Opinion
Opinion section includes op-eds, columns, commentaries and editorials on all things related to the global space business enterprise.
Op-ed | How to increase the intelligence community’s geospatial innovation
Until the intelligence community defines cost and value by measuring geospatial information, it has to rely on one measurement—six inches. The length of an American dollar.
Op-ed | The space industry: A closer look at the new ecosystem
Since Sputnik first launched and man set foot on the moon, the changes, evolution and expansion of human activities in space has been rapid and momentous. It is important to understand the trajectory we are on as we tackle the challenges in front of us and create our future.
Op-ed | Priority-one for space policy should be to protect U.S. satellites
Should dominance be our immediate space security priority? The short answer is no.
Letter to the Editor: CSF’s position on launch and reentry licensing regulations mischaracterized
CSF and our member companies strongly support regulations that protect the lives and property of the uninvolved public.
Foust Forward | Zero gravity requires a lot of patience
For decades, the space community has sought the “killer app” for microgravity research: the project that, once and for all, will demonstrate work that can only be done in space and has tremendous value on Earth that is enough to sustain investment in the field. So far, that search has come up empty.
Air Force paints a digital future where data from satellites play central role
In a few months the Air Force will start a series of experiments to try to connect fighter aircraft and other weapon systems into a single network so they can all share critical data and intelligence, much of which is collected by satellites in space.
Op-ed | Two critical factors to ensure connectivity to all
As more and more people, no matter where they live, want or even need satellite broadband services as part of their day to day lives, it is increasingly important for the world’s governments to work to ensure that all technologies have access to the resources necessary to meet user demands.
Op-ed | If hackers cripple your satellite, are you covered? Don’t count on it.
While traditionally we talk about solar flares, anomalies and space debris, increasingly risks in space include cyber risks that have repercussions on the ground.
Op-ed | The U.S. Space Force must be independent but not insular
The Space Force cannot be insular, aloof, or detached from clear and present security challenges and joint needs in the terrestrial domains.
New FlexGround Service Delivers High-Speed Broadband to Forces in Remote Areas
For more than five decades, Intelsat General has been providing the satellite capacity and the services needed by the U.S. and allied governments to support troops operating in the world’s hot spots.
The United States should follow France’s lead in space
Sometimes, even when you’re No. 1, it pays to follow another’s lead. A case in point is the French Government’s recent announcement to develop bodyguard spacecraft to protect its satellites against Russian and Chinese robotic spacecraft capable of rendezvous and proximity operations.
Military sees value in commercial data, but needs to figure out how to buy it
The emergence of commercial suppliers of SSA data, short for space situational awareness, has led to a rethinking of how the Defense Department should invest its SSA dollars.
Op-Ed | Moving from “oversight” to “transparency”
Certainly, we have taken some important steps, such as setting up the SDA, SMC 2.0, moving ORS to an RCO, implementing section 804 of the 2016 NDAA, and OTA’s. However, these changes in and of themselves are not enough.
Foust Forward | Worldwide, there are 131 small launch vehicles in the works. Most of these will fizzle out.
There’s almost universal agreement in the industry that there are far many more small launchers under development than can be supported by even the most optimistic forecasts of smallsat development.
Op-ed | How Women’s Equality Day looks from space
NASA astronaut Christina Koch reflects on Women’s Equality Day and her work on the International Space Station as she reaches the halfway point in her mission on the station.
Op-ed | It’s time for a 21st century licensing system for space
The FAA’s former commercial space transportation describes what he thinks a 21st century licensing system should look like — at the very top level — and offers some ideas on the best way to implement such a regime.
