Free Enterprise Space Leaders
"Fundamentally, there are only two ways of coordinating the economic activities of millions. One is central direction involving the use of coercion -- the technique of the army and of the modern totalitarian state. The other is voluntary cooperation of individuals -- the technique of the marketplace."
- Milton Friedman, Capitalism and Freedom, 1962.
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| Award Winners |
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Houston Space Society
Proudly Presents
The 1997 Winners of Our
Free Space
Awards for
Outstanding Free Enterprise Spirit
in the Pursuit of Space Commerce
Space Settlement
and Space Development
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Rules: Houston Space Society, Inc., awards the Free Space Awards to companies and organizations which show outstanding free enterprise spirit in the pursuit of space commerce, space settlement, and space development. The purpose of the awards is to honor the leaders in Free Enterprise Space Achievement. Thus far, the awards are non-compensatory, meaning we don't give money to the winners. Awards are limited to groups which have web sites. Government agencies, their minions, and their sycophants are excluded. The taint of socialistic activities or concepts is an automatic disqualifier. Special consideration is given to companies or organizations which show innovative or ground-breaking ideas or implementation. Separate qualifications are presented with each category. Runners up are often too close to call, and are listed alphabetically by category.
The Houston Space Society, Inc., its affiliates, members, and related organizations are also disqualified from winning. We feature information about HSS throughout this web site, and will happily add information on any of our affiliates, members, or related organizations on request. Naturally, we had to recuse ourselves...otherwise we'd be winners in every category (blush :-).
Category |
Winner |
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial spirit, innovative financing approaches, unique products or services, and commercialism characterize our winners in this category. |
SpaceDev
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Incentives
Motivating the opening of the space frontier with innovative and unique ideas, programs, or activities is the hallmark of our winners in this category.
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X-Prize
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Integrity
Standing fast in the midst of controversy, opposition, arrest, imprisonment, mental torture, or other efforts by the agents of the old paradigm characterizes our winners in this category.
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NASA 13
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Marketing
Marketing efforts by space companies or on behalf of space companies are highlighted based on marketing research, market analysis, publicity, advertising, promotions, slogans, or concepts. This year's winner is recognized for their direct mail marketing program, with special attention to their slogan, "Travel in space...it's not just for astronauts anymore!" |
Civilian Astronauts Corps
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Publications
Winning publications feature news and information vital to the commercial space enthusiast. Fairness, thoroughness, and up-to-date information characterize our favorites in this category. |
Space News
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Reform
We're not big on reform. Reforming NASA, NSS, the US government, or most other organizations seems pointless. The winners in this category are doing the most to reform the space movement, through effective action, by example, and by dedication to the purpose of human settlement of space. |
Space Access Society
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Settlement
We're very big on space settlement. Our winners in this category are advancing the cause of human settlement of space through effective action, organization, and innovation. |
Island One Society
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Spacecraft
The commercial development of satellites and other spacecraft (e.g., probes) and spacecraft elements is a vital part of the free enterprise development of space. We contrast the innovative, cost-effective, and fast-paced approach of the winners in this category with the traditional high cost aerospace/defense contractor approach. |
AeroAstro
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Team
Team organizations are very successful in other industries. We recognize organizations and companies which are especially effective at team-building for space development. |
Artemis Society
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Transportation
Transportation to space is the vital link to opening the frontier. We are continuing our search for the most innovative, excellent, and effective companies doing the most to reduce the cost of getting to orbit. As we finalize our list of candidates, we'll be adding them to the runners up list below. It may be some months before we choose a winner. |
TBD
TBD
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| Runners Up: Advent Launch Services, AeroAstro, Bristol Spaceplanes, Civilian Space Exploration Team, De Leon, Pablo, Dynamica Research,
Experimental Rocket Propulsion Society, General Astronautics, HAL5’s Project HALO,
HMX, Kelly Space Technology, Kistler Aerospace, JP Aerospace, Pioneer Rocketplane, Rotary Rocket, Scaled Composites, Texas Rocket Company, Third Millenium Aerospace, Tryon, Paul F., Vela Technology Development |
Universities
Research and teaching are the hallmarks of great universities. Research is clearly an area which is vital to opening the space frontier, owing to the lack of information on how to most effectively get there and make money. Education is also important in developing future generations of space leadership. Schools which combine effective research with effective teaching and specializing in space studies are listed here. |
Space.edu
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