Contemporary space discovery can be compared to the discovery of the Americas and around-the-world shipping in the 16th and 17th centuries. Exploration for commercial profit is similar to the motivation of the Dutch East India Trading Co. of the 17th century, a group of explorers for commercial gain. Public shares of stock investment were sold and partnerships for profit-sharing were formed. Some new products discovered were tobacco and the potato. 

Discovery by private corporations will have a more flexible purpose than government funding. Some activities would be supplying space colonies, retrieving minerals, space tourist travel, and commercial placement of scientific satellites and landers. The commercial profit motive will serve to refinance the operation by recycled profits. 

This new market would employ advanced scientists and theorists, promote astronomical research and discovery, using Hubble-style telescopes and large scale galaxy telescopes to coordinate travel destinations. The market would also finance the drive for new technology discoveries in rocketry.

From the historical perspective, the space adventure is just beginning. Let us be observant and comprehensive and we will witness history in the making. 

Robert O'Neil