Guest: Dr. George Nield; Topics: Spaceport development plans and network.
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We welcomed Dr. George Nield back to the program to discuss the Global Spaceport Alliance and the National Spaceport Network Development plan. During our two segment 88 minute discussion, we thoroughly covered both government and private sector spaceports and the need for additional spaceport development. Be sure to download and read the Global Spaceport Alliance "National Spaceport Network Development Plan" which you can find at https://www.globalspaceportalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/National-Spaceport-Network-Development-Plan.pdf. Additional important spaceport information can be found by navigating the Global Spaceport Alliance home page, www.globalspaceportalliance.com. Our guest referred to the Development Plan and organizational information multiple times during our program.
Per previous program summaries, I am repeating the tags and key words to summarize the major topics and themes, mostly in order, discussed during this program. See below.
Tags/Key Words: Global Spaceport Alliance, National Spaceport Network Development Plan, spaceports, US spaceports, foreign spaceports, FAA spaceport rules and regulations, launch location, Space Foundation, FAA Part 420, orbital compared to suborbital use spaceports, spaceport selection by launch weather, sea launch spaceports, FAA Public Private Partnerships for spaceport development, range rules and fees, public safety same rules for government and commercial spaceports, autonomous fight safety systems, market analysis should rule, point to point spaceport capability, spaceports for human launch, spaceport financing, using airports as spaceports, model rocketry, point to point passenger safety & comfort, point to point environmental concerns, international rescue for commercial space astronauts, Covid-19 impact on spaceport development, USAF/Space Force interest in spaceports, FAA spaceport office, why spaceports now.
For the first segment of the program, our guest introduced us to the Global Spaceport Alliance and the National Spaceport Network Development Plan. He also began answering the question "why spaceports now" and how many spaceports do we need, especially when we don't currently have the capability to use most of them if not all of them. George answered these question throughout our program. One explanation rested in the lag time with policy, rulemaking, development, market demand and then operations. First segment listener questions and comments that stood out focused on the number of US and global spaceports needed among other topics mentioned below. By the way, there was no precise number of spaceports given as needed now or in the future. This might be a good area for you to comment on by posting on our blog.
Other listener questions asked our guest about suborbital versus orbital spaceports, permits and approvals for each and the different regulatory requirements for each. Listener Chris wanted to know if foreign spaceports relied on the same FAA rules needed for US spaceports or if they had their own rules. Listener York out of Boston wanted to know if spaceport weather and launching conditions were factored in to the approval process or if they were only business and financial considerations. Another listener asked about Public Private Partnerships in spaceport development with the commercial sector and the FAA. Don't miss what George said in response to this question. George was also asked about the federal launch range rules and fees being applicable to the private sector. Here, George spoke about private sector advancements such as Autonomous Flight Safety Systems that have modernized range rules. This was an important discussion so don't miss any of it.
Human capable spaceports were discussed in addition to any specific applicable rules and regs needed for these locations as compared to cargo or satellite and other types of missions and flights. Listener Charlotte then asked how spaceports were being financed given most of them would not see operational income for many years. Once again, don't miss how George answered this question. Listener Carey from Denver wanted to know if major US airports could be modified to serve as a spaceport.
Leading off the second segment was a discussion about National Spaceport Network Development Plan which you can download and review per the above URL. George provided us with the short history behind the creation of this document. Early in our discussion, I asked how the contents of the plan were to be implemented. George mentioned model rocketry at spaceports, the Spaceport Cup as an example of human spaceflight competition and more. John from Ft. Worth called to talk point to point transportation and possible passenger issues on such a flight. He said it would be a far rougher flight than riding in a commercial jet. Point to Point environmental concerns were brought up as were potential conflicts with aviation and spaceport operations. Another listen brought up Point to Point regulations, including potential regulation by the landing country. George said that we needed to start addressing such issues now though this type of transportation was down the road, hopefully in the near term. The issue of rescuing international commercial astronauts was also brought up given the UN treaty for rescue implies government astronauts. George said this issue too had to be worked out.
As we were nearing the end of our program, George was asked how the pandemic had and was impacting spaceport plans and development. Another late question focused in on the USAF/Space Force interest in commercial spaceports and why. Don't miss this important discussion.
Please post your comments/questions for Dr. George Nield on our blog for this program. You can reach our guest through me or the Global Spaceport Alliance as he is the Chairman of the organization.
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