Assignment Instructions
The Core Assessment must meet Park University’s requirements for the LE300 Integrative and Interdisciplinary capstone courses. The paper is an assignment that covers core learning outcomes 1-5, as listed in the syllabus and Course Overview page. The paper must be an academic paper, researched using appropriate academic sources, and must demonstrate sophisticated, integrative, and interdisciplinary learning about the commercial use of outer space. The paper is 30% of your final grade for the course.
Core Learning Outcomes
Ask meaningful questions about complex issues.
Gather reputable, important, and relevant information from multiple disciplinary sources.
Analyze insights from multiple disciplines for patterns, conflicts, and connections.
Apply knowledge and skills from his or her general education program (at Park, the Liberal Education Program) in novel situations.
Synthesize multiple disciplinary perspectives to solve problems or create holistic understandings.
The paper must:
Be an analytical examination and interdisciplinary discussion of one or more examples of actual or potential commercial uses of outer space.
Create and synthesize a concept exploring the relationship between the commercial use of outer space and the interdisciplinary factors that have influenced the development of the commercial use(s) of outer space you have selected for your topic. A partial list of factors you may want to consider (but you are not limited to these factors): the initial government monopoly in space; the special physical and environmental characteristics of space; the unique legal and regulatory environment governing operations in space; international cooperation (or lack of cooperation); technological developments and limits; economic considerations; business judgment; national security; scientific exploration; the role of government contractors; political considerations; or the influence of science fiction entertainment.
Briefly describe the example use(s) of outer space being analyzed, but your paper cannot simply be a case study about a particular use or particular company.
Use at least 5 outside references. You may use your textbooks or articles provided in this course, but they do not count as one of your 5 references. In order to count as one of the 5, the references must be primarily scholarly/academic journals, but one newspaper/magazine article (or online equivalent) is okay. You may use as many additional references (for example online websites) as you want in order to provide additional detail in your paper, but stay away from Wikipedia or any other source that does not have a legitimate academic reputation.
Use an interdisciplinary and integrative writing style. Interdisciplinary writing combines, contrasts, or compares the disciplines together in paragraphs (and sometimes within a single sentence) rather than addressing disciplines separately. Integrative writing requires analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information and always includes the writer’s original ideas.

GUIDANCE

I’ll draft your core assessment paper following the outlined requirements. The paper will:
Analyze actual or potential commercial uses of outer space
Integrate multiple disciplinary perspectives (law, economics, technology, national security, etc.)
Use at least 5 scholarly sources (excluding course materials)
Apply interdisciplinary and integrative writing techniques

Here’s a possible structure:

1. Introduction

Briefly introduce the growing commercialization of outer space (e.g., space tourism, asteroid mining, satellite mega-constellations).
Explain the interdisciplinary nature of space commercialization.
Present the main research question: How do legal, economic, technological, and political factors shape the commercial use of outer space?

2. The Evolution of Space Commerce

Discuss the shift from government dominance (NASA, Roscosmos, ESA) to private sector involvement (SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, etc.).
Highlight key historical milestones (e.g., 1967 Outer Space Treaty, SpaceX’s Falcon 1, Artemis Accords).

3. Key Interdisciplinary Factors in Space Commercialization

A. Legal & Regulatory Challenges

Analyze international space law (Outer Space Treaty, Moon Agreement, U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act).
Discuss liability, property rights, and space debris regulations.

B. Technological Advancements & Challenges

Role of reusable rockets, AI, robotics, and advanced propulsion in enabling commercial space ventures.
Challenges of radiation exposure, life support systems, and spacecraft longevity.

C. Economic & Business Considerations

High costs & return on investment: Space tourism ($450K per seat), asteroid mining potential, satellite market.
Impact of government contracts & subsidies on private space companies.
Space economy projections: Trillion-dollar industry by 2040?

D. National Security & Political Implications

Space militarization vs. commercialization: U.S. Space Force, China’s space strategy.
Geopolitical competition vs. cooperation (e.g., Artemis Accords vs. China-Russia lunar partnership).

4. Case Study: Space Tourism vs. Satellite Mega-Constellations

Compare Virgin Galactic’s space tourism model to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.
Discuss economic feasibility, regulatory hurdles, and environmental impact.

5. Future Outlook & Ethical Considerations

Will commercial space travel become mainstream?
Address inequality in access to space (space for the wealthy?).
Environmental concerns: light pollution, orbital debris, planetary protection.

6. Conclusion

Summarize key insights.
Emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of space commerce.
Call for balanced regulation and innovation.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Choose a Focus

Pick one or more commercial uses of outer space (e.g., space tourism, asteroid mining, satellite networks).

Step 2: Research & Collect Sources

Find at least 5 academic sources (journal articles, books, legal reports).
Use Google Scholar, JSTOR, or university databases.
Avoid Wikipedia and non-academic blogs.

Step 3: Outline Your Paper

Use the suggested structure above to organize your ideas.

Step 4: Write in an Interdisciplinary Style

Combine multiple perspectives (law, business, science, politics) in each section.
Avoid writing in separate sections for each discipline.

Step 5: Cite Sources in APA Format

In-text citations: (Author, Year)
Reference page: Follow APA 7 guidelines.

Step 6: Edit & Proofread

Ensure clarity, coherence, and proper structure.
Check for grammar and citation errors before submission.

Following this guide will ensure your paper meets the academic and interdisciplinary standards required for your capstone project!

The Commercial Use of Outer Space: An Interdisciplinary Examination