Reducing the cost of sustained operations through technology infusion

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April 2004 Darin Skelly NASA Kennedy Space
Center
Transformational Spaceport Range Technologies
Reducing the cost of sustained operations through
technology infusion
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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• Outdated and unique technology and equipment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

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

• Recommendation Walker report - November 2002

The operational model for a next generation
space launch vehicle needs to move incrementally
closer to the turnaround capabilities of todays
passenger airlines operations
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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

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Future Challenges
Current Types of Missions Supported by
U.S. Space Launch Infrastructure
ELV Launches Space Shuttle
Launches TE ICBMs, SLBMs,
Suborbital sounding Small, Medium, Heavy
SRB Recovery, Landings missile
defense, aeronautical rocket launches

Additional Mission Types Likely to Require Future
Space Launch Infrastructure Support
NASA Exploration Initiative Crew Launches
Increasingly faster hypersonic vehicles National
Aerospace Initiative (NAI)
Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) missions
More complex missile defense tests
Commercial Orbital and Suborbital RLVs
Emerging requirements will drive the need for
upgrades to the infrastructure of spaceports and
ranges
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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

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Spiral Development Approach
Mass Public Space Transportation Era

• Test Demonstration
• Standardization
• Infusion of Advanced Technologies

Revolutionary vehicle and propulsion technologies
bring about safe, routine, affordable commercial
space transportation. This era begins with
development and application of enabling
technologies.
Responsive Space Launch and Human Exploration Era
Evolutionary technology development enables
responsive space lift and extended human
exploration activities to the Moon, Mars and
beyond.
Safe, Routine, Affordable Commercial Space Travel
Transformational Technology Era
2025 ORS Horizontal Launch (Military Space
Plane)
Technology development programs enable future
capabilities
2015-2020 Human Lunar Expedition
2020- Human Exploration Beyond the Moon
2010 Operationally Responsive Spacelift (ORS)
Vertical Launch
2006 Initiate Modernization Activities (FIRST
Program)
2015
2010
2020
2030
2000
2100
2050
2004
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Critical Technology Areas for Responsiveness
Range Technology Areas
Cross-Cutting
Spaceport Technology Areas
Decision Making
Tracking Surveillance
Advanced Servicing Technologies
Communication Architectures
Telemetry Systems
Command, Control Monitoring
Rapid Handling / Transport Assembly
Scheduling Coordination of Assets
Weather Systems
Inspection System Verification
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Technology Demonstrations

• Test and evaluation (TE) 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

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Summary

• 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 (TE) must be
  performed

Major, rapid changes in space transportation are
coming. The infrastructure must advance.
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Cris Guidi NASA Ph [phone] Email
cristina.guidi-1_at_nasa.gov
Darin Skelly NASA Ph [phone] Email
darin.m.skelly_at_nasa.gov