Small Business...Big Dreams

Following up on the Scaled Composites post, there's a lot of other interesting stuff going on in the areas of private and quasi-private space.

Besides Scaled Composite's efforts in SpaceShipOne (which one the X-Prize) and SpaceShipTwo (which will be the backbone of Virgin Galactic's "space fleet"), other companies are pursuing similar efforts. For example, Jeff Bezos, the man behind Amazon.com, is financing Blue Origin, a somewhat secretive company working in Texas. Some information has been leaking on their vehicle, New Shepard, a vertical take-off and landing sub-orbital vehicle. It bears more than a passing resemblance to the DC-X test vehicle (not surprising since some of the design and engineering team for New Shepard worked on the DC-X).

Then there's Armadillo Aerospace. Edged out of the X-Prize, they are working on several fronts, ranging from modular vehicles to concepts for a lunar lander. Founded by, like Blue Origins and SpaceX, another software engineer who made good (yes, Mom, you were right, again, about my poor career choice!), this is a company to keep an eye on.

With all these companies working on sub-orbital vehicles, what side industries might we see? How about rocket racing? Think NASCAR is hot? What until you see these babies! More seriously...how about space diving? It might be the most extreme of extreme sports, but it might lead to a new way for astronauts to escape from a crippled spacecraft.

What else? How about space hotels and space industrial parks. No joking, the first steps towards this are above your heads right now! Using technology originally designed by (and now licensed from) NASA, Bigelow Aerospace has successfully launched and orbited Genesis I and Genesis II, the first two test space station modules. Future plans are for larger and larger modules, possibly even for modules that could be used on the surface of the Moon. Will NASA's "hard shell" approach for the ISS be obsolete shortly after the ISS is finished?

Hey, what about Ad Astra? Now, not Ad Astra Games, the Ad Astra Rocket Company! In one of those strange but true tales, there's a company working on the VASIMR propulsion system with the name of Ad Astra. Not only that, but they've managed four hours of continuous use of their engine, a quantum leap from the earlier test that managed two minutes! Maybe a merger between the two Ad Astra's is in the offing?

What to wear, what to wear? Spacesuits have been somewhat clunky looking outfits. Wouldn't it be better to wear something that allows you a full range of motion and won't tire you out from all the bulk? Perhaps the first steps in that direction have been taken at MIT.

So other than visiting Bigelow's orbital hotels and industrial parks, what can one do in Earth orbit? Well, NASA is looking for ways to expand the use of the International Space Station (ISS) with plans to open up portions of it for "private business". When the ISS is "completed" (and that's only the latest definition of "completed") in 2010, NASA is hoping that research will be carried out by a mix of government and private interests. Me, I'm hoping that by 2010, Bigelow Aerospace has several sites in operation already, beating NASA to the punch!

Next, with the space shuttle scheduled to retire (sooner rather than later!), what will take its place to carry crew and cargo to the International Space Station and other orbital destinations? The Russians are still building the dependable Progress vehicle and Soyuz vehicle and the European Space Agency is hoping to get its Automated Transfer Vehicle online. Even the Japanese are hoping to get into the act with their H-2 Transfer Vehicle.

But what about the United States? If NASA is successful in building and launching its Ares I launch vehicle, it will have a government-financed way of getting both cargo and crew to the ISS. With the larger Ares V, it would even have a way of lofting large cargoes into orbit.

More interesting is what is known as the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. NASA is partnering with two private firms, Rocketplane-Kistler (with its K-1 Orbital Vehicle) and SpaceX (with its Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle and Dragon crew and cargo capsules). Will NASA be able to break from its "we invented space travel" mentality and work with private partners? Will the private partners be able to pull this off? I hope so, as it is far too dangerous to have all our manned and cargo lift capability in one basket (or dependent on foreign partners).

Further out? How about private expeditions to the Moon? Much of the technology has been proven, but not quite in these circumstances: using Russian vehicles, modified with additional modules, for a slingshot trip around the Moon. Who could afford such a trip? Space Adventures, the folks behind several private trips to the ISS claim they already have their first client at the cut-rate price of $100 million (per passenger seat!). When will this occur? Details are still being worked out, but I wouldn't be surprised to see private space beat NASA back to the Moon, even if it is just for a quick jaunt!

Finally, with all this activity, there's a growing need for scientists and engineers at these companies. And not just that...what about machinists, software designers, financial wizards and more! Here, for example, is a recent advertisement from XCOR Aerospace:

XCOR Aerospace Is Hiring - And It's Not Rocket Scientists

Want to help build rocket ships? XCOR Aerospace has an immediate opening for an experienced precision prototype / job shop machinist. CNC experience (both mill and lathe) required. Full competency with conventional equipment and freehand tool grinding capability also a must. Good pay commensurate with experience. Applicant should be a self-starter and function well within a small group. XCOR is a small company with a motivated, entrepreneurial and friendly working environment. This position is open to current U.S. citizens or permanent residents only. Position is located at the Mojave Spaceport and Civilian Aerospace Test Center in Mojave, CA. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English required. Benefits include medical and dental, and all employees get rides! XCOR Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested? Know someone who is? E-mail resume to shadowcat [-at-] engineer [-dot-] com or call Aleta at 661-824-4714 x113. Fax resume to 661-824-0866.

Phew! We've only scratched the surface of the private and quasi-private efforts! More as I come across more news!