Kellie: One of the most exciting
aspects of the commercial space
industry is the incredible efficiency
of public-private partnerships. With
the retirement of the Shuttle
program, we lost the ability to
launch our astronauts to orbit from
U.S. soil. Thanks to commercial
companies like SpaceX and Boeing
working with NASA, we’re
restoring that capability for the
country, and thus protecting our
significant investment in the
International Space Station.
CG: Tell us about the Commercial
Spaceflight Federation and what part
they play in all of this.
Kellie: The Commercial Spaceflight
Federation (CSF) is the industry
association of leading businesses
and organizations working to make
commercial human spaceflight a
reality. Our members are
democratizing spaceflight and
expanding Earth’s economic sphere.
Virgin Galactic and many others are
democratizing spaceflight. CSF feels
that these advancements are crucial
to human progress.
CG: How are you supporting these
companies?
Kellie: We have over 50 businesses
and organizations that are members
of the Commercial Spaceflight
Federation, including spaceflight
developers, operators, spaceports,
mission support services, and so
many more. Our mission is to
promote the development of
commercial human spaceflight,
pursue ever higher levels of safety,
and share best practices and
expertise throughout the industry.
We address industry issues through
committees of industry experts, joint
projects with partner organizations,
and industry-government
collaborative efforts.
CG: What struggles do space-driven
entrepreneurs face?
Kellie: I think there could be better
communication between the
emerging space industry and the
general public. When the shuttle
program came to an end, many
people assumed NASA and space
exploration in general had faded
“The problem is that
only 536 people have
launched into space
within the past 100
years. Virgin Galactic
alone has sold over 700
tickets. In the next few
years alone, we’re going
to double the amount of
people that have been to
space in all of history.”
away as well. That couldn't be
further from the case, and part of my
job is to raise awareness for those
pioneer companies that are
responsible for sustaining America's
role as the world leader in space. It’s
an exciting time.
CG: Is this a closed show or can
other entrepreneurs get involved?
Kellie: Historically, breaking into
the industry has been difficult, with
costly barriers to entry. This is, after
all, rocket science. Today, however,
there are plenty of areas ripe of
disruption, in a variety of different
and very supportive verticals. At the
end of the day, we’re looking at the
next potential trillion dollar
industry. Whether it's orbital flight,
suborbital tourism, or asteroid
mining, America is at the forefront.
CG: When do you see the private
industry really taking off and
sending people to space?
Kellie: Imminently. As I mentioned
before, our members are
demonstrating a steady commercial
launch schedule and test flights.
Innovation is happening across the
board. We’re poised to enter the
golden age of spaceflight.
CG: I think we all want to know.
Do you, yourself, want to go to
space?
Kellie: Without question. Doesn’t
everyone? One day, I fully intend to
purchase a ticket to fly with one of
our member companies. And
beyond my activity with CSF, I’m
personally dedicated to mankind’s
expansion in the solar system. I’m a
candidate for Mars One’s permanent
settlement mission to Mars. Whether
or not the mission ever gets off the
ground, I appreciate any
organization that propels the global
discussion of human space
colonization and forces media to
consider these issues as a part of our
near-future.
“I don’t think that
there’s a single person
who doesn’t find it
interesting. We all want
to explore. It’s a part of
human nature. Space is
a universal market.”
Creating Genius Magazine | Page 57