Republican Congressmen Order DARPA to Halt Construction of Space Robots

Believe it or not, President Donald Trump has repeatedly noted interest in space research and exploration. I don’t shy away from my various disagreements with the new President, but I’m also willing to admit that I particularly enjoy his pro-space venture policies. Which is why I find it a bit disconcerting to hear that Republican members of Congress are now ordering DARPA to end their work on Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites.

Why are they ordering them to stop? Because, according to National Space Policy guidelines, DARPA might be conducting operations that are potentially discouraging similar research in the private sector – in particular, Orbital ATK’s Mission Extension Vehicle.

Photo Credit: DARPA

Despite the order, however, DARPA has so far refused. What that might entail for the future of DARPA is unclear for now, but it should be noted that one of the Republican signees of the letter – Jim Bridenstine of Oklahoma – is reportedly competing to be NASA’s next administrator.

For now, both DARPA and Orbital ATK will continue moving forward in the construction of space robots for the in-space satellite servicing sector. Although the Republican congressmen might disagree, I find this to be healthy competition.

FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

DARPA may or may not be violating National Space Policy guidelines, but if the congressmen’s letter is an indicator of something, it’s that the future of politics will most assuredly enter the realm of space. Space-based politics will become a growing reality for us as we continue moving forward into the unknown void of our universe. Whether or not that stifles space-based innovation is yet to be seen, but one can be certain that we haven’t seen the end of this conflict just yet. For now, we can only watch and hope for the best.