The Flight of the Billionaires
Some see commercial space travel as a wasteful pursuit by the uber-rich. But the industry promises benefits for engineering education.
Opinion by Adedeji Badiru
As former astronaut Buzz Aldrin put it, “We explore, or we expire.” The emergence of commercial space flight, demonstrated by the July blastoffs of billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos, piqued my interest in the potential opportunities for engineering education. The launch of billionaire Jared Isaacman and fellow civilians aboard the SpaceX autonomous spacecraft in September further served to generate attention for both me and the public.
Two camps of sentiment have emerged among the general population. Some hail commercial space flights as a welcome technological advancement; others see space adventurers as distractions from the social and economic ills plaguing our Earth home base. While both the supporters and detractors make justifiable arguments, I come down more on the side of the pros than the cons.
Critics argue that space pursuit among billionaires is resource-wasteful, ego-driven competition at the expense of Earth-based, human-focused needs. This is not a far-fetched position, considering that unsolved problems here on Earth include water shortages, disease, poverty, social inequities, and climate change. The National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges, released in 2008, highlighted many of these critical issues that are yet to be resolved. My counterpoint: the rapid execution of private space flights will expedite the creation and dissemination of new products that may support some of the grand challenges, including the following:
- Make solar energy economical
- Provide energy from fusion
- Develop carbon sequestration methods
- Manage the nitrogen cycle
- Advance health informatics
- Secure cyberspace
- Engineer the tools of scientific discovery
The intersection of these topics with commercial space flight is either directly evident or easily explainable. Underpinning the physical gadgetry of the space vehicles are principles of engineering and technical ingenuity that can contribute to human existence here on Earth. Student engagement with these principles can generate knowledge and inspiration for innovation.
Ultimately, space is linked to everything we experience here on Earth. Space-themed engineering education can help us figure out where those linkages exist and how we can leverage them for humanity’s benefit. NASA’s technology transfer has resulted in memory foam, firefighting equipment, and freeze-dried foods. The search for heat-resistant shields for space vehicles led to intelligent fabrics that can adapt to ambient temperature, humidity, and luminosity. And recently, the space agency sponsored a student engineering competition to develop washing machines for the International Space Station, through which engineering students learned new product development techniques.
It is my strong belief that any space-themed initiative can ignite student interest. I also anticipate that private space flight will attract future engineering students. Just as the 1969 moon landing inspired generations to pursue engineering and technology careers, watching a commercial vehicle blast into space and glide back to Earth can likewise motivate.
The new industry can also help instructors refocus the fundamentals of engineering education. For example, many engineering students are terrified of undergoing lectures and tests in thermodynamics. But the rocket blast-and-burn of Branson’s SpaceShipTwo Unity can stimulate classroom presentations and connect to the applications of thermodynamics on Earth. Such excitement may be what engineering students require to rededicate their attention and efforts to the wide span of engineering education. Space exploration could spark new appreciation and respect for the theories and laws of the universe.
In practical engineering practice, commercial space flights offer multiplier effects for business, industry, government, and the military. Collateral engineering businesses and commercial enterprises will, no doubt, develop to support the needs of routine space flights.
Every complex technical endeavor will offer both pros and cons. If we shy away because of the cons, we will miss opportunities for new positive developments.
Thinking back on history, what would have happened to the present air travel industry if the early curiosity of the Wright brothers had been stymied by detractors who saw no value in flying in a bird-like contraption? Similarly, in the early days of digital computers, some notable companies questioned why anyone would want a computer in his or her home. Now, we all benefit from the persistence of the early pioneers in air flight and home-based computing. Let’s not miss an opportunity now to set a tone for the future of commercial space flight. Throughout history, engineering has stepped forward to confront and resolve societal challenges. Space exploration now offers us a new platform to continue that legacy.
Adedeji Badiru is a professor of systems engineering and dean of the Graduate School of Engineering and Management at the Air Force Institute of Technology. His special passion is the global advancement of engineering education.