The Economics of Space Station

In this paper I will examine some of the economic and management issues which must be addressed if Space Station is to effectively and efficiently pursue the myriad goals that have been chosen for it. I will characterize and evaluate in a somewhat stylized fashion three possible policies: an "engineering" approach, an "economics" approach, and a systematic custom design approach. I will use Space Station as an example to highlight some of the major economic issues facing large scale multipurpose research and development efforts, the analytical capabilities we now have to address these issues, and the (non-engineering) research that needs to be done to advance the successful long-term development of space