Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Worldwide
Authors' Class Standing
Gilbert BevenFlorez, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Gilbert BevenFlorez
Lead Presenter's College
WW College of Aeronautics
Faculty Mentor Name
Darryl Chamberlain Jr., Ph.D.
Abstract
Space operations have increased worldwide and may increase the demand for improved spaceflight technology. This research examines the potential demand for spaceplanes. In the U.S., spaceplanes have maintained their presence during periods of fluctuations in popularity and demand. This spaceplane study examines U.S. efforts to improve access to space with reusable launch vehicles that fly single-stage-to-orbit. A linear regression analysis examined the number of specific launch activities from 2004-2023. The launch activities observed revealed the level of potential demand for space flight and spaceplane technology. Global launches were strong and positively correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.78. The R2 result was a moderate fit at 0.61. U.S. launches were also strong and positively correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.75. The R2 result was a moderate fit at 0.57. Spaceplane launches were positive but weakly correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.13. The R2 result was also a weak fit at 0.02. Human spaceflight launches were also positive but weakly correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.17. The R2 result was also a weak fit at 0.03. These results revealed valuable insights into the persistence of spaceplane research and development.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Space planes: The Persistence of Demand.
Space operations have increased worldwide and may increase the demand for improved spaceflight technology. This research examines the potential demand for spaceplanes. In the U.S., spaceplanes have maintained their presence during periods of fluctuations in popularity and demand. This spaceplane study examines U.S. efforts to improve access to space with reusable launch vehicles that fly single-stage-to-orbit. A linear regression analysis examined the number of specific launch activities from 2004-2023. The launch activities observed revealed the level of potential demand for space flight and spaceplane technology. Global launches were strong and positively correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.78. The R2 result was a moderate fit at 0.61. U.S. launches were also strong and positively correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.75. The R2 result was a moderate fit at 0.57. Spaceplane launches were positive but weakly correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.13. The R2 result was also a weak fit at 0.02. Human spaceflight launches were also positive but weakly correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.17. The R2 result was also a weak fit at 0.03. These results revealed valuable insights into the persistence of spaceplane research and development.