Ep 8. Should Space Be Privatized?

In the current era where private companies such as SpaceX are dominating the space industry, it's crucial to ask the question of whether space should be privatized. This is the premise of PBS Space Time's season 2018 episode 8, entitled "Should Space Be Privatized?"

The episode features the debate and analysis of whether space should be the sole domain of governments or whether private companies should be allowed to operate in space as well. The debate is divided into two perspectives. On one hand, some argue that governments should continue to have a primary role in space exploration since they have long been responsible for most space efforts. Meanwhile, others believe that private companies should be given the freedom to access and explore space, rather than being confined to government restrictions.

To begin with, the show provides an overview of the history of space exploration. It highlights how government agencies such as NASA and Russian Space Agency (now Roscosmos) have played a critical role in the development of space technology and exploration missions. However, it also emphasizes that space exploration has traditionally been very expensive, and only governments could afford to invest in it. This has restricted progress and prevented far-reaching space missions.

In recent years, private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin have stepped up and taken a lead in space exploration. These companies are driven by a market mindset and aim to create a cost-efficient and commercially profitable industry for space travel and exploration. The episode provides a detailed analysis of how private companies are disrupting the traditional framework of space exploration and how some fear that this disruption could affect the safety, security, and sustainability of space exploration efforts.

The episode does an excellent job of highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of both government and private companies' involvement in space exploration. For instance, it argues that the government's involvement provides stable funding and regulation for space operations, which ensures safety and security in space. Also, government-funded programs invest in far-reaching exploration missions that private companies can't afford. However, government programs suffer from bureaucracy, and it's challenging to initiate and execute truly groundbreaking missions. The episode points out the example of how the government's cancellation of the Constellation Program, which aimed to put Americans back on the moon, severely affected the United States' progress in space exploration.

On the other hand, some argue that private companies, driven by market incentives, can offer lower costs and innovation in space operations. Private companies can optimize the efficiency of their launch systems and spacecraft designs, which can result in cost savings and faster progress. However, critics argue that private companies' profitability priorities could affect the safety and security standards in space operations.

The episode also discusses the impact of privatization on the commercial space market. Privatization can offer numerous opportunities for investment and innovation, such as space tourism and asteroid mining. However, many fear that these activities could worsen space debris problems and affect the long-term sustainability of space operations.

The show presents an insightful analysis of the debate over the privatization of space. It draws from an extensive range of experts, including space law experts and industry professionals, to provide qualified opinions. At the same time, it gives the audience ample space to form their arguments regarding the issue. Overall, the episode does an excellent job of informing the audience and raising thought-provoking questions about the future of space exploration.