PPP in Space – UPSC GS3

Collaboration between SpaceX and NASA

Launches of Crew Dragon Spacecraft

Starlink internet relay satellites

Instances of rocket component outsourcing, hiring of vendors etc.

The Indian government has opened up its space sector for private players officially, via a newly created arm i.e Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) that will coordinate with private companies and startups to undertake commercial operations.

In the case of US, commercialization has meant that NASA has been able to focus on programmes of space exploration, while SpaceX has provided with reusable rockets, large capsules to carry heavy payloads.

Models with public-private cooperation will enable Governments to pursue exploration programmes and shift away from utilitarian missions and allow the private sector to pursue such missions.

Space tourism could become more common and frequent as space travel becomes more economical.

Private companies such as Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and SpaceX, that will offer space flights, albeit for a very high fee.

Prospects of experiencing microgravity and also the possibility of spending days in the International Space Station will make space tourism more attractive and drive the demand upwards.

Colonization of moon is perhaps not a very distant dream now, the pace at which commercialization of space sector is being expanded, it is going to be a reality sooner than later.