Infrastructure for Reusable Vehicles The next generation of Space Travel Eric Jensen ASTE 527

1. Infrastructure for Reusable Vehicles The next generation of Space Travel Eric Jensen ASTE 527

2. Background • Large, existing government-owned launch sites • Can they help usher in new methods of efficient access to LEO? • Surpassing antiquated launch support methods • Commercialization • Retain lessons learned, safe practices • Assisted air-launch • Conventional vertical rocket launch • Shaping 21st century public image

3. Assumptions • Earth-based launch/landing locations • Accommodate increased transatmospheric traffic • Impending commercial space travel needs • Development of launch facilities • New generation of vehicles • Global collaborative network • Streamlined processes • Minimization of costs • Utilize existing infrastructure where applicable • Worldwide vertical launch locations • Airport locations

4. Concept Architecture • Horizontal Launch/Landing • Minimally invasive revisions to current airports • Primarily support horizontal and air launch • Designated landing-only airports • Less modification • Develop new spaceports specifically designed for commercial space travel • Vertical Launch • Utilize existing facilities • Develop spacecraft to adapt to infrastructure • Enhance global collaboration, opening launch sites to both commercial and government use • Accommodate reusability • Install common refurbishment facilities at current vertical launch sites • Allowing rapid turn-around time for spacecraft

5. Horizontal Launch Sites • Existing runways at international hubs • Air-launch capabilities • Inject heavy payloads to orbit by flying them into launch windows (50,000ft) • Infrastructure already in place to support flight • Global network of locations • Accommodate landers with minimal development • Public identifies with/has access to existing locations • Prominent Media and PR support • Perceived high-level modifications • Runway parameters (typical for transatmospheric vehicles) • 15,000’ long with 1,000’ runoff at both ends • 400’ wide • Robust surface to cope with LV landing weight • On-site final assembly and propellant integration

6. Airports of the World, or Potential Launch Sites?

7. Vertical Launch Sites • Accommodate existing ELV systems, as well as developing RLV technology • Vertical Launch/Landing • Large facility needed to accommodate vehicle assembly and integration • Basic design common to most launch locations Launch Pads Shuttle Landing Runway VAB

8. Limitations • Safety concerns • New regulations must be drafted for commercial use of government launch sites • Populated areas surrounding airports • Launch abort cases • Blast radius for stored propellant • Safety measures can be developed as they werefor Jet-A • Modification costs, complexity • Airport launch sites to contend with: • Launch noise • Mass of landers and launch vehicles • Support facilities for hazardous fuel and gases • Launch pad structure for vertical launch, if applicable • Crew accommodations • Air traffic • Horizontally and vertically launched LEO vehicles coinciding with nominal airport traffic

9. Forward Work • Global Collaboration • FAA, ICAO, others • Collectively develop new standards that do not limit commercial travel, but retain safety and high standards • Impact of transatmospheric traffic on world airways • Cost analysis of typical airport modification • Pursue commonality in launch facility layouts • Accommodate multiple LV configurations

10. References • International Civil Aviation Organization • www.icao.int • Space Tourism – A New Field for Space Law • Derek Weber, Director, Spaceport Associates • www.spaceportassociates.com • www.nasa.gov • www.virgingalactic.com