The author is a Fellow and Director of the Space Economics Research Program at Resources for the Future, 1616 P Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Abstract:
Recent US space policy proposes the use of space transportation ‘vouchers’ for space science payloads. Vouchers could affect the pace of space science and developments in space transportation both in the USA and internationally. This article focuses on the economic costs and benefits of vouchers, and strategies for effective programme design.