Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

John M. Dickens, PhD

Abstract

Humans return to the Moon in 2024 under the NASA Artemis mission. Commercial space explorations are rapidly expanding. The sudden increase of human spaceflight calls for increased emphasis on space rescue. These revelations drove an AFRL/AFIT capability gap assessment to provide specific proposals for a modern space rescue program guided by Transaction Cost Economics Theory. The mission analysis arms USSPACECOM and NASA to coordinate an interagency approach to Lunar Search and Rescue, positioning America to compete in the new space race. The strategic consequences of failing to act could fundamentally jeopardize American leadership in space.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-23-M-126

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed.

Approved for public release. Case number on file.

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