New National Space Policy

Forgive the absence.  A note from my mother will be forthcoming. This is the new national space policy. Review to follow when my catching up is caught up.

Is Policy Overrated?

If policy is a “goal or aim of government or society,” (my informal definition), it is important to bear in mind that goals and aims change all the time. It is also important that “government” also changes over every once in a while. So while I’m not trying to say policy can be dismissed or [...]

Time to Boldly Go Once More

Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin makes an emotional plea for U.S. space leadership with a goal of establishing an American colony on Mars. The major shortfall in his plea is why we should do this. While Aldrin uses traditional space advocate language like “galvanize public support,” “inspire America’s young students,” and “renew our space industry,” that [...]

Obama’s Space Policy Review

Amy Klamper, writing for Space News (subscription required) has said President Obama has given his administration until 1 Oct to review the existing U.S. Space Policy, which was issued under the Bush administration in 2006. Given the tone of the administration in the article, expect any revised space policy to de-emphasize national security space and [...]

GPS, Unlike Scotland, Is Not Free

This article originally appeared in Air University’s The Wright Stuff.

If You Fund It, They Will Come

The U.S. National Space Policy says the government shall use U.S. commercial space capabilities and services to the maximum practical extent, to include purchasing commercial capabilities and services when available and meeting needs. Regarding communications and followed to a logical extreme, that policy direction means that most and perhaps all space-based military communications should be [...]