Government Shutdowns – a Boon for Private Space Exploration?

The US Government has shut down and nearly all of NASA has been put on leave - indefinitely.  Although I have long despaired of how politics in America impacts the consistency and sustainability of an effective space exploration program, this is by far the most egregious example of why so little has been done to promote a permanent human presence in space since Apollo (true – there is the ISS, but compared to what the future promised in the 60’s and 70’s …). Regardless of how you feel about the current political situation, it cannot be denied that governments at times can be their own worst enemies.  Their inability to find solutions to pressing issues is nothing new, but it is frustrating.  And the impact these actions have on lower priority programs – like space exploration – is devastating.    

But is this actually a blessing in disguise?  Might it signal an opportunity for private organizations to pick up the slack?  Can private space companies develop, promote and fund exploration programs without government support ? 

SpaceX is trying.  But, at its core, SpaceX is a space operations company rather than a space exploration company.  Their ability to push exploration is really based on two things:

1.       US Government space operations contracts, and

2.       Elon Musk’s pocketbook.

Without a contract from the US Government to supply the International Space Station, the development of the Dragon, the Grasshopper, and the Red Dragon (a Spacex Mars Lander program) would be totally reliant on Elon Musk and his financial backers.  That wealth alone cannot possibly fund an extensive – and sustainable – exploration and development program.  In other words, the success of the SpaceX operations arm, and its government funding, drives the success of the Exploration and Development arm.

So can private enterprise create a sustainable and effective space exploration program without government backing?  Direct investment in these enterprises has historically been through wealthy individuals or angel investors, not from a broad investor base.  The primary reason?  High financial risk with little upside.  The only way to fund private space exploration initiatives, therefore, is through indirect investment.  A consistent application of outside funding.  An endowment, if you will.  But space exploration is really expensive – so it needs to be a really BIG endowment!

At Rima Marius, we have created that endowment.  www.starfund.coThe STAR Fund (Space Technology and Research Fund) is an independent financial management company that is focused on high growth/high income investments.  These investments, when completely funded, will provide a consistent annual income that can be used to further space exploration initiatives – without government funding or political gamesmanship.

When there is clear initiative and focused support, there is little that a government cannot do (think Apollo).  But without that clear initiative, and without broad, bipartisan support, governments can more often impede, rather than promote, progress.  This most recent shutdown should remind us of that fact.  And perhaps – just perhaps – change the focus to private opportunities.

About Rima Marius: Rima Marius is a US based private space exploration company founded in 2013 with the objective of undertaking a manned expedition to the Moon.  It is named after the Marius Hills region of the Moon that is the target of the Expedition.  Details about the Company and the Rima Marius Lunar Expedition may be found at the company’s website at www.Rimamarius.com