Civilian Space Workforce ATWG 2007

The Space Based Civilian Workforce: 

The Space Based Civilian Workforce ATWG 2007 Ronald J. Kohl R. J. Kohl & Associates rjkohl@prodigy.net

Agenda: 

Agenda Some historical perspectives Who are the civilian space farers? What will cause a ‘community’ to be formed? What are the ‘open issues’ related to a space based community?

Historical Perspective: 

Historical Perspective European Renaissance exploration The ‘privateer’ model, small/remote communities The Gold Rush Profit driven, chaotic community building Antarctica Science driven, remote community North Slope of Alaska Profit driven, harsh environment, evolved into large community

What will create a ‘need’ for these Civilian Space workers?: 

What will create a ‘need’ for these Civilian Space workers? The ‘new’ science/exploration missions (e.g. NASA, other govts) – the search for knowledge Orbiting transfer facilities Orbiting and extraterrestrial fuel depots Servicing of scientific instruments/stations Space based commerce – the lust for profit Space Tourism Space lodging OnOrbit servicing Extraterrestrial mining and in-situ resource utilization Logistics, maintenance, support infrastructure

Who Are these Civilian Space workers?: 

Who Are these Civilian Space workers? The ‘new’ scientists/explorers supporting NASA and other government missions The space tourists/travelers The workforce that supports this space commerce, science and exploration Hotel clerks, cleaning staff, doctor/nurse Waste management, trash/debris hauling Chefs, bartenders, concierges Facility maintenance (A/C, Air, Hydraulics, etc) Transportation services

Where will these Civilian Space workers come from?: 

Where will these Civilian Space workers come from? Technical and community colleges Associate degrees, etc Apprenticeship programs Electricians, plumbers, A/C, welders, metal workers Earth-based workers willing to transform their lives Truck drivers, dock workers, air traffic controllers, transportation hub workers These workers will be multi-talented One primary area of expertise One or more additional skill areas Not unlike historical human migrations

What will these Civilian Space workers want?: 

What will these Civilian Space workers want? Safe and pleasant working conditions Humans will need time away from work not a 24 x 7 work life Humans will need a place away from ‘work’ Something like a ‘neighborhood’ must evolve Social, cultural, religious, entertainment, sports, politics/governance, legal, culinary, education, marketplace, health, etc.

Summary: 

Summary We need to start preparing, now to define these jobs to prepare this workforce Civilian workers will want a different lifestyle than is offered by today’s NASA/astronaut model More like ‘my neighborhood back home’ but some new stuff Plenty of non-work time and activities This suggests a great and robust future for those not interested in Science, Math and Engineering!!! Space: not just for astronauts/rocket scientists, anymore!!