Fibers made on Earth, and thus made in the presence of gravity, have impurities and defects in the glass that adversely affect transmission speed and quality.

There are items that have far superior quality when manufactured in space, but need to be returned to Earth to be purchased and used by customers.

It's something with the transmission, ... We had a weird vibration, just couldn't get it up to speed.

One example of an upcoming need for downmass - the ability to transport material from space to the Earth - is space manufacturing.

Our focus is to get citizen astronauts to experience the 'overview effect,' return to Earth, and then impact their communities.

Nothing can affect my voice, it's so bad.