Principles to Enable Commercial Space Transportation Systems for the Future
- Paper number
IAC-08.D3.3.2
- Author
Mr. Frank Buzzard, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Patrick Buzzard, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Johnson Space Center, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
This paper presents an analysis on the principles of establishing a successful space transportation system in comparison to the lessons learned from the commercial Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) program and the challenges facing the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation System (COTS) program. Past, present and future strategies and systems will need to be studied and understood in order to enable and encourage the commercial development and operation of future Space Transportation Systems. The role of the government and industry partnership is explored in the life cycle of transportation systems research, development, operation, and procurement of launch services to orbit and beyond. The role of the government and the industry partnership is also explored in creating, developing, and maintaining the market for access to space. Principles to apply to future commercial Space Transportation systems in the government/industry partnership are derived from the successful implementation of the Transcontinental Railroad, Commercial Aviation, and ELV programs. These principles are discussed and recommendations are given for transitioning the government role from development and operation of space transportation systems to a customer for launch services to space. Rationale and analogies from past transportation infrastructure implementation successes are applied to the future role of government and industry to encourage a vibrant and robust commercial space transportation system that paves the way for future exploration and the effective commercial utilization of space.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)