Paper Session I-A - Generation of a Launch Infrastructure that Supports the Commercial Use of the Space Environment

Paper Session I-A - Generation of a Launch Infrastructure that Supports the Commercial Use of the Space Environment

Cape Canaveral, Florida

This paper explores the establishment of a Launch Base and its associated infrastructure to support a major space exploration and use program. The need for such a facility is driven by the perception that current Launch Facilities and Ranges are inadequate to support the volume of traffic that the long term occupancy of space demands.

In this paper the author investigates the requirements that apply to a launch site that is purely commercial in nature. This launch site is optimized for high volume, high rate commercial space operations including co-located vehicle manufacturing; launch operations of both manned and unmanned vehicles and personnel support on orbit.

A conceptual design for such a base and its associated Range and facilities are presented. This design is contrasted with the facilities that are currently available to support space launch operations.

Lastly, several geographical locations are investigated in which it would be possible to build a range of this nature.