Abstract
This paper articulates the evolution of US space policy by collating the history of space program developments alongside the international treaties responsible for safe space exploration. As the US shifts from NASA-led ventures to private ventures, the treaties developed both during and after the space race are coming under scrutiny. Private US companies such as Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and Space X are investing in the future realms of space tourism, settlements, and mining that will hopefully provide untold profits for all of mankind. However, there exists the danger of a Kessler Syndrome event blocking access to Earth’s orbits if the ever more crowded orbital infrastructure collides. To mitigate such a disaster, international treaties or broadly recognized accords will be needed to protect the orbital commons. As international treaties become more cumbersome as space becomes more commercialized, the creation of national legislation as well as multilateral treaties like the Artemis Accords will likely become the norm as humanity spreads itself first upon the lunar surface and later into the resource rich solar system.
Recommended Citation
Pollard, Miles J. (2022) "The American Space Industry: A History of Innovation and An Analysis of Future Policy," Pepperdine Policy Review: Vol. 14, Issue 2, Article 1. Available at: https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/ppr/vol14/iss2/1
