The recent launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher, carrying the Dragon supply ship, marks a new era in space operations by a private company. The Dragon carried supplies and equipment successfully to the International Space Station, and then deorbited to a nominal reentry and landing in the ocean - a remarkable achievement. Ultimately SpaceX intends to upgrade their launch services in the future to carry US astronauts to Earth orbit.
Although these remarkable events do open a new era in US space activity, nevertheless it does beg the question as to why we want to do it all again, using the same technology of expendable launch vehicles - this time under the banner of private enterprise. Surely it is time to move on to new launcher technologies, which will fundamentally reduce the cost of access to orbit. Afterall, it is this astronomical (pun intended!) cost which is the principal obstacle to the scientific and commercial exploitation of the new frontier of space. However, this step is going to be technically challenging and consequently very expensive, so I think the revolution will take a while - but it is ultimately the the only route to full exploitation.
Although these remarkable events do open a new era in US space activity, nevertheless it does beg the question as to why we want to do it all again, using the same technology of expendable launch vehicles - this time under the banner of private enterprise. Surely it is time to move on to new launcher technologies, which will fundamentally reduce the cost of access to orbit. Afterall, it is this astronomical (pun intended!) cost which is the principal obstacle to the scientific and commercial exploitation of the new frontier of space. However, this step is going to be technically challenging and consequently very expensive, so I think the revolution will take a while - but it is ultimately the the only route to full exploitation.
Schematic of the SpaceX's Dragon spacecra
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