Location
Radisson Resort at the Port, Convention Center, Jamaica Room
Start Date
1-5-2003 1:30 PM
End Date
1-5-2003 4:30 PM
Description
The unfulfilled demand for economical access to space has slowed the progress of many potential commercial projects stemming from NASA research. The commercialization of space is the next major business development on the horizon when the cost to launch can be reduced. This search will ultimately produce reusable launch vehicles. Coinciding with that development will be the demand for additional launch locations. This will lead many companies, such as telecommunications companies, aerospace developers and the newcomers to the travel industry, space tourism companies, to seek launch alternatives for development, testing and launches. At the state level, many lawmakers and economic development specialists have kept a vigilant watch on this current situation and have begun making strides toward establishing new facilities that are owned and operated by state governments. Unlike existing federal launch facilities, many of these facilities are being developed in inland states, such as Oklahoma. These inland spaceports offer the space industry an economically-feasible alternative to the federal launch facilities. This paper will examine the emergence of inland spaceports throughout the US, particularly the progress being made in Oklahoma. Various subtopics the paper will address include legislative needs, funding requirements, barriers and benefits to private industry. Further, readers will find information regarding the effects an inland spaceport may have on a community that is not yet accustomed to the idea.
Paper Session II-B - The Emergence of Inland Spaceports
Radisson Resort at the Port, Convention Center, Jamaica Room
The unfulfilled demand for economical access to space has slowed the progress of many potential commercial projects stemming from NASA research. The commercialization of space is the next major business development on the horizon when the cost to launch can be reduced. This search will ultimately produce reusable launch vehicles. Coinciding with that development will be the demand for additional launch locations. This will lead many companies, such as telecommunications companies, aerospace developers and the newcomers to the travel industry, space tourism companies, to seek launch alternatives for development, testing and launches. At the state level, many lawmakers and economic development specialists have kept a vigilant watch on this current situation and have begun making strides toward establishing new facilities that are owned and operated by state governments. Unlike existing federal launch facilities, many of these facilities are being developed in inland states, such as Oklahoma. These inland spaceports offer the space industry an economically-feasible alternative to the federal launch facilities. This paper will examine the emergence of inland spaceports throughout the US, particularly the progress being made in Oklahoma. Various subtopics the paper will address include legislative needs, funding requirements, barriers and benefits to private industry. Further, readers will find information regarding the effects an inland spaceport may have on a community that is not yet accustomed to the idea.
