planets that orbit stars outside of our solar system. These celestial objects were, until recently, the stuff of science fiction. The idea that other star systems could host planets similar to ours—or dramatically different—stirred both scientific and popular imagination. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that scientists confirmed their existence, forever changing our understanding of the universe.

Space Debris and its Danger Explained (infographic)

Space debris infographics from the United Nations and ESA.

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The Fermi Paradox: Unveiling the Mystery of the Silent Cosmos

In the seemingly boundless universe, teeming with billions of galaxies, each holding billions of stars and potentially even more planets, a thought-provoking question arises: If there are so many potential homes for life, where is everybody? This question is at the heart of what’s known as the Fermi Paradox.

Voyager’s Golden Records: A Time Capsule from Earth

Among the most iconic artifacts of human civilization in space are the Golden Records affixed to the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft, both launched in 1977. Designed as a sort of time capsule intended to communicate the story of our world to extraterrestrials, the Golden Records are a testament to human culture and technological achievements.

The ISS Will Be “Buried” At Point Nemo… What Is Point Nemo?

NASA announced that the ISS would be de-orbited in 2031 and that any debris that survived reentry would end up landing at Point Nemo. What is Point Nemo?

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Repowering the EU from Space

This article describes how the EU space program will be a key enabler Europe’s energy transition.

Report: The Value of Open Data Sharing (GEO 2015)

There are many diverse opportunities and benefits to be derived from providing open data for unrestricted use worldwide. The main reasons are compiled in this report.

Report: ESA Technology Tree Version 4.0 (ESA 2020)

The objective of this document is to present the ESA Technology Tree, which provides a classification system for all technical knowhow that is available in ESA.

Resources for Researching Space Economy Patents

Primary sources for researching patents, and patent trends.

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Pros and Cons of Space Economy Businesses Filing Patents

The new frontier of space has become increasingly viable and attractive for business ventures, leading to a proliferation of space economy businesses. One key aspect these enterprises grapple with is the issue of intellectual property, specifically, whether or not to file patents for their innovations. This question is fraught with unique challenges, and the answer can influence the success or failure of the venture. This article reviews the pros and cons of space economy businesses filing patents.

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The Drake Equation: Unraveling the Probability of Extraterrestrial Life

The search for extraterrestrial life has intrigued humanity for centuries. In the vast expanse of the universe, with its billions upon billions of stars and potentially habitable planets, it seems statistically unlikely that we are alone. A method used to quantify this probability is the Drake Equation.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Economy Taxonomy – Bryce Tech

This article provides an approximation of the Bryce Tech taxonomy used to prepare their Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Economy forecasts. The taxonomy was prepared based upon publicly available information.

Report: Commercial Human Spaceflight Safety Regulatory Framework (TAC 2022)

This report presents a recommended framework for commercial human spaceflight safety based on an analysis of other transportation sectors, identification of common safety components, and a roadmap that leads to an ideal future where human spaceflight is a common practice. This takes into consideration current and future commercial activities regardless of the development status of individual spaceflight companies. The developed safety framework is flexible in order to recognize new developments, new transportation mechanisms, and new spaceflight destinations as they emerge.

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Public-Private Partnerships: A Catalyst for the Space Economy

The space economy has seen steady growth in recent years, thanks to an evolving landscape of stakeholders and a multitude of innovative projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a key driver in this growth, allowing for increased collaboration, resource sharing, and technological advancement. This article will explore the role of PPPs in the space economy, discussing the benefits, challenges, and potential future developments.

Report: NASA’s Management of the Space Launch System Booster and Engine Contracts (NASA 2023)

NASA continues to experience significant scope growth, cost increases, and schedule delays on its booster and RS-25 engine contracts, resulting in approximately $6 billion in cost increases and over 6 years in schedule delays above NASA’s original projections.

Space Economy Taxonomy – Bryce Tech

This article provides an approximation of the Bryce Tech taxonomy used to prepare their global space economy forecasts. The taxonomy was prepared based upon publicly available information.

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The Skylab Program: Pioneering NASA’s Human Spaceflight

The Skylab Program, announced by NASA in 1970, marked a significant chapter in the history of human spaceflight. It was America’s first experimental space station, designed for humans to live and work in for extended periods. The program’s ambitious scope aimed to expand our understanding of life in space; and ultimately ended up establishing the foundation for future international space stations.

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The Union of Concerned Scientists: Relevance and Contributions to the Space Economy

This article reviews the role and relevance of the UCS to the growing space economy.

Will the Europeans Build Their Own Human Spaceflight System?

The issue of Europe needing an autonomous human spaceflight capability is an ongoing policy topic of discussion. The Association of Space Explorers Europe (ASE) recently jumped into the discussion with their publication of “European Astronauts’ Manifesto On The Occasion Of The European Space Summit”.

Report: China’s Space Ambitions – Drivers, Goals, and Capabilities (AFPC 2023)

The mission of China’s space program is to protect its national rights and interests and to build up its overall strength–the space program serves China’s overall national strategy. This article provides insights into Chinese intentions.