Challenges in Space Today

Hi - i'm Nick Azer, a Community Manager for XPRIZE Communities here; but also for the last 7 years, a blogger and social media manager for the Lunar XPRIZE!
XPRIZE remains really interested in space (in fact, our CEO is astronaut Anousheh Ansari).
What do you think are some of the most interesting challenges in space today - especially on a commercial or non-government scale? Space is a big place, literally and figuratively, so there's a lot of interesting angles to explore for breakthrough new projects.
Could solar sails make the biggest difference for exploration? Do we need better rockets? Is Venus a good option for a relatively achievable breakthrough project, or should efforts focus on problems closer to home, like space junk or remote sensing of the Earth?
Share any challenges - maybe even your top ten - in space that you think are the most intriguing or tantalizing. What seems achievable and within reach - and, what just excites you the most?
XPRIZE remains really interested in space (in fact, our CEO is astronaut Anousheh Ansari).
What do you think are some of the most interesting challenges in space today - especially on a commercial or non-government scale? Space is a big place, literally and figuratively, so there's a lot of interesting angles to explore for breakthrough new projects.
Could solar sails make the biggest difference for exploration? Do we need better rockets? Is Venus a good option for a relatively achievable breakthrough project, or should efforts focus on problems closer to home, like space junk or remote sensing of the Earth?
Share any challenges - maybe even your top ten - in space that you think are the most intriguing or tantalizing. What seems achievable and within reach - and, what just excites you the most?
2
Comments
1) radiation identification and mitigation in near earth and solar environment
2) heavy launch systems for large payloads (e.g. space hotels with artificial gravity)
3) Understanding space electricity and magnetism
4) electro magnetic propulsion systems
5) emergency escape and re-entry vehicles
Hope you like this ... James McC