Commercialization of space

Space-commercialization activities are grouped into five categories: private sector development from existing technology for private sector use; pure privatization; private sector development for US government use; private sector development from novel technology for private sector use; and, finally, full commercialization. The authors define the commercialization of space categories and highlight the key issues in each. A description of key NASA actions is included for each category. It is concluded that NASA and other government agency involvement is a common thread across the spectrum of space commercialization activities