Private space flight: Texas must remain a leader

Robert Zimmerman’s book Genesis: The Story of Apollo 8: The First Manned Mission to Another World is among the best books I’ve read in years – and that takes a lot of doing for a non-fiction writer with me. I’ve a great deal of admiration for Robert Zimmerman and believe him to be the most rational and correct when it comes to space exploration. Zimmerman understands how competition drives innovation and has long been an advocate for government getting out of the way and turning to the private sector for space travel.

Zimmerman understands how competition drives innovation…

He’s been right all along and once again Texas has a real chance of being the center of spaceflight, this time with private firms. Jeff Bezo’s Blue Origin’s work is ongoing on land outside of Van Horn. And Elon Musk’s leading firm, SpaceX, does its engine work, the most important part of the industry, in McGregor.

On Tuesday, SpaceX successfully completed its first geostationary transfer mission, delivering a commercial satellite to its targeted orbit.  It’s Texas-built Falcon 9 rocket platform “executed a picture-perfect flight, meeting 100% of mission objectives,” the company said. The only problem with the launch for me is that it happened in Florida.

The firm has proven that private firms can do what NASA can do but much faster and cheaper.

SpaceX has been buying land around Boca Chica beach near Brownsville and the Legislature passed key bills to allow for a private launch facility to be built there. The firm has proven that private firms can do what NASA can do but much faster and cheaper.

Private space flight is the edge of high-tech and is on the cusp of massive growth. Texas must remain a major player.

 

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