Considerable prospecting has been done in outer space to find natural resources and mineral deposits that can be excavated. Commercial space travel and tourism have been found technically feasible and economically viable. So is the enthusiasm for demographic migration to celestial bodies. Governments are not inclined to invest in commercial development and allied ventures. So, private players are ready, having harnessed technology and mustered funds and enough guts to take risks. Thus, the commercial scene in outer space activities is brimming with anticipation. The challenge is legal. Space law brooks no sovereignty on celestial bodies; private appropriation of celestial resources is not permitted and profit accruals from commercial activities in outer space have to be shared for the benefit of all countries. Other incidental challenges are that the share of each country and the modalities of distribution are not yet in place. And there is no competent organization to ensure incumbent regulation and compliance. Humanity should not be made to wait endlessly to enjoy this bonanza from outer space. This book describes such potentialities, discusses legal implications and explores the way forward with practical suggestions for immediate action as well as long-term plans for implementation.

NASAs mission is to drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth. Chapter 1 and 2 provide a snapshot for 2018 of how well NASA is planning and executing its major acquisition projects. In May 2017, GAO found that projects were continuing a generally positive trend of limiting cost and schedule growth, maturing technologies, and stabilizing designs. But, at the same time, GAO noted that many of these projects, including some of the most expensive ones, were approaching the phase in their life cycles when cost and schedule growth is most likely. Chapter 3 is an overview of the 2017 budget. Chapter 4 determines the extent to which NASA has established and implemented leading IT management practices in strategic planning, workforce planning, governance, and cybersecurity. Chapter 5 addresses, among other things, the extent to which (1) NASAs Inspector General investigated contractor and grantee whistleblower reprisal complaints; (2) NASAs Administrator reviewed reprisal complaints in a timely manner; and (3) NASA communicated the applicable whistleblower reprisal protections to contractors. Chapter 6 sets forth policy governing the release of public information, which is defined as information in any form provided to news and information media, especially information that has the potential to generate significant media, or public interest or inquiry.