A Training Framework for Private Space Travel Operations

Paper number

IAC-12,B6,3,1,x13280

Author

Mr. Derek Webber, Spaceport Associates, United States

Year

2012

Abstract

PURPOSE
This paper, in alignment with the theme of Space Science and Technology for the Needs of All, provides a basic structure to guide those who are preparing to offer space tourism services for the general public, and who need to prepare for the training of all associated parties.  This includes the crews of the space tourism craft, and those on the ground who are essential to the safe conduct of the flights.

METHODOLOGY
The author was a member of an industry team at the FAA-AST in the USA who researched NASA experience for helpful indicators which could assist the new space tourism sector.  The present paper further substantially develops the work of that team, separates the resulting training framework into those aspects appropriate for sub-orbital, and those necessary for orbital space tourism, and provides a focus on the realities of the entrepreneurial space tourism sector, rather than simply adopting the approaches previously adopted by the US government’s NASA operations. 

RESULTS
The result of this exercise is to produce a document which can be used by those responsible for training within the new space tourism operators, and their counterparts in the spaceports who will be supporting the space tourism experiences.

CONCLUSION
Space tourism vehicles are essentially supersonic airliners and a great deal of care is being spent on their design, development and operation - and training will be an essential component leading to safe operations.  The training will need to be coordinated across the vehicle crews and also their ground support team, and this paper provides an initial basis for that overall training framework.

Abstract document

IAC-12,B6,3,1,x13280.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,B6,3,1,x13280.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.