Spaceports: the necessary infrastructure for private spaceflight

Paper number

IAC-08.D2.2.8

Author

Mr. Jose Mariano Lopez Urdiales, BAIE, Spain

Coauthor

Ms. Olga Zhdanovich, European Space Agency/ESTEC, The Netherlands

Year

2008

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of a study of a structured approach on a commercial spaceport for space tourism.
 
Most present studies in the field of space tourism tend to focus on the vehicle. While launch sites have already been proposed in many countries; from Alaska to Australia, a structured approach on spaceports has driven much less attention until now and it is lacking.

The paper:

1.Defines a set of requirements for the design, development and operation of a spaceport for space tourists.

2.Presents a cost-benefit analysis for various approaches for the construction and operation of the spaceport.

3.Examines the ability of the current international legal framework to facilitate development of a spaceport for space tourism.

4.Outlines future spaceport projected evolution scenarii.

A consistent methodology for the evaluation and development of spaceports for private spaceflight will facilitate the development of this nascent industry. The approach highlights the interdisciplinary results of a study hosted by the International Space University (ISU) in its Space Studies Program 2008.

Abstract document

IAC-08.D2.2.8.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.D2.2.8.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.