An Open Letter to My Fellow Space Enthusiasts
Written By Sean Mahoney, Executive Director, Space Frontier Foundation
In our quest to advance space systems, we must extend the same discipline we use in the technical systems to human and political systems if we wish to make a meaningful impact. Our frustration with the lack of recognition from those outside our industry highlights a broader issue: our approach to advocacy and change is flawed. We often focus on the technical and operational aspects, neglecting the political and strategic dimensions necessary for real progress.
Our industry is characterized by passionate debates and bold statements, yet these have not always translated into the desired change. While there have been notable advancements, a disciplined approach is lacking, which hinders our progress. We tend to fixate on interim solutions without ensuring their relevance or effectiveness in achieving our ultimate goals. This lack of strategic discipline is detrimental to our cause.
Success lies in the application of strategy, persuasion, market sensing, sales, politics, and statesmanship, not simply at the tactical level, but throughout.
The push for space-based solar power serves as a prime example. We envision a future where this technology not only advances our capabilities in space but also provides substantial benefits to society. However, our passion and clarity of vision often obscure the practical steps needed to realize this future. We fail to see that our fervor, while motivating, can also alienate potential allies and create barriers to understanding. We find ourselves deep in debate over reports and posts within the space bubble, instead of finding the people outside that bubble that have a pain that space can address.
To move forward, we must adopt a more strategic and disciplined approach. We need to connect our aspirations to practical steps and strategies that can realistically achieve our goals. This involves moving beyond mere wish lists and understanding the complexities of the systems we aim to influence.
A commercial, free-market mindset may offer a path forward. Focus on the pains that people experience and find how those pains can be addressed using the benefits harvested from space. Build real solutions to real problems, the way real innovative businesses are born. Instead of relying on top-down directives, we should seek to build support and find mutually beneficial solutions.
The space industry has toppled the barriers that blocked use of space. Now, use what has been built to create value for problems that aren’t about space.
Our passion for space and its potential is undeniable. To translate this passion into tangible progress, we must embrace a more disciplined, strategic, and collaborative approach. Only then can we hope to realize the future we envision for space exploration and its benefits to humanity.
Thanks for sharing. You mention the need for public support. Do you think space organizations are doing enough to engage the general public? From my experience, there’s a gap in how we communicate the value of space exploration. For example, during the Apollo era, NASA had Walter Cronkite narrating missions, making space feel accessible and exciting to everyday people. Today, we have incredible technological advancements, but the storytelling hasn’t kept pace. How can we bridge that gap and make space exploration feel personal again?