What is the 8th Continent Project?
The Colorado School of Mines' 8th Continent Project is the world's most comprehensive effort to integrate space into the global economy. The 8th Continent Project is the bridge to the future, connecting traditional Space Program know-how with the vast opportunities of a new economic frontier.
Why is this technology so important for current and future generations?
With rising energy demands, mounting environmental concerns and an uncertain economic climate, the 8th Continent Project provides the infrastructure and resources to solve a wide range of challenges from renewable energy development to biomedical advances to global security.
How is the 8th Continent Project organizing space and bringing new technologies to the global economy?
The 8th Continent Project brings space down to Earth with the first space business trade association, business incubator, funding network and research hub, all working together to develop the emerging generation of new companies and small entrepreneurial ventures with real profit potential -- here and now.
What is "Space 1.0?"
Space 1.0 is astronauts, rocket ships and billion-dollar government projects. It is exploration, defense and big-budget spacecraft funded by hundreds of billions of US taxpayers' dollars over the last half of the century.
What is "Space 2.0?"
Like Web 2.0, Space 2.0 is venture-backed entrepreneurs starting new companies and launching new technologies that deliver exciting new content to millions of businesses and mass market consumers. Many of these ideas are not new, but have become financially viable.
What are some examples of how "Space 2.0" technology is being applied in society today?
- Space 2.0 is inextricably woven and integrated into modern culture and lifestyles today.
- Nearly all pay-at-the-pump credit/debit card transaction approvals route through networks of telecommunications spacecraft, as does GPS technology found in most cell phones.
- As another example, tests conducted on the Space Shuttle have demonstrated that cancerous cells retain chemotherapy medicine longer in weightlessness than in normal gravity and NASA spacesuit technology has helped doctors reduce the hair loss experienced by many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Who are some of the key players or stakeholders of the 8th Continent Project?
For the first time, government, industry and academia have joined forces with entrepreneurs, innovators, risk capitalist and support services like intellectual property attorneys to forge the next frontier in commercializing space technology and resources. For example, our founding sponsors symbolize the potential of these emerging industries and markets: DigitalGlobe, MicroSat Systems, Metzger Associates Public Relations, the Keiretsu Forum, Broad Reach Engineering, the Colorado Governor's Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Townsend and Townsend and Crew IP law firm, the Colorado School of Mines, and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado.
What is the government's role in the 8th Continent Project and where does the funding come from?
Until now, space commerce was driven solely by government organizations like NASA. Today, entrepreneurs are the driving force behind bringing new technologies to the marketplace through the 8th Continent Project.
Why is the 8th Continent Project headquartered in Colorado?
Colorado is home to one of the most concentrated entrepreneurial, investor and aerospace talent communities in the world and is recognized as the second largest private aerospace employment base in the United States. It is well-positioned to serve the global reach of the 8th Continent Project, networking other "Space 2.0" regions world-wide.
