Commercialization and Space: Democracies Can Fly in Space

Abstract

ABSTRACT In 1995, W.D. Kay authored a book, Can Democracies Fly in Space? Observing the problems that NASA experienced in carrying out its ambitious mission set, Kay argued that the vagaries of democratic governance including multiple policy areas and leaders, a difficult task environment, a large and diverse group of interested businesses and organizations, and uncertain budgets all contributed to NASA’s challenges and difficulties. Since the publication of Kay’s book, however, there have been significant developments in space, particularly, the rise of space commercialization. This paper reassesses Kay’s argument given these changes finding that democracy may not directly smooth the path for space exploration, but does provide the opportunity for private companies to do so. Given this, the paper highlights a research agenda moving forward that focuses on the intersection of government, business, national security, and normative concerns that take advantage of a growing number of states and companies who are undertaking space exploration. Indeed, through the view of space commercialization, democracies can fly in space.