Eleven at Forty Productions is creating a feature length documentary, which is a celebration of two great human achievements, one in 1969, and one yet to come. The purpose of celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing is to recognize mankind's furthest reach into the universe, one of the greatest achievements ever. With very old technology two men landed on the Moon and returned safely to Earth. We should be very proud of this accomplishment.
We mean to set it in context. Now that we have the information and technology that allow us to be a spacefaring nation, what do we do with it? This film aims to show the various options from both public and private space industries, and offers the information needed for Americans to pursue the safest, economically responsible, and profitable (in scientific discovery as well as monetary return) space ventures in this new age. We also hope to discover the space tourism projects that open up this frontier to us all, and create an economically sustaining path back to the Moon and on into the frontier of space.
Worldwide, the space industry is roughly $300 billion in sales. That breaks down as 55% satellites, mostly in communications, and 25% government spending. The launch industry comprises about 6% of total revenues, with ground control equipment related to space activities making up about 10%. The potential for the space tourism industry is roughly 300 million people interested in flying in space worldwide. If launch costs per tourist were to reach $10,000 per trip, about half the existing market could become customers for at least one trip in their lives. If 5% travel in a given year, that would generate $75 billion per year in revenues, something Virgin Galactic and others seem to be counting upon.
Destination Resorts in Orbit (working title)
"Americans are finally approaching the real 'Space Age'. Not because of NASA... in spite of it."
While so many people in this country are fascinated by space, the majority believe it to be the sole possession of government programs and science fiction. But for a small number of motivated and unique thinkers, it is an economic market of limitless possibilities. The successful landing of Apollo 11 was anticipated to be a shift in human history, in which mankind was no longer confined to the boundaries of Earth. Just as explores and pioneers of the past created the technology needed to venture out into the unknown, in search of fame, fortune, and freedom; the private spaceflight industry is ready to head out towards their frontier. But one problem remains... NASA. The government program, although grossly inefficient itself, has refused to step aside, or even allow the private sector to offer the people of this nation an opportunity the government has squandered from the tax
payers.
The private marketing of space flight and exploration requires the application of basic cost/quality/profit principles. If there is a demand for a product or service, a business must figure out how to create that product/service at the lowest cost, while still providing a product of high enough quality that will be desired and purchased by a consumer at a high enough price to make an acceptable profit. With regards to the industry of space travel, this would translate to cheaper access to space (for whatever purpose the market demands); a more precise use of space exploration/travel towards the desires of consumers; higher levels of safety; unlimited levels of potential goals, achievements, and discoveries within space; profitable business opportunities; the introduction of the once unattainable, yet highly sought after service of 'space tourism'; and an unending list of other benefits.
Destination Resorts in Orbit (working title hopes to inform people of the possibilities a free market space industry holds, and the current restrictions that are preventing it's success, through documenting the following:
- Historical background of the industry
- Current private space companies, and the services they (will) offer
- Opportunities, Prizes, Incentives, and Ideas emerging within the industry
- The potential of political freedom in the unrestricted frontier of space
- Government's inefficient space program, and it's restriction of the private sector
The American people deserve to know that, although NASA has performed some amazing feats, they have denied the people of this nation access to the only remaining frontier available. This is the ultimate restriction of mankind's future progress, achievement, and ultimate freedom.