Space Is Open for Business: The Industry That Can Transform Humanity

by Robert C. Jacobson

The United States’ official interest in space goes back to John Quincy Adams. In the 1800s, he championed the beginning of the space exploration effort with a fervid passion for building astronomical observatories across the country, stemming from his belief that the vast unknown above would inspire us here on Earth and promote interest in the sciences. Within this persistent crusade, Adams made various requests to Congress for observatories, during both his presidency and later career in the House of Representatives. As a champion for science and knowledge, Adams was the leading force in establishing the US Naval Observatory in 1844—and in persuading Congress to establish the Smithsonian Institution as a scientific research and learning facility in 1846. One century later, plans to leverage space began in earnest.