A Road Less Travelled: A Spaceport’s Path Toward A Multi-Use Launch Complex

Paper number

IAC-24,D2,2,4,x84290

Author

Mr. Patrick McCarthy, Space Florida, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Jimmy Moffitt, Space Florida, United States

Year

2024

Abstract

With the number of new launch service providers expanding rapidly in the small- to medium-lift market, the capability of these companies to individually develop their own exclusive use launch complexes faces many challenges. A scarcity of available property on already-active spaceports, a dearth of financing for untested launch service entrants, and the lack of research and development (R\&D) launch facilities all combine to make a new company’s journey to market difficult. The need for a viable multi-use launch complex is demonstrated by the spaceport’s investigation of the needs and requirements of a diverse customer set. The recent maturity of the launch industry should show the increased potential for multi-user facilities utilizing common standards, COTS equipment, etc.
An airport-like operational approach to optimize use of limited launch site availability and capacity was identified as a practical method.  Common use infrastructure, where items such as utilities and processing and control facilities are provided for any user, appears to be a concept of operations thereby allowing new launch service providers to instead focus their limited financing on launch vehicle development rather than in-ground infrastructure. The multi-use launch complex was studied under its initial intent to serve as an R\&D launch site for an untested booster without the necessity for the launch service provider to invest large capital outlays for basic pad infrastructure. A comparison was drawn with aviation and airports, particularly the learned processes of new airline entrants and Low Cost Carriers models utilizing Multi-user gates and terminals to establish their routes and attract passengers. 
To assess the viability of a true multi-customer launch complex, the spaceport worked with many new entrants through a design charrette process to capture their collective pad requirements as a basis for design of a simple multi-user launch complex. This paper relates the launch complex design process utilized: from its beginnings with the investigation and preparation of the necessary environmental permitting documentation; analysis of both the optimum and maximum explosive site plans desired; and the scoping and design of the utility infrastructure needed to support a generic launch customer is explained.
The example of the practicable utilization of Space Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for a diverse set of both solid- and liquid-propellant customers is presented.

Abstract document

IAC-24,D2,2,4,x84290.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,D2,2,4,x84290.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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