Apex: Next Generation Commercial Space Access

Paper number

IAC-06-D3.3.06

Author

Mr. Frank Eichstadt, Spacehab, Inc., United States

Coauthor

Mr. Robert Swanson, Spacehab, Inc., United States

Coauthor

Ms. Kimberly Campbell, Spacehab, Inc., United States

Year

2006

Abstract

As the 1960’s saw the race for technical dominance in space between the United States and the Soviet Union, the early 21st century presents another space race: the race for commercial leadership. Recognizing NASA’s plan to retire the Space Transportation System in 2010; clearly expressed intentions to then use commercial services to meet its International Space Station responsibilities; the continuing scarcity of frequent and reliable space mission opportunities; and growing demand for space access services, commercial superiority will soon reign supreme over a space frontier previously controlled by governments.

SPACEHAB, a leader in commercial space access initiatives, is taking bold steps to extend its commercial end-to-end research and logistics offerings through the development of Apex, the next generation commercial space access solution. Apex represents an emergence from a shuttle-borne commercial service to a self-reliant space flight capability independent of NASA’s flight scheduling and manifest definition. This ambitious but achievable new capability promises frequent, reliable and affordable access to space for traditional users and future users who have yet to realize and capitalize on the unique opportunities and advantages of space flight. 

Apex applies existing and newly developed processes, facilities, and modular spacecraft to create responsive and adaptive space transportation capabilities. The modular spacecraft architecture is embodied in several scales to create a system capable of meeting user’s specific needs on a mission-by-mission basis while leveraging key resources across all scales and missions to reduce cost and simplify operations. The architecture innovatively applies proven technologies wherever possible to ensure low-risk development and highly reliable service. Apex spacecraft are designed to launch aboard current and emergent expendable launch vehicles, which provides the flexibility to promote adaptive and reliable mission availability. Spacecraft tailored to the specific needs of the mission may either remain on orbit for extended periods or fly brief missions as required by the customer. In-flight services and recoverable return capabilities provide unique mission design flexibility. 

The paper describes SPACEHAB’s Apex space services architecture, its component elements, operations and capabilities. It introduces the full family of Apex spacecraft, identifies facilities used to support customers’ mission processing needs and describes the Apex service catalogue.  It explores applicability and price/demand analyses for commercial space services to various market sectors. The paper finally presents an overview of other missions and applications within the intended scope of the Apex architecture and of potential interest to prospective customers world-wide. 

Abstract document

IAC-06-D3.3.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-D3.3.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.