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Reducing the cost of sustained operations through technology infusion

April 2004

Darin Skelly NASA Kennedy Space Center

TransformationalSpaceport & Range

Technologies

2Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program

Current State of Space Access

• 22 global spaceports (Launch sites)

• Caters to those who use it– Launch sites isolated from

each other– Outdated and unique

technology and equipment

– Pads are user specific

– Lack of standardization

“The operational model for a next generation space launch vehicle needs to move incrementally closer to the turnaround capabilities of today’s passenger airlines operations”

• Recommendation: Walker report - November 2002

• Root Cause: Vehicle-centric rather than space transportation-centric


Current Spaceport and Range Challenges• Lack of interoperability

• Labor-intensive launch and mission operations

• Inadequate tracking and surveillance coverage

• Risk models use conservative parameters

• Handling of hazardous commodities • Intricate and complex assembly

operations

• Disjointed data systems

• Frequency spectrum and bandwidth for telemetry is limited


Future Challenges

Emerging requirements will drive the need for upgrades to the infrastructure of spaceports and ranges

Current Types of Missions Supported by U.S. Space Launch Infrastructure

ELV Launches Space Shuttle Launches T&E – ICBMs, SLBMs, Suborbital sounding Small, Medium, Heavy SRB Recovery, Landings missile defense, aeronautical rocket launches

Commercial Orbitaland Suborbital RLVs

Increasingly fasterhypersonic vehicles National Aerospace

Initiative (NAI)More complex missile

defense tests

Additional Mission Types Likely to Require Future Space Launch Infrastructure Support

OperationallyResponsive

Space (ORS) missions

NASA Exploration

Initiative Crew Launches


Vision for Tomorrow

• High flight rates– Increase responsiveness– Support concurrent operations– Reduce costs

• Seamlessly integrated with National Airspace System – Global coverage

• Nationally Interoperable – Implement standardization– Enhance flexibility & adaptability


Spiral Development ApproachMass Public Space Transportation Era

Transformational Technology Era

Responsive Space Launch and Human Exploration Era

Technology development programs enable future capabilities

2015-2020 Human Lunar Expedition 2020- Human Exploration Beyond the Moon

Safe, Routine, Affordable Commercial Space Travel

2010 Operationally Responsive Spacelift (ORS) – Vertical Launch

Evolutionary technology development enables responsive space lift and extended human exploration activities to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

2006 Initiate Modernization Activities (FIRST Program)

Revolutionary vehicle and propulsion technologies bring about safe, routine, affordable commercial space transportation. This era begins with development and application of enabling technologies.

2025 ORS – Horizontal Launch (Military Space Plane)

2000 21002004 2010 2015 2020 2030 2050

• Test & Demonstration • Standardization• Infusion of Advanced Technologies


Spaceport Technology AreasRange Technology Areas

Scheduling & Coordination of Assets

Advanced Servicing Technologies

Rapid Handling / Transport & Assembly

Inspection& System Verification

Command, Control & Monitoring

Tracking & Surveillance

CommunicationArchitectures

TelemetrySystems

Weather Systems

Decision Making

Cross-Cutting

Critical Technology Areas for Responsiveness


Technology DemonstrationsTest and evaluation (T&E) fills the Technology Readiness Level Gap

Ground demonstrations– Autonomous Umbilicals

– Rapid propellant loading techniques

– Launch Exhaust Management Validation

– Vibro-acoustic Evaluation

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

21

February 6, 2002

Flight Demonstration

WSC

DFRC MCC

DFRC ATF

F-15B

TDRS

Flight demonstrations– Space-based, mobile, and deployable

range assets– Integration of command, tracking

and surveillance– HAAs and UAVs in “shadow” mode


Summary

Major, rapid changes in space transportation are coming.

The infrastructure must advance.

• Transform current space transportation system to a more “airport-like” operation

• Multi-agency cooperative effort to pursue a national vision

• Investment must be made towards technology development for spaceport and range technologies

• Extensive test and evaluation (T&E) must be performed


Darin SkellyNASA

Ph # (321) 861-3639Email: [email protected]

Cris GuidiNASA

Ph # (321) 867-7864Email: [email protected]

Technology

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