1) Most research is performed on the thousands of smaller telescopes (0.5-2 m.) scattered worldwide at private and public institutions. Even with the multitude of telescopes in the size range, there is still significant contention for scope time.
2) Space telescopes will never be disposable and will always require some form of service, even with high-reliability construction.
3) low Earth orbit is a limited resource and should be managed as a worldwide Commons. Allowing private corporations to occupy space is another way to privatize profit and push losses onto the public purse. Do you think any of these private companies will clean up the orbital messes they create, or will they act like they have to date?
4) Satellite Internet solves the billionaire's problem of extracting more money from users. Terrestrial methods for Internet access are good enough in all but the most remote communities. The main problem with terrestrial Internet is funding buildout Via private companies in a natural monopoly environment.
2) Space telescopes will never be disposable and will always require some form of service, even with high-reliability construction.
3) low Earth orbit is a limited resource and should be managed as a worldwide Commons. Allowing private corporations to occupy space is another way to privatize profit and push losses onto the public purse. Do you think any of these private companies will clean up the orbital messes they create, or will they act like they have to date?
4) Satellite Internet solves the billionaire's problem of extracting more money from users. Terrestrial methods for Internet access are good enough in all but the most remote communities. The main problem with terrestrial Internet is funding buildout Via private companies in a natural monopoly environment.