IAF-99-V.5.06

Strategic Space Launch Concept and Technology Roadmaps to Develop Visionary Spaceports

C. McCleskey, NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center

FOR THE

50th International Astronautical Congress

Presented Amsterdam, the Netherlands, October, 1999

DOWNLOAD >> IAF99_V_5_06.pdf (.pdf File - 649 KB)

Abstract

This paper presents a structured approach for developing strategic spaceport concepts and technologies within a larger space launch context. The approach centers on defining leapfrog “spacelift” affordability requirements (for instance, $400/kg cost at daily flight rates). The approach assumes this capability is needed to satisfy visionary commercial markets, such as space solar power and public space travel, as well as human exploration enterprises. The methodology includes deriving a strategic space launch affordability allocation among major flight and ground cost elements. The paper describes how specific ground system functional cost elements are then distributed among eleven possible spaceport functional areas. Once the spaceport functions have been allocated as cost objectives, specific space launch concepts (both flight and ground systems) can then be analyzed. The paper further details a technology prioritization method with three strategic assessments: (1) an assessment of the operational or “fielded” benefit based on prioritized and measurable design criteria; (2) a programmatic assessment of the research and technology development phase; and (3) a programmatic assessment of the operational system acquisition, also partitioned into three levels of investment risk. Finally, the paper describes how synthesizing the result leads to a strategic spaceport concept and technology portfolio with three development scenarios available for executive decision-makers to construct spaceport technology investment plans.

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Edgar Zapata, NASA Kennedy Space Center

Shuttle Process Engineering Directorate, Fluid Systems Division