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Infrastructure for Reusable VehiclesThe next generation of Space Travel
Eric Jensen ASTE 527
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ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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BackgroundBackground
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
ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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AssumptionsAssumptions
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
ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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Concept ArchitectureConcept 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
ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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Horizontal Launch SitesHorizontal 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
ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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Airports of the World, or Potential Launch Sites?Airports of the World, or Potential Launch Sites?
ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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Vertical Launch SitesVertical 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
Shuttle Landing Runway
VAB
Launch Pads
Russia (Kazakstan) Baikonur space center/Tyuratam 45.6o N
USA Cape Canaveral/KSC, Eastern Test Range (ETR) 28.5o N
USA Vandenberg AFB, Western Test Range (WTR) 34.4o N
USA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island 37.8o N
USA Edwards AFB, Air Force Flight Test Center 35o N
France Kourou, Guiana Space Centre 5.2o N
France Hammaguir 31.0o N
Japan Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) 30.4o N
Japan Uchinoura Space Center (USC) 31.2o N
China Jiuquan 40.6o NChina Xichang 28.25o NChina Taiyuan/Wuzhai 37.5o NItaly San Marco platform 2.9o SIndia Sriharikota (SHAR) 13.9o NIsrael Palmachim/Yavne 31.5o N
Australia Woomera 31.1o SBrazil Alcantara 2.3o SSpain Torrejon AB 40.5o N
ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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LimitationsLimitations
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
ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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Forward WorkForward 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
ASTE 527 | The Future of ISS | Ground Support Infrastructure
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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
ReferencesReferences