The Second Space Race
Posted April 05, 2024
Chris Campbell
(Chris Campbell’s note: My mission to befriend an astronaut (more below) requires me to be off-grid for a few days. Ergo, I am writing this for your eyes only ahead of time. If you don’t hear from me by April 11 -- Thursday of next week -- call the press. Something has gone wrong.)
By the time you read this, I’ll be in Texas.
(Hopefully I made it. Upon writing, it’s hard to tell.)
The moment I reach my destination -- a “Belle Tent” that has been set up for us -- my mission will begin: befriend an astronaut.
Over the past year, I’ve thought a lot about space.
For those who -- such as myself -- believe "citizen science" and decentralized innovation represent the future…
It becomes clear why decentralization is paramount for space innovation.
Allow me to present to you a thesis:
The Second Space Race
As we embark upon a new era of space science, our existing structures will be forced to grapple with an exponential surge in complexity, coupled with an insatiable demand for both adaptability and precision.
From interplanetary voyages to the establishment of space habitats, asteroid mining, and even interstellar travel, the challenges we face will push the limits of our current scientific and engineering capabilities.
Designing spacecraft to withstand extreme environments, coordinating landing sequences, and managing remote operations…
To ensure the safety and sustainability of our space endeavors, we will have to prioritize the development of new approaches, technologies, and organizational models that can handle this exponential increase in complexity while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
The rigid, top-down systems will crumble under the weight of analysis paralysis, complexity perplexity, and adaptation stagnation.
It is the nimble, bottom-up systems—epitomized by DeSci—that will rise to the occasion and flourish. DeSci will ignite a Cambrian Explosion of breakthroughs, each one building upon the last, until the very fabric of what we thought possible is rewoven.
Only then will people begin to believe in its staying power.
Finally…
These tech breakthroughs will be useful for surviving out in space… and for thriving here on Earth.
Probably the most important:
Space-based research on radiation shielding and protection from microgravity will lead to the development of advanced materials and therapies for shielding our biology from environmental harm. These advances will also be applied on Earth, improving longevity in space means improving longevity here as well.
22 Space Age Ways Earthlings Will Thrive
Here are 22 ways space age breakthroughs could change the way we live terrestrially -- each representing an asymmetric bet.
- Space-based 3D printing technology will enable the local manufacturing of complex structures and machines on other planets, using locally sourced materials. This technology will also revolutionize manufacturing on Earth, allowing for more efficient and sustainable production.
- Advances in space agriculture, such as hydroponics and aeroponics, will enable the growth of fresh food in space habitats. These technologies will also be applied on Earth, enabling more efficient and sustainable food production in urban areas and regions with limited arable land.
- The development of closed-loop life support systems for space habitats will lead to more efficient recycling of water, air, and waste on Earth, improving resource management.
- Advances in space robotics and automation will enable the exploration and colonization of other planets. These technologies will also be applied in industries on Earth, improving efficiency and safety in manufacturing, agriculture, and resource extraction.
- The development of advanced space suits will lead to improvements in protective gear for hazardous environments on Earth, such as firefighting, deep-sea diving, and working in extreme temperatures.
- Space-based remote sensing and imaging technologies will provide valuable data for monitoring Earth's climate, natural resources, and disasters. This information will help us better understand and manage our planet's systems.
- Advances in space medicine, such as telemedicine and remote monitoring, will improve healthcare access and delivery in remote areas on Earth.
- Space-based research on materials science will lead to the development of new, stronger, and lighter materials for use in space habitats and vehicles. These materials will also have applications on Earth, such as in construction and transportation.
- Advances in space-based quantum computing will enable faster and more complex problem-solving for space missions. This technology will also be applied on Earth, revolutionizing fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and financial modeling.
- The development of space-based energy storage systems, such as advanced batteries and fuel cells, will provide reliable power for space habitats and vehicles. These technologies will also be used on Earth, enabling more efficient energy storage.
- Space-based research on human behavior and psychology will provide insights into how humans adapt to isolated and confined environments. These findings will be applied to improve mental health support and resilience in remote communities and high-stress occupations on Earth.
- Advances in space-based 3D bioprinting will enable the production of human tissues and organs for medical research and treatment in space. This technology will also be used on Earth, revolutionizing regenerative medicine and organ transplants.
- The development of space-based bioreactors for pharmaceutical production will enable the manufacture of medicines in space habitats. This technology will also be applied on Earth, enabling more efficient and localized production of essential drugs.
- Space-based research on protecting biological organisms from microgravity and radiation will lead to new treatments. These advances will also be applied on Earth, improving human health and longevity.
- Advances in space-based water purification and recycling systems will provide clean water for space habitats. These technologies will also be used on Earth, improving access to clean water in water-scarce regions and disaster zones.
- The development of space-based bioplastics and biodegradable materials will reduce waste and pollution in space habitats. These materials will also be used on Earth, promoting sustainable packaging and reducing plastic pollution.
- Space-based research on plant genetics and adaptations will lead to the development of more resilient and productive crops for space agriculture. These findings will also be applied on Earth, improving crop yields and food security.
- Advances in space-based computing and data processing will enable real-time analysis and decision-making for space missions. These technologies will also be used on Earth, improving efficiency and automation in industries such as finance, healthcare, and transportation.
- Space-based research on microbial communities and their interactions will provide insights into maintaining healthy ecosystems in space habitats. These findings will also be applied on Earth, improving our understanding and management of microbial communities in agriculture, environmental restoration, and human health.
- Advances in space-based additive manufacturing using extraterrestrial resources will enable the construction of infrastructure and habitats on other planets. This technology will also be used on Earth, promoting endurable construction and reducing the environmental impact of mining and resource extraction.
- The development of space-based autonomous systems and AI will enable the operation and maintenance of complex space habitats and missions. These technologies will also be applied on Earth, improving efficiency and safety in industries such as transportation, energy, and manufacturing.
How to Invest?
Of course, the big question:
How to invest?
As always, we’re on the lookout for unique opportunities in decentralized science, space tech, flexible manufacturing, energy storage, and a whole lot more.