ABSTRACT
Support for the development of a stronger commercial space industry has been a consistent theme of U.S. National Space Policy and strategy for several decades. However, declarative strategy has outstripped executed strategy, perhaps for good reason. Up to this point, U.S. space interests have not required a significant presence in the commercial space markets in order to sustain a critical mass in its space industry. The United States Government market was sufficiently large and stable, and also capable of sustaining a healthy and competitive space industry. Compared to most other countries, this has put the United States Government in an enviable position.
