I was really excited when it was announced that the Space Trade Association was being started in Seattle where I live. I have been an avid reader of science fiction since I was a kid and have been eager to see the entry of private companies into peaceful exploration and exploitation of space. The STA wants to "bring a singular focus based on specific models describing technological, economic revolutions – how they impact the industrial system, change the economy, alter our social structures and create a new world" with respect to the commercialization of space.
The STA says that there are over eight thousand aerospace workers in the Puget Sound area working on space related projects. Boeing is working with NASA on boosters and spacecraft. Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, started Blue Origin. Microsoft founder, Paul Allen, started Vulcan Aerospace. Elon Musk, founder of PayPal and Tesla Motors, has chosen Seattle for the administrative offices of SpaceX. A company called Planetary Resources located in Redmond, Washington is working on asteroid mining projects. Spaceflight Inc. "provides launch services through various mission concepts that provide shared launch capability to multiple spacecraft." Space Angels Network is "a global network for angel investors, offering insider access to the emerging private space industry and sophisticated investment opportunities across diverse market segments, with the expertise and network connections to cultivate stellar returns on investment. We are the largest community of space investors and entrepreneurs in the world." Seattle is rapidly becoming a major hub for the infant space commercialization industry. There are rumors that there will be a major space conference in the Seattle area next year.
Space Entrepreneurs mission statement reads: "Accelerate the progress humanity is making in creating a space tourism industry, a low-Earth orbit economy, and deep-space economic development and exploration. We will do this by empowering entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs with space-related ideas." They were founded in February 2014 as a "physical and virtual network of individuals with ideas on what humanity's future in and using space should be." It was established for "Those who have an space-related idea and are wondering if they can make it a reality using entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship." Their focus is on Seattle because it "is coalescing and growing as a hub for commercial space activity. Entrepreneurship is hard and so is space. It helps to have a group and community who can support you."
Every industry needs to have gatherings for networking and Space Entrepreneurs has decided that it is time for the Seattle space industry to have its own. On Thursday, August 27 from 5:30 to 9:00 PM, the Seattle: The Epicenter of Space event will be held at Marina Park in Kirkland, Washington, 25 Lakeshore Plaza drive. Chris Lewiki of CEO of Planetary Resources will speak about his company's current work and future plans. Joe Landon, Managing Partner of Space Angels Network will talk about the space startup scene in the Seattle area. There will be food and drinks and lots of opportunity to meet the players in Seattle's grown space industry. Attendance is limited to 100 so sign up early. Event Details.
