Spacecraft Recovery Port Concepts

Ground-based space operations have historically focused on launch support facilities and ranges, reflecting the relative scarcity of spacecraft recovery as compared to launches. The future promises increasing application of recoverable spacecraft for returning crew and materials to Earth. Heritage recovery approaches may not effectively support future spacecraft operations. Future spacecraft recovery ports may be optimally realized to deal with this increasing recoverable traffic. Various space faring entities have established launch complexes reflecting the requirements and influencing factors of their particular space flight operations, (e.g. geographical location vis a vis launch performance, launch range versatility and safety, interfaces for terrestrial transportation, supportive services, material and equipment, and geopolitical considerations). Establishing spacecraft recovery complexes will demand that similar concerns be addressed in a versatile manner, especially if a common port is to accommodate an evolving set of vehicles and users. Entry vectors influence the selection of recovery sites, reflecting risk from over-flight of populated areas. Cooperation with air traffic regulators is required to coordinate entry airspace issues involving aviation traffic, monitoring and control. Coordination with maritime regulators, including oil platforms and vessels, addresses risk from spacecraft recovery operations occurring over water. If properly located, a shared recovery port complex may host land, maritime, or air-capture operations. Post-recovery transportation capabilities providing interactive multi-modal options for surface, sea, and air transportation would meet the needs of all users. Countries and commercial entities face common challenges in spacecraft recovery operational and facilities requirements. A common recovery port would promote affordability and reduce environmental impact otherwise associated with multiple recovery sites. Shared use must be reflected in the design philosophy and management paradigm under which the port is developed and operated. This paper explores concepts for a spacecraft recovery ports. Topics include range characteristics, recovery infrastructure, interfaces to industrial and user-supportive capabilities, social-economic and political issues, and concepts of operation. The paper closes with a description of a notional recovery port located in the continental United States.