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Reducing the cost of sustained operations through technology infusion April 2004 Darin Skelly NASA Kennedy Space Center Transformational Spaceport & Range Technologies

Current State of Space Access: 

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of Space Access 22 global spaceports (Launch sites) Caters to those who use it Launch sites isolated from each other Outdated and unique technology and equipment Pads are user specific Lack of standardization “The operational model for a next generation space launch vehicle needs to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: 

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: 

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 Orbital and Suborbital RLVs Increasingly faster hypersonic vehicles National Aerospace Initiative (NAI) More complex missile defense tests Additional Mission Types Likely to Require Future Space Launch Infrastructure Support Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) missions NASA Exploration Initiative Crew Launches

Vision for Tomorrow: 

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 Approach: 

Spiral Development Approach Mass 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 2100 2004 2010 2015 2020 2030 2050 Test & Demonstration Standardization Infusion of Advanced Technologies

Critical Technology Areas for Responsiveness: 

Spaceport Technology Areas Range Technology Areas Scheduling & Coordination of Assets Advanced Servicing Technologies Rapid Handling / Transport & Assembly Inspection & System Verification Command, Control & Monitoring Tracking & Surveillance Communication Architectures Telemetry Systems Weather Systems Decision Making Cross-Cutting Critical Technology Areas for Responsiveness

Technology Demonstrations: 

Technology Demonstrations Test 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 Flight demonstrations Space-based, mobile, and deployable range assets Integration of command, tracking and surveillance HAAs and UAVs in “shadow” mode

Summary: 

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

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Darin Skelly NASA Ph # (321) 861-3639 Email: darin.m.skelly@nasa.gov Cris Guidi NASA Ph # (321) 867-7864 Email: cristina.guidi-1@nasa.gov