Opinion
Opinion section includes op-eds, columns, commentaries and editorials on all things related to the global space business enterprise.
Op-ed | The World Below: The need for free and open data in Earth observation activities
The evolving quality and quantity of Earth observation data enables an ever-increasingly profound knowledge of the climate crisis, enhancing the efficacy of mitigation strategies as well as the management of risk and natural or human-made disasters.
Op-ed | Getting Serious About the Office of Space Commerce
After three years of an active push to increase the role of the Office of Space Commerce (OSC) in promoting and enabling commercial space activities, that vision is beginning to revert to the way things used to be. Immediate intervention is needed by the new leadership at the Department of Commerce to prevent a complete loss of progress and yet another delay in reshaping U.S. efforts to support and leverage the burgeoning commercial space sector.
Op-ed | Big Data gaining ground with Earth Observation operators
Big Data is boosting Earth Observation demand, creating new applications and changing traditional business models. As a disruptive innovation, it keeps changing the way EO data is being used.
Connecting the Dots | Assessing top-down pollution
Satellites are leading the charge in the battle against climate change, providing critical insights about Earth that can only be gained from space. But are they also contributing to the problem?
On National Security | Is space-as-a-service a viable option for the DoD?
Does it make sense for the Pentagon to spend billions of dollars buying and maintaining satellites when there are now private companies that can provide space-based capabilities as a service? That’s the question at the heart of an ongoing debate about the role of private space enterprise in national security.
Op-ed | Are we there yet? A journey to more clearly see the changing planet
Three important intersections for the Earth and environmental information sector as it relates to re-imagining and rebuilding a new economy include ensuring that a “whole of government” approach translates to “whole of Earth,” engaging and supporting business, and realizing a national Earth predictive capability to win the future.
Op-ed | Sen. Nelson is strong choice to advance 21st century space priorities
Former GOP lawmaker Frank LoBiondo argues that former Sen. Bill Nelson's age and experience are an asset, not a liability, when it comes to leading NASA through the budget battles ahead.
Op-ed | Competition delivers the goods and the crew for all NASA commercial space services
A member of the Trump administration's NASA transition team weighs in on NASA's decision to forgo additional competition by picking a single vendor, SpaceX, to develop a Human Landing System for the Artemis program.
Op-ed | How Elon Musk’s CO2 XPRIZE can fight climate change and advance space exploration
Want to win Elon Musk's $100 million XPRIZE for carbon removal? Think small and think Mars.
Op-ed | A multicultural approach to space development
Airbus Ventures Managing Partner Thomas d’Halluin contemplates the challenges of this past year. Against the backdrop of racial injustice, environmental destruction, and now, the growing nationalization of space, d’Halluin suggests a shift of focus to a multicultural approach to space development.
Op-ed | Blank checks c/o the stars: Market analysis given short shrift as companies cash in on SPAC spree
This time, there’s no moon-or-bust crash program driving the influx of capital. Instead, we are seeing a rush to write blank checks without detailed consideration for what commercial enterprises worldwide value most: the market.
Op-ed | The Senator and the Commander
"The sure hand of an astronaut and the skill of a policy expert will maintain the necessary continuity of purpose for NASA and secure funding to get Americans — including the first women and people of color — to the moon and on to Mars," writes former NASA deputy administrator Dava Newman, endorsing President Biden's nomination of Bill Nelson and Pam Melroy to lead NASA.
Op-ed | Space is Vital for Earth Day
"While some advocate that humans should become a multi-planetary species because Earth is not salvageable and should be abandoned, I kindly disagree," writes ULA CEO Tory Bruno.
Foust Forward | What senators should ask future NASA administrator Bill Nelson
Since the White House announced its nomination of former senator Bill Nelson to lead the agency March 19, there’s been a wave of endorsements from political figures and industry.
Op-ed | Conjunction risk drives need for information sharing
Space is busy and getting busier. Given the anticipated increased utilization of space largely in low Earth orbit, robust data dissemination of active satellite operations as well as orbital debris mitigation plans must be a part of international norms of space market access.
Op-ed | Canada’s space sector set for a relaunch
Canada’s space industry seems to be on the path of a relaunch. The relaunch is two-pronged — backed by an ambitious and hungry private sector and increasing government support.
