 |
|
|
In the future, will we launch rockets on such a frequent basis? On what occasion? Furthermore, what should be our next goal for the research and development of space transportation systems?
Today there are three main categories of demand for space transportation: the launch of communication, broadcasting and navigation satellites by which we distribute the "information" on radio wave; transportation to and from the International Space Station, where economic efficiency is not a top priority; and scientific research. Satellite broadcasting is sufficiently lucrative to pay for the launch of expensive expendable rockets, while the costs of scientific research and the International Space Station are paid for with taxpayers' money. The United States developed the Space Shuttle as a partly reusable launch system, but given the current limited demand for space transportation and the low flight frequency of the Shuttle, this system actually costs more than the conventional expendable launch system. This being the case, we have not yet reached a stage where we can take full advantage of repeated flights, triggering lots of criticism.
In the future, demands for space transportation will be totally different. It is expected to include space-based power plants, weighing thirty thousand tones each, placed in orbit to solve the Earth's energy crisis and environmental problems; and space tourism for the general public, serving one million travelers every. A transportation system for such needs must be economically viable if the cost of electricity generated by those power plants is to be competitive, and if space tourism is to be affordable for enough people. But these will never be economically sustainable unless we come up with a transportation system that allows flights into space with reusable vehicles to be as straightforward and frequent as conventional air travel is today. |
|
|
 |
|
