Business, Economics, Political Commentary, Space, Space and Campaign 2008

How To Implement Prop Depots?

6 Comments

With the (at least hoped for) imminent departure of Mike Griffin, there may be opportunities for more sensible approaches to carrying out plans to expand humanity into the solar system. One of the key elements will be propellant depots, and Jon Goff has some policy thoughts on how to (and how not to) make them happen. They echo some thoughts that I presented at Space Access on his panel on the subject in March, but he’s expanded on them quite a bit.

6 thoughts on “How To Implement Prop Depots?”

  1. Heh. When I first read that last line, I missed the “on them” part. I’m glad I’m no longer just chasing a mouse around the desk at work like I was most of this past year.

    But on a more serious note, I’d really appreciate feedback on some of these ideas, including negative.

    ~Jon

  2. Fuel depots make so much sense that the private sector is sure to take the lead once markets are established.

    We need to focus on what will establish those markets.

    As far as standards, they should be public domain. If the private sector finds them a good idea and begins to implement them, then we demand the government does as well. Once you have a standard, it would be natural to have multiple sources of supply.

  3. Ken,
    As far as standards, they should be public domain. If the private sector finds them a good idea and begins to implement them, then we demand the government does as well. Once you have a standard, it would be natural to have multiple sources of supply.

    Yeah. It may very well be true that we don’t have a good consensus yet on prop transfer interfaces. But at least getting involved parties talking to each other might help illuminate what things need to be tested or tried in order to get to the point where a standard can be established. But yeah, once there is a standard, having the government adapt it is important.

    ~Jon

  4. So who would you guys want as NASA director? Obama has been plucking people from all over for his Cabinet, at least for parts of it. Can you make a list of 5 good names, no matter how unlikely you think they are?

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