As I mentioned last night on The Space Show, for my next project at CEI, I’m planning to do an Issue Analysis (similar to the one I did on space real estate) laying out the history of risk and safety regulations, to provide some context for what is happening with both commercial crew (and other human spaceflight) at NASA, and with potential regulations that the FAA-AST may impose when the moratorium ends in 2015 (it will also make the case for extension). Broadly, it will make the case for a flexible approach, and to avoid a one-size-fits-all regime that could stifle, or even prevent the creation of the human spaceflight industry, both because it is too immature to have the sort of rigorous certification system currently in place for modern aviation, and because different people will have different risk tolerances for different experiences and prices. There will also be some philosophy in it about nanny statism, and the fact that our current obsession with safety is a sign that space isn’t societally important (for example, I’ll point out that if it were, we’d be sending volunteers on one-way missions already). It will also become a chapter in a forthcoming book.

The only problem is, I haven’t found a donor for it, and my creditors won’t allow me to do it pro bono, for some reason. So what I’ve done is to initiate a Kickstarter project for it. I’m trying to raise seven grand, which is about what the last one cost, and will give me enough to focus on it for a few weeks without having to frantically write for other publications just to pay bills, and it will allow me to travel to DC for associated meetings and press briefings. Target funding completion is a month from now — no one will be charged until then. Obviously, I’ll appreciate both word spreading and donations. I’m offering an autographed copy of the paper for a ten-dollar donation, but I’d appreciate suggestions for other possible rewards and levels.