The Commercialization of Outer Space. If you’re a science fiction fan, it’s just plain fun that this is suddenly a real thing driving billions of dollars of investor speculation.
And it really is what it sounds like – ie, it isn’t just about communication satellites. The big money is flowing into the initial layer of a multi-layered foundation for some seriously cool stuff like moon colonies, manned interplanetary missions, asteroid mineral mining, lunar tourism, and research into terraforming and extra-terrestrial migration.
Naturally, most of these concepts are very long-term plans in very early stages. But most of that is now seen as inevitable to some extent.
That being the case, it’s a bit like a New World real estate auction among resort companies in 1493. But imagine how those investments would have paid off!
So, here we are. There will be investment. We will be taking our first steps toward creating a viable commercial and industrial economic ecosystem in low-earth orbit, and we will certainly be setting up some digs on Luna (or, “the Moon”, if you want to be prosaic).
This will involve likely trillions of dollars in investment over the next 25 years, and all of that investment demands one first primary consideration: in-space fabrication of pretty much everything.
One compelling vision, it turns out, is to organize some hub on the Moon and use heavy materials found on the moon, in combination with lighter bulk materials launched into orbit from Earth, to fabricate basically everything else needed to expand our presence in space. And it’s a feedback loop outward from there over coming decades.
Core stocks related to this process include Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT), Iridium Communications Inc (NASDAQ:IRDM), KULR Technology Group Inc (OTCMKTS:KULR), Boeing Co (NYSE:BA), Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc (NYSE:AJRD), and Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPCE).
Spotlight: KULR Technology Group Inc (OTCMKTS:KULR)
KULR may be the one stock in that list that is least familiar to most readers.
However, we would make the case that it also may be the most promising one on the list for one very simple reason: it has proprietary IP, developed in partnership with NASA, for 3-D printing passive propagation resistant (PPR) and internal short circuit (ISC) augmented batteries that can be made in space and are safe for space-borne technology, even by the harrowing standards of the NASA space program.
“Through our partnership with KULR, we will now have the incredible ability to build space-optimized battery pack systems in-orbit,” said Brandon Lewis, Human Landing System Cross Program Analysis Coordinator. “We take the safety of our astronauts very seriously. KULR’s technologies will enable us to build safer battery packs that prevent dangerous thermal runaway propagation and protect our most valuable assets.”
As noted in its communications, the ability to 3D print in space has numerous advantages, including the potential to make human space exploration less costly; allowing for extended missions; and reserving cargo capacity for other valuable items and/or equipment.
“The optionality to repair and replace battery packs in space with parts 3D printed in space is a complete game changer,” said Dr. Timothy Knowles, co-founder and chief technology officer of KULR. “3D printing of KULR’s PPR battery design will help lower the costs associated with battery pack transportation for the upcoming Artemis missions, where NASA will build sustainable elements on and around the moon in preparation for an eventual human mission to Mars.”
Everything else that’s a part of the feedback loop of outward expansion from an initial fabrication footprint in space, whether in LEO or at our SciFi Moonbase, is predicated upon space fabrication of storable energy. And, right now, KULR holds that key.
We point it out because the stock is trading at just $2.35/share and barely even qualifies as a small-cap in standard market-cap terms while many of the other stocks mentioned above and involved in the same thematic opportunity are now worth billions.
Food for thought.
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