Special report: FAA's third annual commercial space transportation forecast conference (February 8-9 2000)
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Summary
This document serves as a special report summarizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Third Annual Commercial Space Transportation Forecast Conference, held in Arlington, Virginia, on February 8–9, 2000. The conference aimed to address the strategic direction, regulatory frameworks, and technological developments of the U.S. commercial space sector. It featured high-level government officials, including Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater and OSTP Director Dr. Neal Lane, alongside industry leaders and NASA representatives. The primary motivation was to align federal policy with industry growth, enhance safety standards, and facilitate the transition of space transportation needs from government to commercial providers. The report details presentations and seven distinct panels covering various aspects of the industry. Key strategic initiatives highlighted by FAA Associate Administrator Patricia G. Smith included establishing processes for Space Transportation Vehicle Safety, continuing work on the Space and Air Traffic Management System (SATMS) to integrate launches into existing air traffic systems, and collaborating with the Air Force on national safety standards. Dr. Lane presented findings from an OSTP/National Security Council review, recommending alternative management processes for launch ranges, the use of non-Federal funding for maintenance, and legislative changes to foster Federal-state-industry partnerships. NASA’s Art Stephenson outlined a strategy to transition NASA’s transportation needs to commercial vehicles by 2005, involving risk reduction activities and integrated architectures. The conference panels addressed specific operational and developmental challenges. Panel 1 discussed human spaceflight experiences and physiological effects. Panel 2 examined the evolution of launch sites, contrasting Federal facilities like Kennedy Space Center with emerging commercial spaceports in Alaska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Panel 3 focused on environmental case studies for launch operations. Panel 4 explored risk assessment, management, and insurance markets. Panel 5 covered the operation and maintenance of Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs), including concepts from Kelly Space & Technology and Lockheed Martin. Panel 6 reviewed space journalism trends, while Panel 7 analyzed the economic benefits and payload optimization for RLVs. Additionally, Transportation Secretary Slater announced a request to double FAA resources for commercial space transportation from $6.2 million to $12.6 million to support these growing responsibilities. The significance of the conference lies in its reinforcement of the U.S. government’s commitment to the technological and economic growth of commercial space transportation. The proceedings underscored a shift toward greater industry involvement in range management and a strategic goal of reducing access costs through commercialization. The report highlights the administration’s vision for a 21st-century transportation system that includes space, emphasizing cooperation between the private sector and government to foster innovation, safety, and operational efficiency in the commercial launch industry.
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