Covering the business and politics of space
With the U.S. increasingly reliant on SpaceX, should rocket R&D become a new priority?
January 17, 2024
With the U.S. government’s increasing reliance on SpaceX for space launch services, concerns have been raised about the deprioritization of rocket research and development efforts. The United States Space Force, Air Force, and NASA have leaned towards procuring space launch as a service from SpaceX, leading to questions about the necessity of government investment in independent space access.
SpaceX’s success in terms of cost and availability has resulted in a significant shift in the space industry, with the company securing a dominant position in providing launch services. However, this success has led to the sidelining of rocket research and development efforts by government agencies, raising concerns about the long-term implications of such a strategy.
Analysts have drawn parallels to historical decisions, questioning the wisdom of deprioritizing R&D in favor of current available technology. Drawing a comparison to the aviation industry, the decision to halt aircraft R&D after the success of the Ford Tri-Motor is cited as an example of short-sightedness. President Franklin Roosevelt’s commitment to incremental and breakthrough technology in the aviation sector is highlighted as a contrast to the current approach.
The debate surrounding government spending on existing technology versus investing in the development of new technology is not new. Historical examples, such as the resistance to the development and procurement of GPS by the Air Force, are cited as instances of prioritizing immediate needs over long-term technological advancement. Critics argue that such a perspective neglects the potential benefits of investing in innovation and development.
The implications of the current trend raise concerns about the future independence of space access and the role of government in fostering technological advancement. The discussion prompts a reevaluation of priorities, with a focus on the balance between leveraging existing capabilities and investing in future technological innovation.
