An economist would ask the question; what is the price elasticity of the orbital space launch market? In simpler terms – what could the impact of space launch costs reducing but as much as 75% do to the commercial space industry.
For my thoughts I want to take you back in time to some quotes in the early days of a new technical development:
“The Americans have need of the telephone, but we do not. We have plenty of messenger boys.”
Sir William Preece, chief engineer of the British Post Office, 1876
“Television won’t be able to hold on to any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night.”
Darryl Zanuck, 20th Century Fox, 1946
“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”
Ken Olson, President of Digital Equipment Corp 1977