Foreword – Financing the Race to space

It is my great pleasure to introduce Armen V. Papazian’s ground-breaking work, ‘Financing the Race to Space’. This book provides a visionary and well-crafted exploration of the monetary and financial frameworks necessary for humanity’s pursuit of outer space development, exploration, and settlement.

Papazian’s insights are both profound and timely, addressing the complex challenges of financing space endeavours while offering innovative solutions to unlock the investment programs required for future space habitats. His thorough analysis and forward-thinking propositions make this book an essential read for anyone interested in the future of space exploration.

The nuanced discussion highlights the importance of a cooperative approach to space exploration, advocating for a blend of competition and collaboration that can drive humanity forward. Papazian’s arguments are compelling, grounded in deep research and presented with clarity and conviction.

As the 695th Lord Mayor of London I have been deeply involved in promoting space sustainability through the Space Protection Initiative. I find Papazian’s emphasis on the need for innovative financial instruments, particularly relevant. These concepts align with our ongoing efforts to ensure that our ventures into space are both economically viable and environmentally responsible, particularly our efforts for space debris removal insurance bonds.

‘Financing the Race to Space’ is a masterful work that challenges and inspires. Armen V. Papazian’s book is a must-read for policymakers, investors, and anyone with a keen interest in the future of space exploration. It is a testament to the power of visionary thinking and a significant contribution to the discourse on sustainable space development.

Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London

United Kingdom, June 2024