I thought I’d bring everyone up to date with what happened regarding the Space Trade Association. It is currently on hiatus.
The three of us started it about a year ago. We wanted to catalyze the creation of a full economy in space and drive the formation of a NewSpace hub in the Seattle area. We had met as part of a group that came together to support Planetary Resources’ crowdfunding efforts.
We had a wonderful time helping them raise over $1.5 million. We wanted to find a way to continue our work and thus the Space Trade Association come into being.
Each of us brought something important to the mix, with a balance of expertise that was really exciting.
Now the experiment part came from the fact that the three of us were located in different parts of the country – New Mexico, Illinois and Washington. I was curious to see how well we could work to drive our initiative.
The experiment lasted until this summer. It was quite successful to my mind because of what was learned. We were able to make some great contacts, get our message out there and begin the changes we saw were needed.
But, using a space metaphor, when it reached the end of the first stage burn, we found we could not really ignite the second stage and make it to a successful orbit.
it ultimately could not continue for several reasons. For me, the main one was that we could not really move as fast as was needed in this rapidly changing area with such a distributed management structure.
Not too surprised but that is what experiments are for. We actually came closer than I think would have been possible a few years ago.
We decided to put the group on hiatus as we each explored other arenas, shutting down the STA engines and seeing it contining on a ballistic path until either splashdown or we can reignite the 2nd stage.
My focus now is on using the scientific models that exist and the expertise I have gained to enhance and stimulate the changes that are occurring in the area. To facilitate the coming space economy by helping more organizations succeed and less fail.
It will be exciting.
Image: kind permission of Pat Rawings