Financial Bootstrapping as the Steppingstones to Space
- Paper number
IAC-05-D3.1.10
- Author
Mr. Declan ODonnell, United Societies in Space, Inc., United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
If the president’s plan for space development is adopted, we foresee developing the Moon, Mars, the asteroid belt, and so on. As we undertake separate parts of that steppingstone plan, a few factors remain constant, while others change or are replaced entirely. The three most constant and pressingly important factors will be the need for more money, legal certainty, and enforceable development standards. The proposal for maintenance of a UN enabled “International Space Development Authority Corporation” (ISDAC) helps put those salient factors in place on an internationally acceptable basis. The ISDAC features a “space bank” that can effect a monetary and fiscal system to support the long term development plan to completion. As space assets are enhanced the value of space money is bootstrapped to higher levels. Financial security is assured by revenue bond issues repaid out of monies generated by a society of settlers on the Moon, at Mars, and in large orbits. Legal certainty is assured for the long haul, even as the focus of development shifts from one stone to the next stone, by the maintenance of the Authority’s court system. It would allow for even application of all space-related rules, statutes, and treaties. Common law extended into space as astro law would be allowed to develop, also. Development standards for all nations to follow could be set up and enforced in this setting. Without such standards in place, nothing will be built. Space Governance needs to be enhanced from nation to nation cooperation into a more enforceable and evenly applied set of standards. Legal uncertainties need to have clear and immediate resolution. The plan for space development should be coordinated. Preferred projects should be assured of adequate financing. The ISDAC provides this to all proponents equally during the development stage on an absolutely guaranteed sustainable basis.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-D3.1.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.