Classifying and evaluating space projects: a unified method for estimating social and private returns

This paper introduces a framework for classifying and evaluating space projects based on the social and private returns concepts and the dual-use potential. The historical context of financing space projects is discussed, core concepts of social return and private return are presented. Various methods for classifying and evaluating space projects are outlined. Based on this analysis, a "unified" classification scheme is developed which can be helpful in determining the best financing method for different types of projects. General recommendations for implementation conclude the paper.