Session
Technical Session X: New Approaches To Space Launch
Abstract
Historically, the U.S. federal government has been the predominant user of space within this country. In support of this need, it established a number of federal launch facilities to support govemment projects. Among these sites was NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. While Wallops' historical responsibilities have been principally in support of NASA science and technology missions, the emerging growth of commercial space is changing the fundamental philosophies of the roles of the government. The Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority and NASA have formed a partnership that leverages the capabilities of the established NASNWallops Test Range with the resources offered by a commercial space flight center. This innovative relationship allows for growth of commercial space activities while preserving the ability to support NASA and Department of Defense needs. Wallops Flight Facility has developed a cooperative federal/commercial relationship that can serve as a model for other potential public/private partnerships to follow. Today's federal launch sites are challenged to meet the emerging needs of commercial industry under an increasingly difficult financial climate. The current range studies and the actions taken within the next several years will be critical to the future of this country's space launch infrastructure.
The Wallops Flight Facility Model for an Integrated Federal/Commercial Test Range
Historically, the U.S. federal government has been the predominant user of space within this country. In support of this need, it established a number of federal launch facilities to support govemment projects. Among these sites was NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. While Wallops' historical responsibilities have been principally in support of NASA science and technology missions, the emerging growth of commercial space is changing the fundamental philosophies of the roles of the government. The Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority and NASA have formed a partnership that leverages the capabilities of the established NASNWallops Test Range with the resources offered by a commercial space flight center. This innovative relationship allows for growth of commercial space activities while preserving the ability to support NASA and Department of Defense needs. Wallops Flight Facility has developed a cooperative federal/commercial relationship that can serve as a model for other potential public/private partnerships to follow. Today's federal launch sites are challenged to meet the emerging needs of commercial industry under an increasingly difficult financial climate. The current range studies and the actions taken within the next several years will be critical to the future of this country's space launch infrastructure.
