Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

502
April 10, 1984
Memorandum for the Cabinet Council
on Commerce and Trade
FROM: Craig L. Fuller [hand-initialed: “CLF”]
SUBJECT: Commercial Space Initiatives
The President and Congress have expressed strong support of expanding private sector
involvement in space. The success of recent shuttle flights has stimulated interest in
possibilities of profitable free-enterprise businesses in space. The attached set of issue
papers were developed by a diverse group of business leaders who met with the President
last summer. The issue papers deal with initiatives that the Nation might take to help stimulate
commercial space endeavors. With the Government as a partner, private sector
enterprise can help turn space into an arena of immense benefits for our Nation.
In light of the President’s desire to encourage such private investment in space, I
would appreciate your having your staff review the attached issue papers. Please appoint
a representative to serve on a Cabinet Council for Commerce and Trade Working Group
that will be responsible for assuring appropriate coverage of critical agency concerns.
NASA will chair the working group to discuss agency comments.
Please provide initial comments by c.o.b., April 16th.
cc: Members of SIG/Space
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[this page and the following pages are rubber stamped “DRAFT”]
Private Enterprise in Space—An Industry View
The following analyses of potential commercial initiatives were drawn by a
15-member Commercial Space Group made up of representatives from diverse private
sector firms. They examined opportunities in and impediments to the commercial
use of space. . . .
[iv] INTRODUCTION
SPACE AS AN INVESTMENT IN ECONOMIC GROWTH
Historians may look at the 1980’s as the beginning of an industrial revolution in space.
They may pinpoint these years as the period in which U.S. business and Government
joined in partnership to set up shop in orbit. The industrial move spaceward may presage
a new economic and social expansion as well as a reemphasis of the United States’ technological
leadership.
Private undertakings in space promise the same rewards for our national welfare
which free enterprise has historically bestowed on our people—jobs, higher living standards,
new outlets for innovation and imagination, additional stimulation of technical
education and new possibilities for investments and profits. It also can be expected to
enhance our balance of payments and our national security and prestige.
Nine spectacularly successful flights by NASA’s two Shuttles have shown that our
nation is on the verge of a space transportation system sufficiently dependable to support