We know that a good transport management system can do wonders, especially when it comes to challenging logistics situations. But what can we do in the case of space logistics?
James E Breidenrach states, “The realm of space has been dramatized and glamorized in popular books, television series, movies, and video games. On the other hand, the word “logistics” usually brings to mind very unglamorous and perhaps mundane aspects of our lives: miles-long trains of coal filled hopper cars on our nation’s railway system, semi-trailer trucks hauling freight on the interstate highway system, or ships carrying containers of goods across the oceans.”
As humanity tries to break boundaries and reach new locations, it becomes more important than ever to focus on reaching new frontiers and strategically utilizing resources to achieve these goals. Which is why space logistics plays such an important role in our future and potential growth.
What is included in space logistics?
At this time, space logistics focuses on the transportation of items like satellites and terminals to space. There are various companies solely focused on using these technological solutions, with satellites in particular being the backbone of communication globally.
Using autonomous vehicles to provide space logistics services
NASA works with a variety of international organizations and companies to create a seamless transport management system to support the delivery of all kinds of products and technologies to space. Relying on third party space logistics services and autonomous vehicles was a significant challenge at first, but now this is a part of the regular supply chain needed to keep many industries afloat and progressing towards mankind’s presence in space. In recent years the space race has shifted gears. Instead, there are hundreds of satellites in the orbit and with 85 space launches every year.
Space is now a place where huge amounts of business is happening, and this is only the very beginning. Space business possibilities are limitless. One thing is for certain, using sophisticated logistics software and solutions has tremendous benefits, and it has the potential to improve the speed, efficiency and results for space missions. These types of technologies help save companies dealing with space endeavors millions of dollars every year, as they help to streamline their models and ensure missions are accomplished in a cost-effective manner.
The blossoming of space age entrepreneurialism is undoubtedly powered by the development of space logistics. Private companies are now able to work in space like never before, with the likes of Elon Musk and Richard Branson now reaching for the stars. Soon a ticket to space will be as easy as a ticket to the USA.
Bailiwick Express states, “SpaceX, the space cargo and transportation company that Musk created, is making quite an impact on the exploration front. It is testing rockets that can land themselves and have carried cargo to the International Space Station.
But Musk has set his expectations even further away, suggesting that he can see humans on the red planet inside the next 10 years.”
Space logistics and space-related supply chains are now a reality, and they continue to impress us with their efficiency and growth. It’s a great step forward for humanity and while there’s still a lot of work to do, the possibilities are endless. Taking off and stepping away from our planet’s gravitational sphere is very difficult, and that’s the main challenge when it comes to space logistics. As time goes by and technology improves, we expect these costs to be lower. One thing is certain, the results can be staggering in the long run, and all we need is to focus on innovation, all while implementing the right transport management system to make all these space dreams a reality!