Mixed-Use Business Park Developments in Space: A Real-Estate Paradigm

by Charles J. Lauer,
Joseph P. Hopkins,
Hugh M. Kelso,
Brent Sherwood,
Dana G. Andrews,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space IV

Abstract:

Standard terrestrial business-park development practice is proffered as a realistic organizational model for expanding human activity in Earth orbit. The histories, methods and biases of the modern real-estate development and aerospace industries are contrasted. Profit driven decision making can allow the real estate paradigm to succeed where other approaches have failed: space-based industries are produced as a by-product of money making, rather than the reverse. Preconditions for viable investment in orbital real estate development projects are explained, including return-on investment bounds, privatization of transportation support, legal requirements and the pivotal role of government-funded proof projects like space stations. Consolidated provision of standardized services to a variety of orbital users is detailed, analyzed for compatibility, and proposed as the best approach to keep development costs acceptable. The organizational scheme proven successful in large-scale terrestrial projects is summarized.

Subject Headings: Business management | Industries | Space stations | Space exploration | Real estate | Orbits | Investments

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