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Ensure steady space funding when space was deprioritized in public spending.322 In the late 1990s, the Brazilian space program initiated development of the VLS-1, a launch vehicle designed to deliver 350 kg payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO) from Alcântara launch site on the Northern Atlantic coast.323 However, investment in the program faltered, which combined with a series of errors led to the failure of two launches in flight, and a third rocket exploding in 2003 and killing 21 people.324
Key recommendations ➢
Improve "space literacy" among political leaders and decision makers.
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Simplify administrative processes and build strong institutions.
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Implement long term space funding commitments of 5-10 years.
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Ensure long term planning and transparency.
Space funding is likelier to remain steady, if the economic and socioeconomic impacts of the space program are evident to the wider population. In major spacefaring countries, such as the United States, space is directly tied to local economic value and jobs in otherwise rural communities. Generating awareness of the benefits of space can stabilize public spending. There are other considerations to take into account, such as the environmental impact of industry expansion, or the effects on vulnerable communities. Prioritizing sustainability and positive socioeconomic impacts is key to public support for space programs.
S
pace programs require steady funding to remain viable. Unfortunately, the space sector is often one of the first areas to suffer from funding cuts in times of economic hardship. Erratic funding is likely to have an outsized impact on projects, with the added risk of driving away technical talent and foreign investment. In the long term, the risk of losing highly trained and educated workers could lead to greater economic losses than the initial funding cuts sought to compensate.
Improving "space literacy" among political leaders and decision makers could ensure an understanding of the importance of space use and exploration. A recent Australian policy options paper identified the need to implement bespoke national training for government employees to enhance space literacy and understand the intersection with
The Alcântara tragedy in Brazil serves as a reminder of the need for stable funding of national space programs.321 Brazil’s national space program experienced unstable funding, relating to economic downturns,
321
International Space University (2017). Ibid. 323 Melo & Vasconcellos (2020). 324 Space Daily (2003). 322
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO SPACE
INTERPLANETARY INITIATIVE
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