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cover of episode Space Policy Edition: What does NASA need with an economist?

Space Policy Edition: What does NASA need with an economist?

2025/6/6
logo of podcast Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
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A
Akhil Rao
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Casey Dreyer
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Casey Dreyer: 我认为将正确的类比应用于太空这一陌生领域可以获得价值，但其中也存在潜在的陷阱。更相关的是，阿基尔之前在 NASA 的职位已经不复存在了。我们讨论了经济学家在 NASA 的作用，以及理想情况下他们应该如何被利用，不是说“不，这不可能发生”，而是说“如何才能发生？”行星协会是一个会员支持的独立组织，不接受政府或大型企业的资金，可以自由地表达对太空科学和探索、行星防御和寻找生命的关注和热情，因为我们由您和像您这样的支持者提供支持。 Akhil Rao: 当 NASA 越来越多地与商业部门和市场互动时，拥有研究市场和经济效率的人参与提供建议是有用的。首席经济学家是局长的高级经济顾问，负责解释市场对与太空相关的事件的反应以及这些反应与 NASA 利益的关系。我认为 NASA 存在许多常见的误解，但它们都因细节而异，共同点是 NASA 不是一个经济机构，而是一个科学和技术机构。许多误解源于对经济学的粗浅理解，而不是更专业的从业者或该领域人士的理解。

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Akhil Rao, former NASA chief economist, discusses common misconceptions about economics in the space industry, such as the assumption that commercialization of the supply side automatically leads to lower prices for consumers. He points out that while commercial actors may drive down costs, prices depend on market dynamics and competition.
  • Commercial space is more about commercialization of the supply side than the demand side.
  • Prices haven't gone down commensurately with the decrease in launch costs.
  • Lack of competition is a major factor in preventing price savings from being passed on to purchasers.

Shownotes Transcript

Former NASA Chief Economist Akhil Rao explains why NASA needs economic expertise to navigate the complex—and often misunderstood—market forces that will determine the success or failure of its private partnerships. As NASA relies ever more on commercial companies to enable its own exploration efforts, it is imperative, Rao believes, to provide clear-eyed perspectives that highlight the challenges and solutions required to reach success. And why NASA puts itself at risk for pursuing faith-based program investments after dissolving the strategy and economics team at the agency a few months ago.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-economy-akhil-rao)

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