Kickstarter for space projects

[Loppan Torkel]

Next week, the future course of Europe’s space sector will be set as ministers of the European Space Agency’s 20 Member States come together in Italy.

Ministers in charge of space activities within the 20 ESA Member States and Canada will meet in Naples on 20–21 November to agree on ESA’s future space programmes, aiming to boost Europe’s competitiveness and growth along with scientific advances.

Given the success of kickstarter projects in computer games, I expect to see more, and more diverse projects funded in similar ways.

This project - Fight For Space - Space Program & NASA Documentary - for education was funded via kickstarter.
http://www.fightforspace.com/
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/420606009/fight-for-space-space-program-and-nasa-documentary

I haven't seen any larger, real space programs funded yet. Probably for good reasons, but who knows..?

What kind of space program would you fund?
How much would you be willing to spend?
What kind of benefit/insight for yourself, your nation, collaboration of nations or NGO would you like to see from your funding?
What type of organization would you trust enough to fund large amounts of money? NASA, ESA, something new?
If a more altruistic and loosely based organization was funded by a public, perhaps supported by various governments - what kind of positive implications would it bring against national or corporate organizations?

 

[trader/warrior]

There are the Copenhagen Suborbitals. Wish something like that would get much more attention and funding.

 

[LamaGT]

Yeah, except that the cost of space missions is in the range of billions. It would certainly require a lot more than donating 20$ each as it happens for games.

 

[Crezth]

Yeah, except that the cost of space missions is in the range of billions. It would certainly require a lot more than donating 20$ each as it happens for games.

Well, if every American gave $20 to the cause, it'd still be less than half of NASA's budget.

On the other hand, still not a quantity to sneeze at. If people gave to such a thing, I'd be thrilled! But they won't.

 

[hobbsyoyo]

What kind of space program would you fund?

I'd fund any commercial space program via kickstarter. I think the heavy duty research activities are best suited to the public sector space programs, so I wouldn't fund any of those unless they were researching something I really cared about. But I do love the idea of private companies operating in space for a profit and I would like to contribute to them. Plus, if they succeed, it'd be one more job opportunity for me when I graduate.

How much would you be willing to spend?

That would really depend on how big of a project they are working on. Basically, the more they have to spend (assuming I like what they're doing), the more I'd be willing to spend.

What kind of benefit/insight for yourself, your nation, collaboration of nations or NGO would you like to see from your funding?

I kind of already answered this, but I'd want my funding to contribute to the expansion of private enterprise in space. Also, I would definately fund a colonization project, regardless of whether or not it could generate a profit.

What type of organization would you trust enough to fund large amounts of money? NASA, ESA, something new?

I'd trust public programs with a lot of money, but only if they have a clear goal or use of the money. I'd give them money to build a new rocket, but I wouldn't give them money just for general operations -that's what taxes are for. Though I don't think they're being funded enough as is.

If a more altruistic and loosely based organization was funded by a public, perhaps supported by various governments - what kind of positive implications would it bring against national or corporate organizations?

Look at COTS program for a good example. NASA is funding private companies to build new rockets to deliver cargo to the ISS more cheaply than NASA can do it. Eventually, there is another program that funds private delivery of astronauts to the ISS for the same reason. The beauty of this project is is that not only can NASA save money in the long term, but when these companies have these new rockets and know-how, there is nothing stopping them from expanding and doing new things in space for a profit. It's a win-win.

 

[Loppan Torkel]

...

Thanks. That's interesting. It seems like you see this from a pretty American perspective though. You'd be willing to fund any commercial space program, but I take it you'd be less inclined to fund a Chinese commercial space program..? It might make for a good, new space race if this took on..

I've followed your and Antilogic's progress through space. I gave it a shot and managed to send Bill, Bob and Jeb on a space trip at least.. they didn't make it back.

There are the Copenhagen Suborbitals. Wish something like that would get much more attention and funding.

I'd fund it if it was Stockholm Suborbitals.. ..maybe not.. It'd be better if it was a larger Nordic project under ESA or something.

 

[Kaitzilla]

Mining asteroids for $1500 an ounce platinum

http://www.slate.com/articles/techn..._plan_to_grab_platinum_from_outer_space_.html

 

[hobbsyoyo]

Thanks. That's interesting. It seems like you see this from a pretty American perspective though. You'd be willing to fund any commercial space program, but I take it you'd be less inclined to fund a Chinese commercial space program..? It might make for a good, new space race if this took on..

Er, yeah that is a very American perspective. I wouldn't be against kickstarting a European project.

However, I'm not even sure it would be legal to fund a Chinese project (or a European one now that I think about it) due to strict technology-control laws our government has in place.

NASA isn't even allowed to let China contribute to the ISS with their own technologies because of these laws.

I've followed your and Antilogic's progress through space. I gave it a shot and managed to send Bill, Bob and Jeb on a space trip at least.. they didn't make it back.

Awesome! You'll have to post in the other thread sometime. We can definately give you tips on how to get to orbit. There is an extremely steep learning curve to that game but when you've got it, it's not that hard.

I can post any instructions there that you might need, point you to helpful websites and post pics of successful launchers with instructions if you need them as well. I also posted my latest Duna-landing attempt in the other thread, check it out!

 

[AlpsStranger]

Well, if every American gave $20 to the cause, it'd still be less than half of NASA's budget.

On the other hand, still not a quantity to sneeze at. If people gave to such a thing, I'd be thrilled! But they won't.

Some days I wonder if half of America believes in space. As in believe it exists.

 

[hobbsyoyo]

Some days I wonder if half of America believes in space. As in believe it exists.

Clearly you are forgetting the speech Reagan gave where he talked about space as the place where god lives.

 

[GhostWriter16]

Why are we talking about space projects when our deficit is so big we can't even afford mandatory spending?

 

[hobbsyoyo]

So I clicked the 'view post' button for the post above expecting an on-topic and relevant post about private space projects and kickstarter.

BOY WAS I WRONG

 

[Crezth]

It's OK, Dommy doesn't believe in science.

 

[hobbsyoyo]

I no longer believe in Dommy.

 

[Luckymoose]

Why are we talking about space projects when our deficit is so big we can't even afford mandatory spending?

Science is always mandatory spending!

 

[GhostWriter16]

I misread the thread then. Sorry guys

 

[dutchfire]

So I clicked the 'view post' button for the post above expecting an on-topic and relevant post about private space projects and kickstarter.

BOY WAS I WRONG

Thanks, you saved me some effort.

About supporting the Chinese program. There is a Chinese beer that is supposed to give some money to their lunar program for every bought bottle. It tastes like piss though.

 

[hobbsyoyo]

About supporting the Chinese program. There is a Chinese beer that is supposed to give some money to their lunar program for every bought bottle. It tastes like piss though.

That's a bit odd considering they don't have much of a concrete lunar program to speak of. They have broad outlines and concrete plans for intermediate near-term steps, but there is a long way between here and now and a lunar landing for them.

I do not honestly know though whether or not it would be legal for me to support a Chinese program via kickstarter or beer. The laws are generally meant to stop 'technology transfer' but my government can be very flexible in how they define a transfer and I don't find it implausible that they could construe kickstarter funding in such a way that it counts under the broad definition.

 

[dutchfire]

Lunar program, not (specifically) manned lunar program. They've launched two Chang'es already.

 

[hobbsyoyo]

Lunar program, not (specifically) manned lunar program. They've launched two Chang'es already.

Aha! I see now.