by NASA

“ A robust commercial space sector has the potential to generate new technologies, products, markets, jobs, and other economic benefits for the nation, as well as indirect benefits for national security.
Commercial space sector activities are characterized by the provision of products and services such that:
private capital is at risk; there are existing, or potential, nongovernmental customers for the activity; the commercial market ultimately determines the viability of the activity; and primary responsibility and management initiative for the activity resides with the private sector. ”

“ A fundamental objective guiding United States space activities has been space leadership, which requires preeminence in key areas of space activity. In an increasingly competitive international environment, the U.S. Government encourages the commercial use and exploitation of space technologies and systems for national economic benefit. ”

“ Agencies may reduce initial private sector risk by agreeing to future use of privately supplied space products and services where appropriate. "Anchor tenancy" is an example of such an arrangement whereby U.S. Government agencies can provide initial support to a venture by contracting for enough of the future product or service to make the venture viable in the short term. Longterm viability and growth must come primarily from the sale of the product or service to customers outside the U.S. Government. ”