A Study of 2008-2009 Mean Scheduled Launch Days as a Key Factor for Planning Future Commercial Scheduling and Resource Allocations at Cape Canaveral Spaceport

A Study of 2008-2009 Mean Scheduled Launch Days as a Key Factor for Planning Future Commercial Scheduling and Resource Allocations at Cape Canaveral Spaceport

Jim Henderson Welcome Center, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach

This study encompassed initial, rescheduled, and actual launch dates at Cape Canaveral Spaceport where actual launches occurred in the years 2008 and 2009. Each mission launch date was calculated within the context of the mean number of days within each mission launch timeline, using descriptive statistical methodology. The research results illustrate the iterative scheduling associated to the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. The calculated mean times provide a preliminary glimpse of key factors to be considered by spaceport operations teams, launch providers, and customers at Cape Canaveral Spaceport. These factors will be useful to predict resource allocations and forecast commercial operational capacity, to meet demand for launch pads, launch vehicle and payload facilities, scheduling operations, launch control center crew teams, and ground stations.