Opinion
Opinion section includes op-eds, columns, commentaries and editorials on all things related to the global space business enterprise.
Commentary | Space and coronavirus…any connection?
ESA Director Jan Woerner writes: "We have to accept that the spread of novel coronavirus is one of the negative consequences of globalization and the global mobility of people it brings with it. Of course, space alone cannot solve this problem; the power of the tiny virus is greater than all our combined efforts."
Op-ed | A space industry course correction under COVID-19
The space industry is no exception among the industries impacted by COVID-19. In the midst of event cancellations, mission delays, a crash-course in telecommuting, and assurance that the worst is yet to come, whatever business continuity plans have been put in place are now being put to the test of a lifetime.
Op-ed | The need to dream in darkness
Spaceship Earth has a deadly infection, and it has already spread to all decks and levels.
Op-ed | DoD needs to demystify hypersonic weapons technology
Hypersonic capabilities have the potential to rewrite the balance of power across land, sea, air and space. We need to demystify the technology to ensure the nation makes the necessary investments to secure U.S. leadership in hypersonics over the next decade.
Op-ed | National security launch not ready to commit to commercial practices
Leveraging commercial practices must not exclude or degrade mission assurance, as history has amply demonstrated.
Acquisition in state of confusion: Questions loom on the role of the Space Development Agency
The U.S. Space Force is just beginning to organize as a new branch of the armed forces and its leaders face a daunting to-do list. High on that list is figuring out the management of space acquisitions.
Foust Forward | The sound and fury over a NASA authorization bill
When the bipartisan leadership of the House Science Committee introduced a NASA authorization bill Jan. 24, it surprised many people in the civil space community.
Op-ed | Proliferated LEO is risky but necessary
The world is moving inexorably to proliferated constellations. This is a logical progression and generally a good thing. But like many good things, it is not without risks.
Op-ed | H.R. 5666 will launch the U.S. in the wrong direction
In his Feb. 3 SpaceNews opinion piece, Louis Friedman argues that the NASA authorization bill that recently cleared a House space subcommittee is best direction for America in space. The bill, H.R. 5666, would require the United States to abandon the moon after a flags and footprints lunar landing (while effectively preventing commercial firms from participating). We could not disagree more.
Op-ed | Streamlined FCC licensing a big deal for smallsats
Beyond the reduced administrative fees, the FCC’s new satellite rule fixes major problems for smaller satellite constellations staying in the United States.
Op-ed | Is NASA ready to find life beyond Earth?
The quest to find and investigate life beyond the Earth has reached a tipping point. We stand on the brink of changing the perspective of humanity’s place in the universe and finally answering the question “Are we alone?”
Op-ed | NASA: Need Another Space Assignment?
While the National Space Council has laid out a clear path to a prosperous American future in space and NASA leadership have embraced ambitious goals with quick and efficient plans, the NASA Authorization Act of 2020 would return American spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit to governmental control.
Op-Ed | Who should join the U.S. Space Force?
Building a military space culture may not require mass transfers of Army, Navy units to the Space Force
Op-Ed | The United States won’t go back to the moon, I’ll follow China there instead
In a recent SpaceNews Op-ed, Louis Friedman, co-founder and executive director emeritus of The Planetary Society, argues that the U.S. should pursue “a policy more directed to Mars and away from commercial participation. With all due respect to Friedman, I totally disagree. Focusing NASA programs on distant (in space, time, and money) goals can only ensure that U.S. space policy remains empty talk with no action.
Op-Ed | The Greatest Challenge for the Space Community – Talent
From high-speed data transfer via satellites, to the innovative technologies and scientific discoveries delivering real benefits on Earth, space is increasingly a crosscutting component in 21st Century society. But do we have what we need to access the full potential of space? Not yet.
Op-ed | SpaceX’s adaptation to market changes
SpaceX’s technical validation of reusable rockets has opened new horizons for the launch sector while inciting the firm’s competitors to invest in technological innovation as a means to fight market share erosion.
