In addition, it offers a hundredfold improvement in reliability which is essential to both meet the cost reduction goals and, moreover, enable safer human access to space. The SA-1 will recapture lost domestic market share and protect national security interests in the 21 st century. It will serve as a catalyst for rapid growth throughout the domestic space industry. The Government should implement incentives that cultivate an environment more conducive to raising commercial financing for development and production of advanced launch systems. Specifically, Space Access recommends implementation of Loan Guarantees and a Tailored Combination of Incentives.
Loan guarantees are the ideal means of invigorating the domestic launch industry.
Having multiple competing sources reduces the Government s risk and facilitates transition to commercial practices. With the uncertainty in the timing of the implementation of loan guarantees, what s needed now is near-term Government incentives that leverage commercial finance immediately and allow transition to Loan Guarantees when they become available. Space Access recommends a Tailored Combination of Government Incentives. In the near-term, the cooperative development of selected launch systems is suggested, starting immediately with the implementation of additional Task Orders under the existing competitively awarded NASA Space Transportation Architecture contracts. This assures top priority is given to fielding new operational systems, rather than piece-parts that may not add up to a whole launch system when completed.