If you ask most of those involved in the space industry what the ultimate goal might be, they would say something like “human expansion into the solar system,” or “large-scale space migration.” They might also say that their company is an important component of this much larger project.
The question, though, is how many of today’s companies are really committed to this vision for the long run?
The reality is that for those who are working in a free enterprise system, it is very difficult to focus on the distant future. The perspective is clouded by the need to raise capital, or secure government grants, on a near-daily basis, just to keep our companies afloat. Beyond that, we must meet deadlines to meet with the provisions of said contracts, or to fulfill the expectations of investors.
While this might sound like a complaint, it really isn’t. This is the system, a public-private partnership, that will most likely lead to the greatest innovation and positive outcomes, and the alternative is a system that is government-managed and controlled.
Moreover, the focus on a company’s big-picture future can be great for morale.
According to Rhonda Stevenson, President and CEO of Above Space,
“Everybody here knows what we are working to achieve: a very high level of human migration off of planet Earth, and out into the solar ecosystem. That kind of vision can get you through a frustrating day of dealing with engineering challenges, investor uncertainties, or negative press coverage. It bolsters morale and supports retention of key people.”
Is there a way to focus on the long-term while surviving in the short-term?
Here is a modest suggestion: at every space-related conference, have at least one session focused on long-term strategic planning.
While this would not solve all the challenges of daily financial survival, it could energize participants, give them a chance to share their visions for the future, and offer perspective on the short-term problems they face.
Let’s give it a try!
About the Author
Frank White is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a Rhodes Scholar. He earned an M.Phil. in Politics from Oxford University, where he was a member of New College. The fourth edition of Frank’s best-known book, The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution, was published by Multiverse Publishing, a division of Multiverse Media LLC, in 2022. Frank is president of The Human Space Program, Inc., a nonprofit organization based on an idea initially proposed in The Overview Effect.
(c) Copyright Frank White, 2024, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Above Space
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