The commercialization of space has been contemplated, desired, and rejected at various times since the US space program began in 1958. Some believe that it is inevitable that space be exploited for its resources, just as any other of man’s environments. Others believe that the United States’ chief space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and its counterparts in other countries, should preserve space and continue its mission to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.1 For the most part, participation by private companies in the past was limited to production of materials to conduct space flights.
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NASA Paves Way for Commercial Space Exploration (Jan 20, 2011)
