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Paper: NASA’s Initial Artemis Human Landing System (NASA 2022)

In the spring of 2021, NASA awarded a single follow-on Option A contract to SpaceX to continue their work on HLS Starship development. Currently, NASA and SpaceX are working collaboratively on Option A, which will ultimately culminate in one uncrewed and one crewed mission to the lunar surface under Artemis III. The paper provides an overview of the Option A phase of development for the HLS program, including publicly available information on SpaceX’s HLS Starship design, as well as near-term and future milestones for HLS and the Artemis program.

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Tax Havens in Space: A New Frontier for Offshore Accounts?

The notion of tax havens has long been associated with exotic locations on Earth where individuals and corporations can store wealth to minimize their tax liabilities. But as humankind increasingly looks to outer space as the next frontier for exploration and commercialization, an intriguing question arises: could space become the new go-to location for offshore accounts? This article explores the feasibility, legal implications, and ethical considerations of such a scenario.

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What Does the Phrase “Commercialization of Space” Mean?

The phrase “commercialization of space” refers to the involvement of private enterprises in the development, launch, and exploitation of space-related technologies and services. Traditionally, space exploration and activities were primarily the domain of government agencies such as NASA in the United States, Roscosmos in Russia, and the European Space Agency in Europe. These organizations undertook missions that were funded by taxpayer money and were generally focused on scientific research, national security, and technological innovation. However, the landscape has changed significantly in recent years with the entry of private companies into the sector.

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Spaceports in Fiction Versus Reality: Debunking Myths

The portrayal of spaceports in fiction has long captured the imagination of audiences. From the bustling intergalactic hubs in “Star Wars” to the advanced facilities in Arthur C. Clarke’s works, the fictional versions often promise a future of effortless space travel and cosmopolitan charm. However, as commercial spaceports become an integral part of real-world plans for space exploration and tourism, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. This article debunks some of the myths perpetuated by fictional representations and offers a grounded view of what real spaceports are like and what they can potentially become.

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What Does the Phrase “Building the Space Economy” Mean?

The phrase “building the space economy” refers to the structured development and expansion of economic activities that are directly or indirectly related to outer space. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including but not limited to space exploration, satellite services, space tourism, asteroid mining, and manufacturing in space. The objective is to create a sustainable, revenue-generating ecosystem that can contribute to job creation, technological advancement, and economic growth on a broader scale.