Space Commercialization

Question 1

Commercial Space Industry

Answer 1

The sector of private companies and organizations involved in developing and operating space systems for profit.

Question 2

Space Tourism

Answer 2

The practice of sending private individuals into space for recreational, leisure, or adventure purposes.

Question 3

Launch Service Providers

Answer 3

Companies that offer launch capabilities for payloads, including satellites and spacecraft, to orbit.

Question 4

Satellite Communications

Answer 4

The use of satellites to transmit data, voice, and video signals across the globe for commercial purposes.

Question 5

Earth Observation

Answer 5

The collection of data about Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems using satellites for applications like agriculture, disaster management, and climate monitoring.

Question 6

Space Mining

Answer 6

The extraction of valuable materials, such as water, metals, and minerals, from asteroids or other celestial bodies.

Question 7

NewSpace

Answer 7

A movement characterized by entrepreneurial companies seeking to lower costs and increase access to space through innovation.

Question 8

Microgravity Research

Answer 8

Scientific experiments conducted in the near-weightless environment of space to study phenomena not observable on Earth.

Question 9

Small Satellite Revolution

Answer 9

The trend of using small, cost-effective satellites (e.g., CubeSats) for diverse commercial applications.

Question 10

Spaceports

Answer 10

Facilities designed to support the launch and landing of spacecraft for commercial and government missions.

Question 11

Satellite Constellations

Answer 11

Groups of satellites working together to provide global services, such as high-speed internet and navigation.

Question 12

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Answer 12

Collaborative agreements between governments and private companies to achieve mutual goals in space development.

Question 13

Dual-Use Technologies

Answer 13

Space technologies that serve both military and commercial purposes, such as GPS and imaging systems.

Question 14

In-Orbit Servicing

Answer 14

Commercial services to repair, refuel, or upgrade satellites while they remain in orbit.

Question 15

Space Manufacturing

Answer 15

The production of goods in space, leveraging microgravity to create materials and products not possible on Earth.

Question 16

Commercial Crew Program

Answer 16

NASA’s initiative to partner with private companies for crewed missions to the International Space Station.

Question 17

Space-as-a-Service

Answer 17

A business model where companies provide space capabilities, such as satellite data or launch services, on-demand.

Question 18

Investment in Space Startups

Answer 18

The allocation of capital by venture capitalists and private equity firms to emerging space companies.

Question 19

Downstream Applications

Answer 19

Commercial products and services derived from space-based data, such as weather forecasting and geolocation services.

Question 20

Regulatory Frameworks

Answer 20

Policies and rules established by governments to oversee commercial space activities.

Question 21

Licensing for Space Activities

Answer 21

The requirement for private companies to obtain legal permission to conduct activities like satellite launches and operations.

Question 22

Export Control Laws

Answer 22

Regulations that govern the international transfer of space technologies to protect national security and economic interests.

Question 23

Outer Space Treaty

Answer 23

A foundational international agreement that provides guidelines for space commercialization and ensures space is used for peaceful purposes.

Question 24

Space Debris Mitigation

Answer 24

Efforts by commercial companies to reduce the creation of debris during satellite deployment and operations.

Question 25

Economic Multiplier Effect

Answer 25

The broader economic benefits of investments in the commercial space industry, including job creation and technological innovation.

Question 26

Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

Answer 26

A fixed orbit 35,786 km above Earth’s equator where satellites appear stationary relative to the ground.

Question 27

Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Answer 27

An orbit close to Earth (altitudes of 160-2,000 km) frequently used for small satellites and broadband constellations.

Question 28

Reusable Rockets

Answer 28

Space launch vehicles designed to be recovered and reused, significantly reducing the cost of access to space.

Question 29

Space Insurance

Answer 29

Coverage for risks associated with satellite launches, in-orbit operations, and decommissioning.