QUESTIONS FOR JIM BENSON A. SPACE DEV A1. MICRO- AND NANOSATELLITES Small, cheap satellites used to be the exclusive domain of scientific and amateur groups. Thanks to major advances in microprocessors, businesses, governments, and universities around the world are now starting their own small satellite programs. Penn State engineers have even miniaturized a satellite propulsion system they originally built with parts from a microwave oven! a) Do micro/nanosatellites have the same capabilities as larger satellites? Could they eventually replace larger satellites? b) Since you chiefly use off-the-shelf components, your micro satellite technology is low-cost. However, most of your hardware design could be implemented using single-chip computers. They are less powerful but also lighter and seem well suited for most of your applications. Wouldn't this be a better option for most of your designs? c) It seems that the increasing trend toward smaller satellites must be accompanied by a simultaneous development of more potent or more efficient energy sources in order to ensure similar capabilities. Is this the case? Can you discuss some of the latest energy sources (perhaps more powerful solar cells) making this trend toward smaller satellites possible? d) Your company is working both in the "brains" and the "muscle" of space vehicle technology, however, what about the "skeleton"? What is your approach towards the superstructure of your space vehicles? A2. BARRIERS TO SPACE After US satellite companies were charged with allowing "sensitive" space technology to fall into the hands of the Chinese, Congress enacted legislation that transferred the control of satellite exports from the Commerce Department to the State Department. At the same time, commercial satellites were reclassified as "munitions". a) How have these and other government constraints affected your business? Have any government regulations helped your business? b) What are the biggest obstacles your company has faced? A3. SATELLITE VS. FIBER OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS With the prices of launching communication satellites out of reach for many companies, fiber-optic cabling across the United States and across the ocean has emerged as an alternate source of telecommunications and broadband services. a) What do you know about the difference between the two mediums as far as speed and reliability are concerned? b) Do you think this new trend towards fiber-optic cabling threatens the livelihood of your company? c) Regarding end-to-end TCP/IP-based connectivity, why hasn't this form of communication been used before? Is it risky to use it as your only communication with CHIPSat? A4. INTERNATIONAL MARKETS Your company develops satellites mainly for North America-based companies. a) Are you exploring international business opportunities with newly space-ready countries such as China or the Ukraine? b) Do you see SpaceDev working with foreign-based companies in the near future? And are there any projects overseas that interest you? B. PRIVATE- PUBLIC COOPERATION Building your clean room with help from a state grant was a key factor in retaining the $6.8 million CHIPSat contract and is an asset in contract negotiations for additional projects. a) Do you think the Federal government needs to take a more active role in stimulating space commercialization the way state economic and development funds helped with your clean room project? If so, in what areas do you see help most needed? b) Would you like to see the Office of Space Commercialization create a program similar to the Ben Franklin Technology Grant but specifically geared for developing innovative space technologies? C. CHEAPER ACCESS TO SPACE It currently costs about $10,000 per pound to send payloads into space. You are tackling this price barrier through smaller, cheaper satellites and hybrid propulsion. a) The hybrid propulsion system looks very interesting. Would it be possible to ignite the solid propellant in the presence of pressurized atmospheric air in order to combine it with jet engine technology for sub-orbital flights? b) Can you comment on any other prospects you can foresee for reducing launch costs, for example, your Space Launch project? c) How important do you think the X-Prize and NASA's Space Launch Initiative are in facilitating private space ventures? D. SPACE TOURISM=20 Companies like MirCorp and Space Adventures are making space tourism a reality, with Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth as "space tourists", and hundreds of others enjoying high altitude MiG-25 flights, zero gravity parabola flights, and other space-related activities. a) Does your company envision itself being involved in space tourism? If so, in what way? b) Right now, "space adventures" are limited to the rich and fairly wealthy. Do you think a robust space tourism industry that "average income" people could participate in will ever come to fruition? If so, when? E. TERRORISM/THE COLUMBIA DISASTER Has your company been impacted by the events of Sept 11th? If so, how? I am sure you are aware of the debate surrounding the future of NASA and the Space Shuttle. From business perspective, how would you like to see things turn out? F. ECO-ISSUES Space exploration and commercial development have had some negative impacts on the space environment and could also pose a danger to life on earth. a) The increasing "junk"-filled environment of earth orbit is becoming more a part of our consciousness in the wake of the recent space shuttle disaster. Is your company libel for damages that may occur through collisions between your products and other valuable satellites? Do you offer any protection in the way of guarantees or insurance for your clients against damage from collisions? b) In the Mars sample return mission: Will there be a containment unit designed to reduce cross-contamination, in case micro-organisms are brought back from Mars?