Major changes are coming to space transportation that will require upgrades to spaceport and range infrastructure. The current system is vehicle-centric rather than transportation-centric, with launch sites that are isolated, outdated, and user-specific. Future challenges include supporting more complex missions such as operationally responsive space, NASA exploration initiatives, and hypersonic vehicles. A vision is presented for seamlessly integrated, nationally interoperable ranges with high flight rates, global coverage, and standardization to reduce costs. A spiral development approach is proposed utilizing technology demonstrations and investments to transform the current system to one with more airport-like operations through 2050.

1. Reducingthecostof sustainedoperations throughtechnologyinfusion
April 2004
Darin Skelly
NASA Kennedy Space Center
Transformational
Spaceport &Range Technologies

2. 2
Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Current State of Space Access
• 22 global spaceports (Launch
sites)
• Caters to those who use it
– Launch sites isolated from
each other
– Outdated and unique
technology and equipment
– Pads are user specific
– Lack of standardization
“The operational model for a next generation space launch vehicle
needs to move incrementally closer to the turnaround capabilities
of today’s passenger airlines operations”
• Recommendation: Walker report - November 2002
• Root Cause: Vehicle-centric rather than space transportation-centric

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Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Current Spaceport and Range Challenges
• Lack of interoperability
• Labor-intensive launch and mission
operations
• Inadequate tracking and
surveillance coverage
• Risk models use conservative
parameters
• Handling of hazardous
commodities
• Intricate and complex assembly
operations
• Disjointed data systems
• Frequency spectrum and
bandwidth for telemetry is limited

4. 4
Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Future Challenges
Emerging requirements will drive the need for upgrades to
the infrastructure of spaceports and ranges
Current Types of Missions Supported by U.S. Space Launch Infrastructure
ELV Launches Space Shuttle Launches T&E – ICBMs, SLBMs, Suborbital sounding
Small, Medium, Heavy SRB Recovery, Landings missile defense, aeronautical rocket launches
Commercial Orbital
and Suborbital RLVs
Increasingly faster
hypersonic vehicles
National Aerospace
Initiative (NAI)
More complex missile
defense tests
Additional Mission Types Likely to Require Future Space Launch Infrastructure Support
Operationally
Responsive
Space (ORS) missions
NASA
Exploration
Initiative Crew
Launches

5. 5
Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Vision for Tomorrow
• High flight rates
– Increase responsiveness
– Support concurrent operations
– Reduce costs
• Seamlessly integrated with
National Airspace System
– Global coverage
• Nationally Interoperable
– Implement standardization
– Enhance flexibility & adaptability

6. 6
Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Spiral Development Approach
Mass Public Space Transportation Era
Transformational Technology Era
Responsive Space Launch and Human Exploration Era
Technology development
programs enable future
capabilities
2015-2020 Human Lunar Expedition 2020- Human Exploration Beyond the Moon
Safe, Routine, Affordable Commercial Space Travel
2010 Operationally Responsive Spacelift (ORS) – Vertical Launch
Evolutionary technology development enables
responsive space lift and extended human exploration
activities to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
2006 Initiate Modernization Activities (FIRST Program)
Revolutionary vehicle and propulsion technologies bring
about safe, routine, affordable commercial space
transportation. This era begins with development and
application of enabling technologies.
2025 ORS – Horizontal Launch (Military Space Plane)
2000 21002004 2010 2015 2020 2030 2050
• Test & Demonstration
• Standardization
• Infusion of Advanced Technologies

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Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Spaceport Technology AreasRange Technology Areas
Scheduling & Coordination of
Assets
Advanced Servicing
Technologies
Rapid Handling /
Transport & Assembly
Inspection
& System Verification
Command, Control & Monitoring
Tracking & Surveillance
Communication
Architectures
Telemetry
Systems
Weather Systems
Decision Making
Cross-Cutting
Critical Technology Areas for Responsiveness

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Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Technology Demonstrations
Test and evaluation (T&E) fills the Technology Readiness Level Gap
Ground demonstrations
– Autonomous Umbilicals
– Rapid propellant loading techniques
– Launch Exhaust Management Validation
– Vibro-acoustic Evaluation
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
21
February 6, 2002
Flight Demonstration
WSC
DFRC MCC
DFRC ATF
F-15B
TDRS
Flight demonstrations
– Space-based, mobile, and deployable
range assets
– Integration of command, tracking and
surveillance
– HAAs and UAVs in “shadow” mode

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Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Summary
Major, rapid changes in space
transportation are coming.
The infrastructure must advance.
• Transform current space
transportation system to a more
“airport-like” operation
• Multi-agency cooperative effort to
pursue a national vision
• Investment must be made towards technology
development for spaceport and range
technologies
• Extensive test and evaluation (T&E) must be
performed

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Future Interagency Range & Spaceport Technologies Program
Darin Skelly
NASA
Ph # (321) 861-3639
Email: darin.m.skelly@nasa.gov
Cris Guidi
NASA
Ph # (321) 867-7864
Email: cristina.guidi-1@nasa.gov