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

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


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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


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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


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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


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


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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

http://www.fas.org/spp/guide/russia/facility/baikonur.htm



https://www.patrick.af.mil/45sw/ccafs/index.htm

http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/

http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/western.htm

http://www.wff.nasa.gov/

http://www.edwards.af.mil/

http://www.esa.int/export/esaCP/GGGMGNF3KCC_Expanding_0.html

http://www.esa.int/export/esaCP/GGGMGNF3KCC_Expanding_0.html

http://yyy.tksc.nasda.go.jp/Home/Guide/Guide-e/tanegashima_e.html

http://yyy.tksc.nasda.go.jp/Home/Guide/Guide-e/tanegashima_e.html

http://www.isas.ac.jp/e/about/center/ksc.shtml

http://www.isas.ac.jp/e/about/center/ksc.shtml


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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


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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


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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

http://www.icao.int/

http://www.spaceportassociates.com/

http://www.nasa.gov/

http://www.virgingalactic.com/