Vision for Space Exploration

Paper number

IAC-06-E6.1.01

Author

General Michael Wholley, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Headquarters, United States

Year

2006

Abstract

The “Vision for Space Exploration:” 
Legal Issues Presented by Innovative Commercial Initiatives
 
Michael C. Wholley
General Counsel
U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration


As part of the U.S. Vision for Space Exploration, NASA is forging significant partnerships with the developing commercial space sector. With the recent success of the Ansari X-Prize and other ongoing private space efforts, the potential for the commercial space sector to engage new markets, especially those involving human spaceflight, is stronger than ever. NASA is pursuing collaborations that help expand the commercial space sector and support NASA's mission. By working with established commercial launch service providers and encouraging development of the emerging entrepreneurial launch sector, NASA, consistent with its mandate under the National Aeronautics and Space Act, seeks to accelerate the growth of the commercial space industry. 

Current initiatives include:

1.	The Commercial Crew/Cargo Project, through which NASA will fund “Commercial Orbital Transportation Services” (COTS) demonstrations of low earth orbit access and rendezvous capabilities, with the aim of purchasing cost-effective commercial transportation services between Earth and the International Space Station by the end of this decade, when the Space Shuttle is retired from service. NASA’s strategic goal is to create a market environment in which commercial space transportation services are available to Government and private sector customers.

2.	The “Centennial Challenges” Program, where NASA offers prizes for successful technology demonstrations.

3.	“Red Planet”, a venture capital initiative through which NASA plans to provide funding to cutting edge technology companies for technologies that can be “spun in” to NASA Exploration programs. 

The paper summarizes these initiatives and discusses the innovative statutory and contractual legal arrangements necessary for their success.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E6.1.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E6.1.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.