In case there is any misunderstanding, we will first make this statement: We fully support, encourage, and applaud the persons and groups who are already making tremendous effort and progress in these areas. These people should be regarded as heroes.
This petition aims to stand alongside these persons and groups, and certainly not in opposition to them. The exhortatory language of the petition is not directed to them, but to the rest of the world -- persons, companies, and organizations who are unaware or uncommitted where spaceward expansion is concerned.
As such, this effort is primarily to raise public awareness and "get the word out" -- and here, the word "public" includes non-space-related private enterprise. It will make no difference in the long run, any more than a single Yuri's Night party makes a difference in the long run. But if it helps move space "onto the radar" of even one person or group, it will have been worthwhile.
This "intent and purpose" page was created in response to an email from a member of the space community (here reprinted anonymously):
|
This seems to be fly in the face of Elon and Space X, Bigelow, John Carmack, XCOR, etc. They know what it takes to get to space let alone do it cheaper. There are hundreds of millions being spent on this problem around the world. Do you think waving a magic wand with a petition like this will solve the real engineering, science, and tech issues? Don't you think Elon who is way beyond $120 million of his own money knows what it takes to lower space access costs?...
I think its well intentioned but if it has no delivery point or focus or end result in mind, its wishful thinking. Also, I think it tends to belittle those in the trenches working this problem with their life blood. Its not that the issues of low cost space access are being ignored, hell, they are being addressed on the public and the private side. $500 million and more of our tax money is trying to spur COTS players to do this cheaper than the gov. contractors. |