Colorado Proposed Spaceport. Team 52. Juan Andrini, Ben Halle, Brian Sorrell, Melanie Stricklan, Patrick Villareal

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1 Running head: COLORADO PROPOSED SPACEPORT Colorado Proposed Spaceport Team 52 Juan Andrini, Ben Halle, Brian Sorrell, Melanie Stricklan, Patrick Villareal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for SPSM 6000 Practical Research in Space Operations Webster University Study Director: Mr. William Hoffman May 12, 2011

2 COLORADO SPACEPORT 2 RELEASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS We, the undersigned, Webster University Graduate Student Team 52, Spring II Term, 2011, hereby release all intellectual property rights of our research and deliverables as submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Webster University SPSM6000 course. Webster University, The Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corporation, The Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA/AST), and the State of Colorado may reproduce, modify, edit, distribute in printed or electronic version all, or portions, of this work for academic or business development purposes without fee or encumbrances into perpetuity. We release all claims to immediate and future rights of this material into perpetuity. We hereby testify by witness thereof our signatures that this work is our original research and it contains only by reference or citation, other works in printed or electronic form as accepted in academic research. Witness William C Hoffman, Jr. Director - Space Programs Webster University hoffmanw@webster.edu

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4 COLORADO SPACEPORT 4 Table of Contents Abstract...6 Objectives...7 Spaceport Designation...8 Space Commercialization...8 Colorado...11 Designation Process...11 Future Efforts...12 Benefits of a Spaceport...13 Tourism...13 Scientific Research...16 Commercial Applications...18 Economic and Job Stimulation...22 Spaceport America...26 Why Bring a Spaceport to New Mexico?...28 The Initial Stages...30 Measurable Progress...31 Spaceport America Today...32 What s Next for Spaceport America?...34 Takeaways...35 Future Impact Studies...36 Economic Impact Study Considerations...37 Environmental Impact Study Considerations...47

5 COLORADO SPACEPORT 5 Support...54 Conclusion...56 References...58 Appendix...63

6 COLORADO SPACEPORT 6 Division of Labor Juan Andrini Spaceport America Ben Halle Benefits, Abstract, Conclusion Brian Sorrell Spaceport Designation Melanie Stricklan Support, Governor/EDC Letters of Intent, Industry Networking Patrick Villareal Economic and Environmental Impacts All Compilation, Formatting, Editing

7 COLORADO SPACEPORT 7 Abstract Colorado has one of the most robust and well-developed commercial space sectors of almost any other state in the nation. As such, it is perfectly poised to take advantage of President Obama s National Space Policy that emphasizes the utilization and promotion of private space industries in developing new technologies and accessing the vast reaches of space. However, despite its strong industrial base, Colorado is falling far behind other states in the realm of actually applying its inherent assets and native expertise in local space applications such as potential spaceports. With seven existing spaceports, and eight others in different stages of proposal and research across the nation, Colorado risks losing its industrial and innovative edge as future potential business migrates to other states in support of their spaceports and inherent business opportunities. In order to maintain its space superiority, Colorado should take the first step and submit a letter from the Governor to the Associate Director for Commercial Space Transportation declaring the state s intent to be a proposed spaceport state. Doing so would place Colorado on the FAA/AST spaceport map in their annual Commercial Space Transportation Developments publication for all interested industries. Proposed spaceport status will also open opportunities for federal funding for further feasibility studies and research. As a spaceport state, Colorado could further enhance its potential to increase economic activity and to create much needed jobs throughout the state. Obtaining proposed spaceport status is the first step in qualifying for needed impact and feasibility studies. Likewise, it is the first step, based on other spaceport states success, in garnering the crucial industry and commercial support that would make the venture a success.

8 COLORADO SPACEPORT 8 Objectives To acquire Governor Hickenlooper s signature on an official memo to the FAA demonstrating Colorado s intent to become a proposed spaceport state. To couple Colorado s prominent commercial space industry with the current National Space Policy s strong emphasis on building and partnering with the private space sector. To promote the future advancement of the spaceport concept and the utilization of space capabilities already inherent within the state of Colorado.

9 COLORADO SPACEPORT 9 Spaceport Designation Colorado must pursue designation as a spaceport state in order to enable exploitation of available commercial space infrastructure and grant funding. This designation will allow the conduct of necessary feasibility studies on the potential for Colorado to become a viable spaceport and to promote the potential for placement of a National Aerospace Control Center (NACC). It will also garner recognition of Colorado in the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA/AST) annual Commercial Space Transportation Development publication to get Colorado recognized internationally as a viable commercial space transportation center. This will support Colorado s extensive existing commercial space infrastructure and allow the state to compete for future growth as the Commercial Space industry expands and matures as a significant, global economic enterprise. Space Commercialization Commercial capabilities are making an ever increasing foray into the space industry. The industry is in its infancy, but holds significant potential for the future of space. Baird asserts that the high cost of space is one of the biggest obstacles to the growth of space commercialization and that the key to successful space exploration is free enterprise (2008). An increasing number of privately funded organizations are looking to space to exploit opportunities in the areas of energy, transportation, media, manufacturing, tourism, and others. The key to successful space exploration is free enterprise (Baird, 2008). The private sector is working to build space infrastructure without dependence on NASA and the Department of Defense. Space commerce is fundamentally dependent on space transportation -- the ability to access, move through, and return from space (DoC, 2011). The U.S. Space Transportation

10 COLORADO SPACEPORT 10 Policy of 2005 emphasizes the government's need to assure U.S. access to space. It calls for a fundamental transformation in U.S. space transportation capabilities and infrastructure and encourages the government to capitalize on the entrepreneurial spirit of the U.S. private sector, which offers new approaches and technology innovation in U.S. space transportation, options for enhancing space exploration activities, and opportunities to open new commercial markets, including public space travel (DoC), The National Space Policy of 2010 charges the government to work jointly to acquire space launch services and hosted payload arrangements that are reliable, responsive to U.S. Government needs, and cost-effective; enhance operational efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce launch costs by investing in the modernization of space launch infrastructure; and develop launch systems and technologies necessary to assure and sustain future reliable and efficient access to space, in cooperation with U.S. industry, when sufficient U.S. commercial capabilities and services do not exist (NSP, 2010). This shift in the government viewpoint of commercial launch has driven an explosion of commercial space launch ventures in recent years. Commercial space launches hold a market in excess of $100 billion annually (ULA, 2011). The United Launch Alliance is a Lockheed Martin and Boeing joint venture providing commercial launch services to the U.S. government. Arianespace is a European consortium providing a variety of launch services. Space X, an emerging company with aims toward decreasing launch cost and increasing reliability, had demonstrated significant early success. Bigelow Aerospace has aims to provide transport services to the International Space Station. Virgin Galactic is making a foray into the industry, beginning with SpaceShip One s award of the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE. NASA is driving many of the commercial efforts through its Commercial Orbital Transportation Services effort. This program finances private sector space transport system development.

11 COLORADO SPACEPORT 11 With ever-increasing commercial space activities comes the inevitable, but necessary government management, oversight, and regulation. The Office of Space Commercialization, under the Department of Commerce, is the primary government authority for space commerce policy activities. Its mission is to foster the conditions for the economic growth and technological advancement of the U.S. commercial space industry, with a vision of a robust and responsive U.S. industry that is the world leader in space commerce (OSC, 2011). This office manages all sectors of the space commerce industry, to including satellite navigation, remote sensing, and space transportation. This office also participates in broad governmental discussions of national space policy and other space-related issues. The Office of Commercial Space Transportation, under the Federal Aviation Administration, regulates the commercial space transportation industry, to ensure compliance with international obligations of the United States and to protect the public health and safety, safety of property, and national security and foreign policy interests of the United States; encourages, facilitates, and promotes commercial space launches and reentries by the private sector; recommends appropriate changes in Federal statutes, treaties, regulations, policies, plans, and procedures; and facilitates the strengthening and expansion of the United States space transportation infrastructure (FAA, 2011). In addition, the office issues licenses for commercial domestic launches and domestic spaceport facilities. While many commercial launch systems use government launch complexes, there is an increasing effort to develop private complexes. In addition to wholly commercial capabilities, many governments are providing launch access and support to commercial payloads. This is effectively civilianizing the government launch capability. There are currently eight Federal Aviation Administration licensed commercial spaceports within the United States. They are

12 COLORADO SPACEPORT 12 located in California, Alaska, Florida, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Six additional states, Wyoming, Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Washington have proposals that are in varying stages of completion (FAA, 2011). Colorado The state of Colorado is uniquely positioned to exploit this surge of commercial space industry. The state is already a national leader in aerospace, specifically in space applications. The state has the third largest space related economy, and ranks first in concentration of aerospace employees (Development Research Partners, 2010). Eight of the nation s largest space-related contractors maintain a significant footprint in Colorado. In total, there are over 400 companies providing products and services. These companies employ over 163,000 personnel with a $2.8 billion annual payroll (Colorado Space Coalition, 2011). Colorado also ranks second in the nation for awarded Small Business Innovation Research Grants. The state has the second most educated workforce in the nation, and multiple universities offer graduate programs in space sciences. Finally, Colorado has an unequaled military presence with four commands in the state. These are Air Force Space Command, Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command, and U.S. Northern Command. There are also three military bases exclusively conducting space activities; Buckley Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schriever Air Force Base. The next logical and obvious step is for Colorado to be formally recognized as a proposed spaceport state. Designation Process The first part of the process is a letter from the Governor to the FAA/AST proclaiming the interest and intent of Colorado in becoming a proposed spaceport state. Upon review, the FAA will then include Colorado in the Commercial Space Transportation and Developments

13 COLORADO SPACEPORT 13 publications as a proposed spaceport state. It really is that simple. Unlike certification or licensing, designation does not imply or commit the state to additional requirements. There is no additional cost or taxpayer burden associated with the designation. It does not indicate or imply that Colorado will necessarily pursue an in-state launch capability. What it does is gain national recognition for the state. It allows others internationally direct insight into the wide array of space capabilities that Colorado has to offer. Funding is available; there are numerous grant and contracts that the designation will open the way to. For example, the FAA instituted the Commercial Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grant Program. This program in its first year awarded $500,000 to multiple states; $227,000 to Alaska for a rocket motor storage facility, $104,000 to Florida to develop a Spaceport Master Plan, and many others (FAA, 2011). It is possible that without this designation, Colorado could continue to lose space contracts to other states, as evidenced by the Atlas and Delta launch vehicle work that has been lost. There are no negative implications to pursuing the spaceport state designation, but many potentially positive outcomes. Future Efforts Garnering a proposed spaceport designation opens the door for Colorado to pursue a myriad of opportunities. For example, there has been extensive research in to the development of a National Aerospace Control Center (NACC), essentially 21 st Century air traffic control for space, located in Colorado. The state could pursue funding for a feasibility study to further this effort. A designation also opens the door for grant funding to perform a feasibility study for an actual spaceport. Colorado could partner with existing launch services in other states for pointto-point launch and landing, or many other viable non-launch activities.

14 COLORADO SPACEPORT 14 In the near-term, it is recommended that future graduate students begin development of Colorado s portion of the FAA/AST Commercial Space Transportation and Developments report. Once the designation is official, it is anticipated that the state s aerospace industry will be much more engaged and willing to support efforts in this direction. Benefits of a Spaceport There are many potential benefits to having an active spaceport in the state of Colorado. First, a spaceport can serve as an outstanding tourist attraction that could bring thousands of new visitors into the state. Second, it can serve as a conduit and as base of operations for new and ongoing space-based, scientific research. Third, along with current space policy, it will boost commercial markets and industries within the state. Finally, it will generate millions of dollars in economic revenues, it will create the demand for thousands of new jobs, and it will increase much needed tax revenues. In this manner a spaceport in Colorado will be of benefit both to the state and to its citizens. Tourism One of the many economic advantages to developing a spaceport system is the increased draw of space tourism to the state. A spaceport will serves as an additional attraction to a state that already has so many natural advantages as demonstrated in its glorious weather, beautiful mountains, unmatched skiing, and limitless outdoor adventure capability. Having an active spaceport will only further solidify the charm and appeal that Colorado has to people all over the world. The appeal of having an active spaceport is recognized by some of the leading tourist areas in the world. For this reason, even Hawaii, where tourism impacts all sectors of its economy and is the primary source of employment and revenue within the state, has taken steps

15 COLORADO SPACEPORT 15 to capitalize on the draw and attraction of space (Messier, 2011). In July 2009, Hawaii passed a bill to become designated as a possible spaceport state, and to begin conducting environmental and community impact studies (Tuohy, 2009). Today, Hawaii s State Senators are currently debating a bill that would enable their state to apply for an active spaceport license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (Messier, 2011). Their legislature recognizes that new developments in technology, increased visitor sophistication, and greater competition from other world tourism markets require Hawaii s tourism industry to direct their marketing efforts at visitors with specific interests (Messier, 2011, p. 1). One such interest that they are working to expand as a niche product in hopes of enhancing Hawaii s appeal as a tourist destination is that of space tourism (Messier, 2011). Space tourism is beginning to demonstrate an ever-increasingly lucrative business potential. For example, Virgin Galactic has already signed a 20-year lease with Spaceport America in New Mexico that calls for $1 million payments a year to the spaceport for five years and then more money to cover costs, [and] has deposits from more than 300 people signed up for $200,000 each (Schrader, 2010, p. 3). They plan to take around six passengers at a time up to 50,000 feet, release their spacecraft, and then blast them into suborbital space at speeds greater than 2,500 mph, where they will experience zero-gravity and fantastic views of space before they glide back through the atmosphere and down to earth (Virgin Galactic, n.d.). To expand and prolong this experience, a spaceport in Colorado could serve as an alternative destination for future Virgin Galactic flights. Furthermore, Virgin Galactic is not the only company to pursue this dream of space tourism. Other groundbreaking companies are also engaging in similar endeavors. For example, Rocketplane Global lobbied Hawaii for suborbital space flights between Honolulu and Kona

16 COLORADO SPACEPORT 16 International Airport (potential sites for their proposed spaceport), and the Rocket Racing League, which proposes to host NASCAR-style racing within the earth s atmosphere, has tested flights out of the Oklahoma Spaceport (Hsu, 2009). The Oklahoma Spaceport is an FAA s licensed Space Launch Operators with one of North America s longest runways, coming in at over 13,500 feet (FAA, 2011). As with any tourist attraction, the lure that a spaceport in Colorado will have to people from around the world will also generate residual business with related, support industries. These industries can build off the interest generated by the spaceport in Colorado, and target that potential market audience with interrelated thematic attractions. For example, as previous researchers from Webster University have pointed out, theme hotels, such as one built around a life-size replica of Star Trek s Starship Enterprise could also attract thousands of tourists to the state (Ward, et al., 2007). Subsequently, if they were to position their hotel next to, or at, the proposed spaceport site the tourism appeal would only be stronger. Likewise, theme-related amusement parks, and activities could also capitalize on the location and interests of those coming to utilize the spaceport facilities and take advantage of both the time and the entertainment opportunities not provided by the spaceport itself. As technology continues to improve, a spaceport in Colorado would not be limited to short, suborbital flights into space, or its visitors to the possible earth-bound lodging and attractions. Another upcoming possibility for future spaceports is to serve as a possible conduit to prospective private and commercial space stations such as those proposed by Bigelow Aerospace, LLC. Bigelow Aerospace is currently developing inflatable space modules or stations that will be able to sustain human life for periods of time on low earth orbit. They are currently planning to launch the first fully operational modules as early as 2014 (Chang, 2010). Over the

17 COLORADO SPACEPORT 17 past year or so, Bigelow Aerospace has been visiting countries around the world to gauge interest and to garner support (Chang, 2010). On October 22, [2010] Bigelow Aerospace signed agreements with national space agencies, companies, and governmental entities in the Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, and New South Wales, Australia (FAA, 2011). These countries, as well as private or commercial entities, will be able to lease these on-orbit modules, including transportation, at the current price of $25 million dollars per person for a 30-day stay (Chang, 2010). Thus, as new orbital spacecraft and technology continue to emerge, commercial spaceports, such as the one proposed for Colorado, could be become an increasingly important cog in the space tourism industry. Scientific Research Aside from tourism, another benefit that can be of vital importance in having a spaceport is the vast opportunities it provides for advanced scientific research. According to the New Mexico Commercial Spaceport Economic Impact Study conducted by the Futron Corporation in 2005 for Spaceport America, space tourism is not the only market for commercial suborbital spaceflight: other potential markets include microgravity research, remote sensing, spaceflight hardware qualification, and other scientific research (Futron, 2005). Microgravity and suborbital research is often done today using sounding rockets. These sounding rockets carry scientific instruments into space along parabolic trajectories that seem to pause for anywhere from 5-20 minutes near their apogee location (NASA, n.d.). This duration of time, though short, along with the slow velocities of the rockets at their apogee are often ideal to conduct specific scientific experiments. The sounding rocket program serves as a low-cost, quick-turnaround testing platform for new scientific techniques, scientific instrumentation, and spacecraft technology that has later been used on many actual space missions (NASA, n.d.).

18 COLORADO SPACEPORT 18 However, the use of sounding rockets requires vertical launch capability. As a proposed spaceport in Colorado will not have vertical launch capabilities, an alternative method that a spaceport in Colorado can utilize in order to accommodate suborbital, scientific research is through horizontal launch. By serving as a potential horizontal launch and landing facility for reusable launch vehicles (RLV), such at those designed and used by Virgin Galactic, a spaceport in Colorado could provide an ideal staging area for new suborbital research. Using horizontally launched RLVs can provide access to space similar to that provided by sounding rockets, with potentially lower costs and perhaps on a more frequent basis (Foust, 2010). Another prospective benefit is the large quantity of human passengers and potential researchers on these flights that can conduct human-based experiments and serve as possible test subjects. This will give scientists the ability to study the effects of weightlessness over a much larger and more diverse population than is possible today on the ISS or shuttle missions (Foust, 2010, p. 2). Evidence suggests that many tourists would also be willing to participate in passive monitoring and possibly even more extensive testing (Foust, 2010). Beyond human-based testing, and even for experiments that cannot be conducted on suborbital flights, RLVs can also serve as an effective platform for testing equipment intended for future use in other space applications such as on the International Space Station (Foust, 2010). Many different research institutions, including one specific company with local facilities in Boulder, Colorado, have recognized this forthcoming platform for scientific research. The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has a Space Science and Engineering Division with a Planetary Science Directorate located in Boulder, Colorado. On February 28, 2011, SwRI signed a contract with Virgin Galactic to send three scientists as payload specialists aboard eight suborbital flights some to altitudes greater than 350,000 feet, above the internationally

19 COLORADO SPACEPORT 19 recognized boundary of space (Southwest Research Institute, 2011). As part of this contract with Virgin Galactic, SwRI made full deposits for researchers to fly on their spacecraft, with the possible arrangements for additional seats, for a total value of $1.6 million (Attenborough, 2011). Not only does SwRI plan to send its own researchers into space with scientific experiments developed by their own in-house technical staff, but they also hope to assist other American researchers who do not have direct spaceflight experience to develop and fly their payloads and personnel on suborbital missions (Attenborough, 2011, p. 1). In additional to signing contracts with Virgin Galactic, SwRI also plans to send researchers up on XCOR Corporation s high-altitude rocket plane, Lynx I, which anticipates being able to send a researcher up to 200,000 feet (Southwest Research Institute, 2011). With both Virgin Galactic and with XCOR, SwRI payload specialists will conduct their experiments, either inside a pressurized cabin environment or externally, to test and collect data on biomedical results, microgravity, and astronomical imaging (Southwest Research Institute, 2011). As these tests are successful, and as more research institutes take advantage of the lower cost, higher frequency, and increased availability of space flights, spaceports will become instrumental in facilitating scientific research in space. Commercial Applications Another one of the great benefits of becoming a proposed spaceport state is the very commercial nature of the spaceport itself. While it only takes the Governor s signature to designate the state of Colorado as a proposed spaceport state, much of the spaceport and its users are from the commercial rather than the government sector. The tourism draw is from commercial spaceflights, commercial hotels, restaurants, museums and other commercial

20 COLORADO SPACEPORT 20 attractions. Likewise, commercial industries and researchers conduct much of the proposed research originating from spaceport-based flights and future products. This commercial aspect of spaceports falls right in line with present space strategy establish by the current Obama administration. One of the primary components of the National Space Policy of the United States of America, published on June 28, 2010, emphasizes the need and the importance of commercial space. In fact the second guiding principle in the policy states that a robust and competitive commercial space sector is vital to continued progress in space (National Space Policy, 2010, p. 3). It then goes on to explain how the United States is committed to support and advance the commercial space sector and to make it competitive and viable within both the local and global markets for satellite manufacturing, satellite-based services, space launch, terrestrial applications, and increased entrepreneurship (National Space Policy, 2010, p. 4). The National Space Policy divides space activities into three sectors: commercial, civil, and national security, with guidelines for each sector. The guidelines pertaining to the commercial space sector that government departments and agencies must follow to promote a healthy commercial space industry are as follows: Purchase and use commercial space capabilities and services to the maximum practical extent when such capabilities and services are available in the marketplace and meet United States Government requirements; Modify commercial space capabilities and services to meet government requirements when existing commercial capabilities and services do not fully meet these requirements and the potential modification represents a more cost-effective and timely acquisition approach for the government;

21 COLORADO SPACEPORT 21 Actively explore the use of inventive, nontraditional arrangements for acquiring commercial space goods and services to meet United States Government requirements, including measures such as public-private partnerships, hosting government capabilities on commercial spacecraft, and purchasing scientific or operational data products from commercial satellite operators in support of government missions; Develop governmental space systems only when it is in the national interest and there is no suitable, cost-effective U.S. commercial or, as appropriate, foreign commercial service or system that is or will be available; Refrain from conducting United States Government space activities that preclude, discourage, or compete with U.S. commercial space activities, unless required by national security or public safety; Pursue potential opportunities for transferring routine, operational space functions to the commercial space sector where beneficial and cost-effective, except where the government has legal, security, or safety needs that would preclude commercialization; Cultivate increased technological innovation and entrepreneurship in the commercial space sector through the use of incentives such as prizes and competitions; Ensure that United States Government space technology and infrastructure are made available for commercial use on a reimbursable, noninterference, and equitable basis to the maximum practical extent;

22 COLORADO SPACEPORT 22 Minimize, as much as possible, the regulatory burden for commercial space activities and ensure that the regulatory environment for licensing space activities is timely and responsive; Foster fair and open global trade and commerce through the promotion of suitable standards and regulations that have been developed with input from U.S. industry; Encourage the purchase and use of U.S. commercial space services and capabilities in international cooperative arrangements; and Actively promote the export of U.S. commercially developed and available space goods and services, including those developed by small- and medium-sized enterprises, for use in foreign markets, consistent with U.S. technology transfer and nonproliferation objectives (National Space Policy, 2010, p ). With this increased emphasis and underlying support for commercial space within the United States, now is the perfect time for entering into ventures such as commercial spaceports. Indeed, Colorado is already perfectly poised to take advantage of this recently emphasized commercial space sector. In accordance with this policy, NASA recently signed a Space Act Agreement with the State of Colorado to promote the commercialization of technology designed for use in space (NASA, 2010). This agreement, signed on 13 December 2010, between NASA and the Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology (CAMT), called the Technology Acceleration Program and Regional Innovation Cluster for Aerospace and Clean Energy, focuses on establishing a manufacturing park to boost rapid product development as well as to cultivate space-related businesses in Colorado (NASA, 2010). By tapping into the strong aerospace and energy industry base that is already prevalent in Colorado, this program will allow companies within the manufacturing park to work directly with NASA to bring new products to

23 COLORADO SPACEPORT 23 market in record times. They hope to cut product development from an average of five years to about 18 months (NASA, 2010). Early in April 2011, CAMT identified the Agilent campus in Loveland, Colorado (formerly the home of Hewlett Packard Co.) as the primary location for the Aerospace and Clean Energy (ACE) project (Pankratz, 2011). This campus covers over 300 acres and contains over 800,000 square feet of building space (Pankratz, 2011). Loveland s Chamber of Commerce estimates that this new space-manufacturing park could possibly create between 7,000 10,000 new jobs across the state, attracting around 100 high tech and clean energy companies into the park, and generating up to $7 billion net economic output annually (ACE-Loveland, n.d.). With the new ACE project coming to Colorado, a spaceport would be a perfect complimentary fit. Indeed, a spaceport would be an ideal testing ground for much of the new technologies developed by the space-manufacturing park. Likewise, many of the same type commercial industries attracted by the ACE project would also have like interests in a possible cooperative spaceport research park. And while Loveland might be the selected location for the manufacturing park, a spaceport and research park might be better located near the existing Denver International or Colorado Springs Airport business parks. In this manner, a commercial spaceport could also attract many additional businesses to the state of Colorado where access to commercial transportation or future commercial space transportation will be essential. Economic and Job Stimulation As new businesses begin to migrate to Colorado to participate in the space-manufacturing park, similar businesses will also come to support a new spaceport. These new businesses will have the potential to create much-needed jobs and economic stimulation within the state. This

24 COLORADO SPACEPORT 24 can be accomplished on several levels that include new construction, daily operations, support industries, and increased tax revenues to the state. First, there will be a large demand for initial construction as businesses begin to build new offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and finally the actual construction of the spaceport itself. This is extremely beneficial, especially during a time of economic turmoil when the construction industry has been hurt due to the downturn of the housing industry and its subsequent decrease in the demand for new construction. Much of the stress currently felt by our local construction industry could be alleviated by the combined arrival of both the new spacemanufacturing or research park and a new spaceport within the state. As businesses relocate, they will need new office space as well as closer warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Even in the case of the manufacturing park, where current facilities already exist in the form of the Agilent campus, extensive remodeling will still need to be done to accommodate the exact needs of the individual businesses moving into the park. All of this will bring added jobs, and will be a welcome boon, to the local, beleaguered construction companies. An even greater project may be the actual construction of the spaceport itself. Depending on where it is built, existing runways at the Denver International Airport and even at the Colorado Springs Airport (previously certified as a Shuttle emergency landing site) could potentially be utilized for horizontal launch and landing capabilities. However, if the spaceport is constructed at a location where use of these runways is impractical, then new runways, and launch facilities would have to be built. Once again, this would provide a large amount of business to the construction industry. Even without new runways, a central location would need to be chosen and facilities built to house the actual spaceport headquarters and command facility.

25 COLORADO SPACEPORT 25 The construction of a new spaceport, while not a permanent source of economic activity and job creation itself, does provide the most immediate and visible economic boost. The Futron Corporation, which conducted the economic impact study for Spaceport America, estimated that the construction of the spaceport in New Mexico would generate a maximum $331 million in total revenues and economic activity, as well as nearly 2,500 new jobs, during just one year of its three-year estimated construction period (Futron, 2005). Granted, once the construction project is complete, this level of economic activity and immediate job creation would go away, or at least dwindle significantly, but it would still provide a huge boost to the economy that would then continue at varying levels for support operations. Once the construction of the spaceport is complete, it could then begin normal operations and likewise begin to generate sustainable economic activities and permanent jobs within the state. Colorado should conduct feasibility studies (using FAA grant funds) for determining if future horizontal launch operations and activities to include suborbital tourism flights of multiple operators, transportation of orbital cargo, standard crew and commercial passenger operations, and other typical spaceport facility activities make sense for Colorado. A spaceport such as Spaceport America could realize $460 million of new economic activity and 3,460 jobs within the first five years of operation with possible increases to about $552 million of new economic activity and 4,320 jobs within 10 years of operation (Futron, 2005). One of the great advantages that Colorado has over other states vying for spaceport capability is the broad base that already exists within the state for the manufacture of space products and for space command-and-control assets. With the headquarters of the United States Air Force Space Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) already here and operational in Colorado, there are already established and functioning assets

26 COLORADO SPACEPORT 26 that could be utilized to provide command and control, as well as space tracking and warning capabilities, not only for a new spaceport in Colorado, but also for other spaceports in different states around the nation. By building a proposed spaceport in Colorado, the state could tie into these capabilities for its own use, and then it could also position itself to provide these same capabilities, for a charged fee, to other states. Beyond the increase in revenue and jobs produced by daily operations of the spaceport, there would also be many ripple effects in both the economy and the job market for support industries. For example new food and lodging facilities would be in demand by the construction worker who are working on the spaceport, as well as by the incoming space tourist. The slumping new-housing market would thrive as employees coming to work at the spaceport begin to search for new living quarters. Likewise, retail and entertainment industries would also appear to meet the subsequent demand. The communications industry would be required to support both spaceport operations as well as the needs of personnel and families. All of these support industries, required to sustain a spaceport and its surrounding community, would also create new jobs and revenues. In so doing, the ripple effect would continue to compound and grow. For this reason, analyst in New Mexico estimated that Spaceport America would have the potential to attract an additional 1,000 to 1,500 jobs in space vehicle and aircraft manufacturing, headquarters operations and support services activities and in excess of $200 million in related economic activity by 2020 (Futron, 2005, p. 14). Finally, besides generating potentially large amounts of economic activity and revenue within the state for both businesses and citizens alike, having a successful spaceport in Colorado would also generate increased tax revenues for the state. As new businesses flourish, so will the state. As thousands of new jobs are created, the unemployment rate within the state also has the

27 COLORADO SPACEPORT 27 potential to decrease. Currently unemployed people within the state will have increased opportunities to fill the demand for labor and expertise on all levels. With increased tax revenues, and a decreased rate of unemployment draining an already strained system, Colorado would be in a much better fiscal situation. Even if Colorado offers attractive tax benefits to companies willing to relocate and support the space industry segment within the state, it will still collect additional revenues from sources not currently available. By using creative tax incentives that can be phased out gradually over the initial investment period, Colorado could generate substantial new opportunities for revenue growth. Thus a proposed spaceport has the potential to very beneficial for the state of Colorado. It will generate millions of dollars in economic revenues as well as create the demand for thousands of new jobs. This will first manifest itself in new construction followed by the daily operation of the spaceport itself. The operation of a proposed spaceport will attract a whole new segment of the tourism market to Colorado. New areas of research, and research-based companies, will be able to use the spaceport as a new conduit for access to space and its unique environment. The new national emphasis on the commercial space sector, along with the newly planned space-manufacturing park between Colorado and NASA, will increase the ability of local commercial businesses to take advantage of new space technologies and production to support emerging space activities as well as a potential spaceport. The jobs and revenues created by spaceport operations will then produce a ripple effect of demand for products and services from additional support industries and personnel. Finally, the increase in jobs and revenue production will result in decreased unemployment and increased tax revenues for the state of Colorado. In this manner, a successful spaceport can be of great benefit to all involved.

28 COLORADO SPACEPORT 28 Spaceport America New Mexico has had a significant role in the booming space industry since the 1930s when Robert Goddard began conducting research there (Spaceport America, 2011). Soon after that, Wernher Von Braun had used the New Mexico landscape to conduct space research and experiments and was later followed by several space industry giants such as NASA (Spaceport America, 2011). All of these parties shared one common interest they were all pioneers in the initial origins of aerospace industry development. New Mexico proved to be a sufficient test bed for aerospace development because of the mild weather conditions, and the copious amounts of open land and airspace. During the 1990s, there was strong interest in the aerospace community to research and pursue the commercialization of space and the concept of reusable launch vehicles. It was during this time that a coalition of interested individuals based out of New Mexico formed with the intention of bringing the space commercialization concept to the State (Spaceport America, 2011). This group was known as the Southwest Space Taskforce. This group conducted much research on the best location for a spaceport within the State of New Mexico. They decided to pursue a 27 square mile piece of land, located 45 miles north of Las Cruces, New Mexico (Spaceport America, 2011). Las Cruse is located by the southern state line, separating New Mexico from Texas. Knowing that Taskforce was limited to what it was able to influence, they sought out an ally to for political backing. In 2003, Rick Homans, the Secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Cabinet, joined forces with the Southwest Space Taskforce and approached New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson with the New Mexico Spaceport idea (Heild, 2011). With Richardson backing them up, they were successful in bringing the X-Prize Cup to New Mexico,

29 COLORADO SPACEPORT 29 and eventually formed a partnership with one of the world s largest commercial spaceflight contributors--virgin Galactic (Gomez, Gutman, Lee, & McCune, 2007). Looking at the history of Spaceport America, one could assume that this was a relatively easy process. A determined group had a vision, did some research, acquired political support, and successfully accomplished what they had set out to do. In reality this was no easy task. There are many moving parts that are involved with the establishment of a spaceport in any one of the United States. Many legal, political, economical, safety, and physical obstacles must be overcome in order to have a shot at building a spaceport. The journey to Spaceport America in New Mexico was a long and hard road, paved with uncertainty, and accomplished through a blend of hard work, persistence, a solid vision, and even a little bit of luck. Why bring a spaceport to New Mexico? To build a facility aimed solely at accommodating commercial space travel--a concept still in development--is no easy task. A project of this magnitude would need the support of local government, FAA licensing and designation, the support and acceptance of the local citizens, and most importantly; lots of money. There is a comprehensive, painstaking, and expensive process involved with the planning, development, and execution of a spaceport project. Taxpayers and private corporations alike would have to produce millions of dollars in revenue to in order to build the facility. In order to understand why a State would go through with the rigors of this process, one would have to first understand the benefits of bringing a spaceport to their hometown New Mexico has a long history of involvement in American Aerospace major milestones. With wide-open land and airspace, great weather, and support from the local citizens, New Mexico was a perfect place to conduct much of the Country s initial missile and rocket testing.

30 COLORADO SPACEPORT 30 With much of the State s space industry diminishing and relocating, political leaders were faced with the challenge of figuring out how to bring back the local space interest. With an increasing nationwide interest in the commercial space travel concept, New Mexico leaders decided that building the Nation s first commercial spaceport would be instrumental in bringing back aerospace industry to the State. Although commercial space travel has not yet begun at Spaceport America, the local government has partnered up with several aerospace businesses and has also made and alliance with commercial space giant Virgin Galactic; promising to surely make a comeback in the space industry. Space tourism has seriously diminished since the days of rocket testing and space research. Tourism to Roswell, New Mexico for Alien enthusiasts hasn t even been the same in recent years. New Mexico Legislators hope that the newly constructed spaceport will help to bring space tourism back in a major way. Several strategies for improving tourism are already taking place at the spaceport. For nominal fees, tourists can participate in guided hardhat tours of the facilities. For those interested in group tours, the spaceport also offers guided bus group tours as well (Spaceport America, 2011). Other plans involve highlighting additional area space attractions within the state. Of course the main means for bringing tourism and interested parties to the location is the future availability of actual flights in commercial spacecraft. Although it may be a rather expensive tour, commercial spaceflights will take New Mexico space tourism to level never seen before. Surely this will be another major milestone in New Mexico s aerospace history. One of the biggest reasons behind New Mexico's grand push for Spaceport America is simply local economic stimulation. According to current New Mexico Governor, Susanna Martinez, ''The Spaceport is part of the plan for economic development in New Mexico, and the

31 COLORADO SPACEPORT 31 voters made it clear they support it (Frosch, 2011). It was strongly believed that the spaceport would bring in thousands of jobs while constantly bringing in a steady stream of wealthy tourist from all over the world. Bringing these tourists in will also hopefully bring much desired attention to the many other attractions that are located throughout the state of New Mexico, therefore increasing the local economic revenue. When the project was approved back in 2006, then Governor Bill Richardson approved the project with a budget of 132 million (Stolley, 2009). This money came from recent gas and oil revenue. The project was finally budgeted for 209 million, but since has incurred more than 400 million in costs (Stolley, 2009). Unexpected costs have put the State of New Mexico in a significant deficit, and now more than ever, it is important to for this project to succeed and bring the cash flow of tourism into the local economy. The Initial Stages The grand plan to build a spaceport in New Mexico began with an assessment of New Mexico s vast history. The habitation of New Mexico goes back tens of thousands of years. This fact made it very difficult for researchers to isolate an optimal location for the proposed spaceport. The selected location was right in the center of a historical trade route called the Camino Real (Frosch, 2011). Before the groundbreaking could begin, the Federal government required that the land be surveyed by archaeologists in order to ensure that there were no historical artifacts of importance located at the construction site. Archaeologists found only sporadic samples of ancient Indian arrowheads, therefore construction was approved (Frosch, 2011). The origins of the New Mexico spaceport date back to the early 1990s. The initial concept was to provide an area for the recovery of reentry capsules from orbit (Gomez, Gutman, Lee, & McCune, 2007). During this time, $1.4 million in seed money was raised through

32 COLORADO SPACEPORT 32 multiple studies conducted by NASA. The studies included safety, environmental, and feasibility for using the proposed area as a landing site for unmanned capsules. It was during this time that the first strategic and marketing plan for New Mexico spaceport was developed (Gomez, Gutman, Lee, & McCune, 2007). Interest in this program was backed and supported by the New Mexico State University. Reentry capsules was the initial market for the New Mexico spaceport during the early 1990s.The biggest obstacle with this concept was a small market size. A land recovery site for unmanned capsules would bring in little revenue as well as minimal economic job growth. During the mid to late 1990s, interests shifted from reentry capsules to a launch-to-orbit concept (Gomez, Gutman, Lee, & McCune, 2007). This marked the formation of the Southwest Regional Spaceport Taskforce. Additional fund raising from the Air Force led to the creation of the New Mexico Office for Space Commercialization (NMOSC). This office was tasked with pursuing an entrepreneurial space programs (Gomez, Gutman, Lee, & McCune, 2007). Site selection analysis and studies continued, while environmental impact and safety guidelines were examined and developed. Studies conducted include; technical feasibility and strategic development plans, Air Force grants, environmental impact statements, site licensing, NASAsponsored business plan grant, and the governor s technical excellence committee report (Gomez, Gutman, Lee, & McCune, 2007). Measurable Progress There were several major milestones that took place throughout the spaceport planning process of New Mexico. In 2003, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson officially backed the plan to build a spaceport in New Mexico (Heild, 2011). This idea was presented to him by his Head of State Tax and Revenue Department, Rick Homans (Heild, 2011). The Governor, excited

33 COLORADO SPACEPORT 33 about the idea, appointed a committee dedicated to accomplishing the plan, and appointed Homans as the Chairman of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (Gallegos, 2010). Homans went on to wear many hats within the local government to include The Secretary of Economic Development (Gallegos, 2010). In 2010, Homans was named Executive Director of the Spaceport Authority. With Homans heading the Board, many milestones were tackled to include; project planning and management, process bidding, land negotiations, and the development of necessary infrastructure (Heild, 2011). All of these requirements were very instrumental in the success of the project. An essential part of New Mexico s quest for Spaceport accomplishment was to create buzz for the project, internationally. One way to accomplish this was for New Mexico to bring the Ansari X-Prize Cup home to the Spaceport. The X-Prize Cup was designed to be an annual event, hosted in southern New Mexico, geared at bringing in private parties and industry leaders interested in showcasing their current commercial spaceflight aircrafts (Vane, 2005). Prizes are given to contestants based on several different categories. This concept helped to bring a lot of notoriety to the New Mexico space industry much needed notoriety used to back the legitimacy of having a spaceport aimed at commercial space travel. One of the biggest milestones of the New Mexico Spaceport project was the alliance between New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Millionaire founder of Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard Branson (Spaceport America, 2011). In December, 2005, Virgin Galactic accepted the Governor s proposal to make the New Mexico Spaceport, Virgin Galactic s World Headquarters (Gomez, Gutman, Lee, & McCune, 2007). Not only did this action stir up a lot of media interest, but it also guaranteed New Mexico the ability to conduct commercial flight operations out of the newly constructed spaceport. Signing a multimillion dollar contract with the world s largest

34 COLORADO SPACEPORT 34 commercial aerospace company definitely helped New Mexico legitimize the arduous, painstaking process that has put the State on the map as a Spaceport Designated State. Spaceport America Today Today, New Mexico is one of only a few States that hosts a spaceport geared at commercial aerospace operations. State appropriations and tax revenue have gone into funding the tremendous construction project (Spaceport America, 2011). Construction has not yet been completed, but it scheduled to be finished sometime during the early part of 2011 (Spaceport America, 2011). Although the facility is not yet fully operational, revenue is already being generated through tourism and merchandising, and New Mexico has also already requested Federal funding for the $200 million-plus project (Spaceport America, 2011). Commercial flights are scheduled to begin once the spaceport is fully operational. Many obstacles were encountered during the New Mexico Spaceport project. There continue to be many financial, political, and physical hurdles to overcome in this project. One of the main problems lies within the program budget. Originally budgeted at $209 million dollar, the project has helped put New Mexico into a $450 million deficit (Frosch, 2011). Like any investment, it takes capitol to start the process especially when the project has to be built from the ground up. Developers are now seeing that a second runway may be needed to expand on commercial operations, and this could significantly raise the construction costs (Frosch, 2011). New Mexico Government Officials and citizens alike are hopeful that there will be healthy return on investments from job growth, tourism, and the business partnerships being developed as a result of this business venture. Officials plan on leaning more toward private industry to further finance any further costs attributed to the development of Spaceport America (Frosch, 2011).

35 COLORADO SPACEPORT 35 The space port in southern New Mexico is a work in progress. The official website for the facility offers a lot of information on the project s current status and current issues affecting the completion timeline. Many pictures are available for individuals interested in seeing what the facility looks like, and what the construction process continues to look like on a daily basis. Many other documents are also available through the website, such as original impact studies, newsletters, media releases, public presentations, and informational brochures. Interested individuals can learn more about Spaceport America by visiting the website, or they can also get more information on how to reserve a seat on a commercial space flight. Until construction is completed in 20ll, the facility continues to offer entertainment and knowledge to interested tourists, while offering economic hope to many New Mexican Citizens. What s next for Spaceport America? With a new Executive Director to the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, Spaceport America plans on moving forward full-throttle. In early 2011, New Mexico Governor, Susana Martinez, appointed Christine M. Anderson as the new Spaceport Director (Emerson, 2011). Anderson is a retired Air Forces official, with an education in mathematics and engineering, and is sure to bring great experience to the table (Emerson, 2011). The concept of commercial aerospace is relatively new, therefore it is important that versatile, motivated, personnel head the program with the flexibility that would allow for overcoming initial unforeseen hiccups. As the new replacement to Governor Bill Richardson, Governor Susana Martinez also plans on guiding Spaceport America in a positive direction. Already, since taking office, Martinez has replaced several of the Spaceport Authority board members (Emerson, 2011). This was a controversial move on the part of the new governor and according to Emerson, (2011), Martinez has publically stated; What we want to do is get a hold of the contract (with Virgin

36 COLORADO SPACEPORT 36 Galactic) and make sure we know what the long-term commitment is financially," and that the current Executive Director and board members, " have not been very willing to share the very hard data of what is the state's commitment long-term." Governor Martinez maintains that she is dedicated to the Spaceport America project, and that her interests lie in heading the project in the right direction in order to benefit the State. The overall goal for a private commercial spaceport in New Mexico remains the need to for economic growth. Although much of the initial push for the project was focused on keeping New Mexico heavily involved in the rapidly growing space industry, it was the promise of economic stimulation that really sold the project. This was especially true for the citizens of southern New Mexico, who agreed to pay a special tax in order to help fund the project in order to reap the benefits of thousands of additional jobs and tourism revenue. Spaceport America may have been a dead concept had it not been for the support of the local citizens. Money was the motivation behind project support and Government leaders remain optimistic that the project will indeed pay off for the benefit of all involved. Takeaways Studying the processes taken by the people of New Mexico can considerably help other interested parties to avoid reinventing the wheel. Because this is a new concept, there are no instructions on how to establish a spaceport or spaceport designation. The best bet is to do the research, see what has worked for others, and understand the unique requirements that may differ from location to location. The following is a list of six key takeaways that can be extracted from the history of Spaceport America:

37 COLORADO SPACEPORT 37 Purpose although it had changed direction over time, the task force had a clear purpose for establishing spaceport. There has to be a clear reason for taking on a project this big. Support proposing a project of this magnitude takes public and industry support and backing. Without the proper support, this proposal seems like a farfetched idea. Funding determining the feasibility of this type of project takes several studies. These studies can become quite expensive. Seed money should be raised to conduct these studies. This is a product of having the right support and backing as well. A Plan it is not enough to have a good idea on a spaceport, you should also have a plan on how to make it happen. Whether it by private industry or tax payers, no one is going to fund an idea without a plan. Real estate Southern New Mexico is a prime location for a spaceport. Mild weather, terrain, and open skies make for a great location. Notoriety the Spaceport America project has accomplished several tasks in order to bring media attention to the project. Partnering with a billionaire mogul and hosting an international competition for the commercial space community were both excellent ways to keep the public interested in the project s progress. Many lessons can be learned from studying New Mexico s journey of establishing America s first private commercial spaceport. We can see that it is not an easy task and it can take many decades to accomplish. States interested in establishing and building a commercial spaceport can use the same model and emulate this process in order to gain similar outcomes. Because States differ in economics, politics, environment, history, and population; it is unclear whether or not this process will work for all. Realistically, only time will tell how successful this

38 COLORADO SPACEPORT 38 project actually is. Commercial spaceflight is still in its early stages, and building hubs for this underdeveloped transportation technology could prove to be a risky investment for any community willing to take it on. Future Impact Studies Impact studies are a natural effort required when proposing a spaceport in Colorado, but these studies cannot be performed without first being designation as a proposed spaceport state. After the governor signs the letter designating the State of Colorado as a proposed spaceport state, impact studies can be conducted. Team 52 identified two major studies that will help proponents convince decision makers of the viability of a spaceport project. These studies are the Economic Impact and the Environmental Impact Studies. These studies will require a lot of effort, funding and each of these studies are separate projects by themselves. This section of the paper will highlight some of the main areas future studies should cover. Economic Impact Study Considerations Having a spaceport in Colorado will obviously have an economic impact to the state, especially in the local city or county where it is built. Whether this economic impact is positive or negative is still unknown as the spaceport business is still in its early years and has limited historical data. A Colorado Spaceport economic impact study is important as it will provide advocates and decision-makers additional information they will need to decide whether to support a spaceport effort or not. The purpose of this section is to identify the different areas to consider when developing an economic impact study for Spaceport Colorado. This section will briefly examine two economic impact models such as RIMS II and IMPLAN (ACRP, 2008). Next, it will explain the nature of economic impact of spaceports. Then the paper will focus on the different economic impact areas pertinent to spaceport operations. Space Industry trends will

39 COLORADO SPACEPORT 39 also be considered and briefly discussed, as well as the target market that spaceport in Colorado might try to attract. Finally, this section will discuss future sources of economic impact to consider if a spaceport was constructed and became operational Economic impact models. The spaceport industry of today can be characterized just like air transportation was characterized in its infancy (Raymond, 1997). Our research identified two different economic models that were used to conduct economic impact studies at Wallops Island, VA and the Southwest Region Spaceport, New Mexico. The two models that are widely used in the private sectors are the Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS II) and the Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN). These economic impact study tools are frequently used by airport operators, planner, and regulatory agencies to measure the economic value that an airport contributes to its local and regional surroundings (ACRP, 2008). And, as our research has shown, these tools were also used in spaceport economic impact studies and should be considered when conducting when conducting economic studies for the Colorado Spaceport. Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS II) The first of the economic impact models is RIMS II. Two separate economic impact studies on the New Mexico Spaceport were conducted by the New Mexico State University and by Futron Corporation. Both entities used RIMS II multiplier data. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) RIMS II Handbook, RIMS II is a regional input-output multiplier that attempts to estimate how much one-time or sustained increase in economic activity in a particular region will be supplied by industries located in the region. It is widely used by the public, private and military sectors to estimate the economic impacts of a wide range of projects, such as building a new sports facility and expanding airports.

40 COLORADO SPACEPORT 40 The advantages of the RIMS II model are: the accessibility and detail of the main data source provided by the BEA, easy to understand and low cost, and data can be easily inflated or deflated depending on the desired year of analysis (ACRP, 2008). However, the consultants of the 2008 ACRP Synthesis 7 state that one of the disadvantages of RIMS II is that it is a spreadsheet-based model where the user has to set up the worksheet and every time a new variable is added the worksheet must be physically changed. Additionally, the BEA RIMS II Handbook states that RIMS II is a static equilibrium model, so impacts have no specific dimension and assume that impacts occur in 1 year. Because of this, RIMS II does not allow impacts to be analyzed over time and should be used carefully unless assumptions are made that input and outputs will be the same for a period of time such as the studies conducted on the New Mexico Spaceport. The next economic impact model to be covered uses a more dynamic methodology. Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN). Another economic impact model the team looked at is the Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) model. The IMPLAN model is more complex and a somewhat more expensive application of the two models Team 52 has identified because of its dynamic application of multipliers. The primary sources of data used in IMPLAN are provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and the BEA (ACRP, 2008). The economic impact study conducted on Wallops Island used IMPLAN because it allowed them to utilize state and county-specific data versus the RIMS II is only county-based (Bunch, 2011). The computer-base software-based nature of IMPLAN gives it an advantage as it allow for easy modification of variables and divides impacts into the traditional subcategories of direct, indirect, and induced effects (ACRP, 2008). Conversely, the

41 COLORADO SPACEPORT 41 ACRP of 2008 also states one disadvantage of IMPLAN, and that is data used for this model must be inflated or deflated before being entered into the system. Team 52 s research on conducting an economic impact study for a Colorado Spaceport has identified two potential economic impact models for consideration. The first was RIMS II which is low cost tool and is widely used in public, private and military applications but has some limitations because it is not computer-based and a static model. The second was IMPLAN which is costs considerably higher to use and utilized when larger geographic areas are being studied. IMPLAN also has its limitations where data has to be manipulated before entry into the system. There is no indication that any of the models is better suited for a specific class of study, so the low cost of the RIMS II model makes it the preferred choice for so many studies (ACRP, 2008). If Team 52 succeeds in getting Spaceport Designation for the State of Colorado, the next obvious step is to conduct an economic impact study using one or both of the above models, and to look at the nature of economic impact. The nature of economic impact. A spaceport in Colorado will be vital to the economic activity of the area where it is constructed and the state. The spaceport will create a new economy that will generate jobs, new services, attract different industry sectors, and invigorate existing industries. This section of the paper will identify the some of the areas that will be impacted by a construction and operation of a spaceport. Team 52 utilized economic impact studies conducted on other spaceports in the United States and because of the similarities between spaceport and airport services, the team also looked into some of the economic activities airports provided to the communities and the states as a whole. Types of economic impact.

42 COLORADO SPACEPORT 42 The Economic Impact of Commercial Space Transportation of the U.S. Economy in 2009 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) describes economic activity is the value of goods and services produced in an economy in revenue generated. The Team 52 study will show the goods and services we believe will be produced by introducing a spaceport in Colorado. There are three impact components for an economic activity: direct, indirect, and induced (FAA, 2009). The direct impacts are the expenditures on inputs and labor involved in providing any final good or service relating to the primary industries analyzed in a report (FAA, 2009). For the sake of this study, this is the employment and output generated by the spaceport activity. These revenues will be made possible by the products and services provided and sold by the spaceport such as operator fees, spaceflight earnings, space cargo earnings etc. The direct earnings impact of the spaceport will most likely have an indirect impact. Indirect impacts involve the money that comes to the community through the spaceport, rather than being generated at the spaceport (ACRP, 2008). These are the expenditures made off the spaceport as a result of the services within the spaceport and usually linked to visitor spending. Examples of indirect impacts would be spending by employees and visitors on the local economy, hotels rooms used by crew members as well as tourists, cost of meals, entertainment, etc. There may be many more activities in a spaceport that have indirect impacts to the economy and these all affect next economic impact component of induce impact. The induced impacts are the successive rounds of increased household spending resulting from the direct and indirect impacts such as a space operator s spending on food, clothes drycleaning, or any other household good and service (FAA, 2009). Induced impacts are the direct and indirect dollars that come to the community through the spaceport and flows through the local economy. The compounding of direct and indirect impacts is known as the multiplier effect

43 COLORADO SPACEPORT 43 (DTW, 2006). For example, dollars earned via direct or indirect activities of the spaceport are passed to employees via their pay. These employees spend a portion of these dollars to purchase goods and services from other businesses. Businesses use these dollars to make their purchases to replenish their stock or to pay their employees who also spend their wages in the economy. Sources of spaceport economic impact. The Team 52 research from current sources and previous Webster SPSM 6000 studies have shown that economic impact from a Colorado Spaceport will come from three sources. The most obvious demanded product from the Colorado Spaceport will be space transportation. This space transportation impact will come in the form of passengers or space tourist and space cargo. The second economic impact comes from the fact that a Colorado Spaceport and its other amenities will attract visitors to State of Colorado and the city where the spaceport will be located. This visitor impact will come in the form of tourists and business travelers, and the money they will spend during their short stays. Finally, the third way a spaceport will benefit the local community is by the presence of businesses at the spaceport facility itself. This spaceport facility impact will come in the form of retail opportunities to travelers, visitors, and employees. Space transportation impact. Space Transportation will be the obvious revenue generator for a Colorado Spaceport and will come in two forms. First, space tourism, this will involve sending people either on low earth orbit or to a space station whenever the technology becomes available. Space tourism should be one of the main factors to consider when conducting an economic impact study for a spaceport in Colorado. Market studies project that public research, educational, and adventure space transportation sectors will become significant revenue-producing markets in the foreseeable future. For example, market studies have shown that space tourism, whereby customers pay a

44 COLORADO SPACEPORT 44 fee to experience suborbital spaceflight, could become a billion-dollar market within 20 years (FAA, 2009). This study is also supported by separate studies conducted by Futron Corporation and New Mexico State University on the New Mexico Spaceport effort. If State of Colorado were to construct a spaceport, efforts should be made to get a company onboard that will provide space tourism services. Space tourism may account for a good portion economic impact a spaceport in Colorado, however, the effect of space cargo should not be discounted. The second aspect of space transportation to be considered for an economic impact study is space cargo. Space cargo will entail conducting short duration zero gravity technology testing, sending small satellites on orbit, resupply efforts for space stations, etc. With the coming retirement of the U.S. Space Shuttle program and with no immediate replacement in sight including space cargo as part of the spaceport product line only makes sense. Not doing so will result in the space cargo market share going somewhere else, even to foreign competitors. A good example happened shortly after President Ronald Reagan removed the Space Shuttle from commercial payload market due to the 1986 Challenger accident. Two events flowed from that change: first, international competitors such as Arianespace (European), Russia and China entered the field, undercutting the newly privatized U.S. launchers on price and reliability; and second, the small payload market was projected to expand dramatically, attracting a slew of startup space launch companies (Handberg, 2008). Contributions of space tourism and space cargo to an economic impact study to the state of Colorado will identify its two main product lines but other factors such as visitor impact still need to be included. Visitor impact. One of the by-products of having a spaceport in Colorado will be an increased number of visitors to the state. A Commercial Space Pyramid illustrated in a study conducted by the New

45 COLORADO SPACEPORT 45 Mexico State University showed four types of visitors that a spaceport will attract. Not including the first level of the pyramid (space passengers), the next three levels of the pyramid represents the potential number of visitors from families, viewers and regular tourist. These visitors warrant the Visitor Impact inclusion when accomplishing an economic impact study for a Colorado spaceport. A preliminary market demand study stated in Spaceport America s website estimates that once visitor infrastructure is complete, the spaceport may experience total annual visitor volume as high as 562,000 persons (Spaceport America, 2010). This number might be conservative but could be as high as The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex s visitor count of 1.5 million people per year (Elan, 2006). Visitor spending will not only affect the local economy but will be felt statewide as visitors will be coming in from airports around the state, driving from different entry points of the state, staying in hotels, eating at restaurants, buying supplies, etc. Besides the space launch events visitors will come to see, the Colorado spaceport will most likely have attractions to highlight the space industry and generate more revenue. Such attractions describe by the New Mexico State University study as ancillary businesses should be identified and included in an economic impact study effort. Spaceport impact. An assortment of non-spaceport specific businesses might operate on the facility of the spaceport itself. A University of Michigan study; The Economic Impact of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, 2006 identified some possible contributors to an economic impact study and for the purpose of the proposed Colorado spaceport should be considered. These economic impact contributors include revenues from spaceport parking, on-site shopping, and food and beverage sales. Like airport parking schemes, Team 52 determined that the

46 COLORADO SPACEPORT 46 Colorado spaceport can have on-spaceport parking with a great view to the launch-pad or runway, and off-spaceport parking that will include a free shuttle service to transport guests to viewing points as well as other facilities in the spaceport. Revenue generated by visitor on-site spending on souvenirs, supplies, as well as food and beverages will be a considerable economic impact factor. Because of the usually large areas covered by launch viewing points, Team 52 agreed that combination gift shop/convenient store facilities will be best suited for the visitors. Future sources of economic impact. If the Colorado spaceport becomes a reality and is constructed, the economic impact study will also have to include these three factors that will affect growth over time. The University of Michigan study; The Economic Impact of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, 2006 identified the first two factors. These two factors were based on the airport industry but Team 52 believes they apply to spaceports as well. The Futron Corporation study on the New Mexico Spaceport states that a spaceport has a potential for attracting operators and manufacturers. The same may be true too for a spaceport in Colorado. Even though Colorado already has a good presence of companies in the space industry, most of them cater to the government particularly the military. The third factor Team 52 believes should be considered as a source economic impact is the growth of space commercialization in Colorado. The first is renovation and renewal projects. These type projects normally consist of maintenance of the spaceport and other improvements needed to keep or increase the spaceports potential for growth. Renovation projects such as these serve to improve the long term value of a facility and improve the economic impact wherever it s located. A Colorado Spaceport is no exception. According to the University of Michigan study, these capital projects therefore have not only the immediate economic impact by creating demand for construction services, but also

47 COLORADO SPACEPORT 47 the ongoing economic impact resulting from a superior airport (for this papers purpose a spaceport). The second factor identified by the University of Michigan study is a capital improvement program. Team 52 found a good definition of capital improvement program on Wikipedia s website. Wikipedia states that a capital improvement plan (program), or CIP, is a short-range plan, usually four to ten years, which identifies capital projects and equipment purchases, provides a planning schedule and identifies options for financing the plan. A good example of the CIP is the Kennedy Space Center which launched a nearly $70 million, 10-year renovation of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Elan, 2006). Elan further states that the effort is to appeal to the changing tastes of the tourists who go there to explore space travel. Renovation projects of this magnitude serve to improve the long term value of a facility and improve the economic impact wherever it s located. Again, a Colorado spaceport will not be an exception. According to the Colorado Department of Affairs publication; developing a Capital Improvement Program, one of its advantage is encouraging economic development. It is also supported by the University of Michigan study which states that the projects themselves have a direct economic impact where money being spent stays in the community, generates jobs, and improves the basic economic health of the community. The third factor Team 52 believes should be considered as a source for future economic impact is the growth of space commercialization in Colorado. A spaceport in Colorado will provide a location to meet the space tourism and space cargo market demands. With this, we believe will be an influx of commercial space business and the growth of commercial space industry in Colorado. In Futron Corporation s economic impact study of the New Mexico spaceport, the long term vision included the creation of a southern New Mexico commercial

48 COLORADO SPACEPORT 48 space transportation and manufacturing cluster that leverages the spaceport infrastructure and attracts new industry. This will also hold true in Colorado and will be for both commercial and government space needs. The National Space Policy of 201 emphasizes the importance of assuring U.S. access to space and further states that U.S. Government payloads shall be launched on U.S. vehicles unless exempted by the White House. In December 2008, NASA announced contract awards to both SpaceX and Orbital for ISS Cargo Resupply Services (CRS), establishing the two companies as commercial cargo haulers to the ISS (NASA News Release, 2008). The presence of major companies in Colorado already involved in the space industry provides an opportunistic scenario to outline and develop a spaceport that meets the needs of a new market. Environmental Impact Study Considerations Besides an economic impact to the state, the construction of a spaceport in Colorado will also have impacts to the environment where it is sited. Just like an airport, a spaceport operator has to complete research on impacts from its operations before the FAA will grant it a license to operate. This section of Team 52 s paper will briefly cover some of the environmental aspects a spaceport operator should consider when conducting an environmental impact study. Team 52 research identified The National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) Process as the main hurdle an operator has to deal with. The next environmental aspect to be discussed is the identification of the proposed activities that will be performed in the proposed spaceport. Finally it will briefly cover some of the affected environments where impacts will be felt. The National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) process. The first thing a prospective space operator needs to consider is what is required to conduct an environmental study correctly. This requires getting familiar or knowing the NEPA

49 COLORADO SPACEPORT 49 process. The NEPA process and documentation is a very complex process and could involve federal, state and local environmental laws. According to the FAA, the licensing of launch and reentry activities, that is, conducting launches and reentries, operating launch and reentry sites, and the issuing of experimental permits for reusable suborbital rockets, are considered federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In February 2001, the FAA released the Guidelines for Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Related Environmental Review Statutes for the Licensing of Commercial Launches and Launch Sites. Courses of action for an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement can be found in the FAA publication. According to the FAA, The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires preparation of an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact statement for all proposed major federal actions that are not categorically excluded. Environmental impact studies are needed to identify and document the possible impacts of activities associated with a new project such as an airport or a spaceport, and identify what actions to take to minimize or mitigate those impacts. In order to know what the impacts are, the activities to be conducted in a spaceport need to be identified. Proposed activities. An environmental study will address the overall impacts of the proposed operations or activities expected for the duration of the proposed spaceport. These activities will need to be identified. For a spaceport, these activities are those linked to the launch and landing of space vehicles, as well as other activities in the spaceport that support the main operations. As an example, The Final Environmental Assessment of the Oklahoma Spaceport identified the following activities in their environmental assessment; transporting the vehicle, vehicle components, and propellants; assembly of various vehicle components; ground-based tests and

50 COLORADO SPACEPORT 50 checkout activities; loading the pilot, passengers, and/or other payload; fueling the launch vehicle; towing or moving the launch vehicle launch or takeoff location; igniting the rocket motors; collecting any debris from the runway prior to vehicle landing; and recovering and transporting the launch vehicle from the runway after landing. Depending on the location of the spaceport, some activities peculiar to an environment have to be identified. Such activities may be similar to ones in airport operations. These activities may include deicing and anti-icing of aircraft and airfields (Luther, 2007). Impacts due to construction activities need to be included in the study. The New Mexico Spaceport is basically a new construction and such activities where included in their environmental study. Some spaceports such as Cecil Field use existing facilities such as old military air bases and simply adapt the facility to space operations. Adapting existing facilities will require certain upgrades and even new construction to make these usable to spaceport activities. The number of spaceport activities can vary from spaceport to spaceport so a spaceport operator needs to tailor their environmental impact study not only to the specific area the spaceport will be constructed but also the surrounding areas that may be affected. Affected environments. The proposed activities of a spaceport will be affecting the environmental and socioeconomic attributes of the area where it is constructed. The information in the following subsection will identify and briefly describe those areas with a potential concern. As a minimum, an environmental study for a Colorado spaceport will need to consider the impact to the following environments identified in the following paragraphs.

51 COLORADO SPACEPORT 51 Air quality. Determining how spaceport operations will affect the ambient air is another affected environment. Sources of air quality impact in the spaceport will most likely come from the spacecraft, aircraft, motor vehicles, ground service vehicles and some stationary sources. Air quality may also be affected out sources outside the spaceport campus if located nearby. Such sources may power generation plants, and other industrial sources. According to the Environmental Assessment of the Oklahoma Spaceport, the primary Federal legislation that addresses air quality is the Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 (as amended in 1977 and 1990). It further states that the purpose of the CAA is to preserve air quality and to protect public health and welfare. Monitoring measures is a step a spaceport operator can take to keep a close watch on the air quality. Under the CAA mandate, the EPA established a set of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, etc. The NAAQS established primary standards to protect public health and secondary standards designed to protect the public welfare by addressing the effects of air pollution on vegetation, soil, materials, visibility, and other aspects of the general welfare (FAA/AST, 2007). A good example of an air quality monitoring can be seen at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The KSC uses a Permanent Air Monitoring System (PAMS) which continuously monitors concentrations of pollutants (NASA, 2003). Biological resources. Impact studies should also be conducted on biological resources of the locale the spaceport will be constructed. The NASA environmental study defined biological resources as habitats and vegetation and wildlife. According to the NASA study two main spaceport activities

52 COLORADO SPACEPORT 52 will affect biological resources. The first is construction, and the second is the actual operations of the spaceport. We believe the same will be true with a Colorado spaceport. The only difference is the threatened habitat, vegetation and wildlife would be different. The construction impact identified in the NASA study at the KSC affected mainly wetlands and other vegetation. The need for more facilities in a spaceport will require the removal of some biological resources. This case might be similar for a Colorado spaceport except that the affected habitats might be prairie habitats and the existing plant life. Construction impact on wildlife will most likely be displacement due to loss of habitat. The impact of spaceport operations on biological resources is slightly different because it continues after construction is completed Once the construction is done, on-going operations will impact whatever biological resources remain in the area and or passing the area. A major concern mention in the NASA report in the KSC study was bird collisions. This is true almost anywhere there are flight operations and processes to prevent this should be proposed in an environmental assessment. Other impacts from operations are noise, waste disposal, and decrease in water and air quality. Another part of biological resources would be threatened and endangered species. A spaceport operator conducting the environmental impact study needs to know what threatened and endangered species live in the proposed spaceport site. Each affected species needs to be mentioned in the environmental assessment with an analysis on how the spaceport construction and operations will affect it. Historical, architectural, archeological and cultural resources. A new spaceport or an expansion of an existing airfield can affect historical, architectural, archeological and cultural resources. The Final Environmental Impact Statement

53 COLORADO SPACEPORT 53 for the Spaceport America Commercial Launch Site, Sierra County, New Mexico (Nov 2008) defines cultural resources as follows: Cultural resources are archaeological sites, architectural properties, and other historical resources relating to human activities, society, and cultural institutions that hold communities together and link them to their surroundings. Cultural resources include past and present expressions of human culture and history in the physical environment, such as prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, structures, objects, districts, natural features, and biota, which are considered important to a culture, subculture, or community. Cultural resources also include aspects of the physical environment that are a part of traditional lifeways and practices, and are associated with community values and institutions. A study needs to be conducted to identify the possible cultural resources that may be affected by spaceport activities. Furthermore, the study needs to include any adverse effects the spaceport activities may have on the cultural resources. Finally, the study needs to propose several alternative actions to decrease the impacts. Geology and soils. Another environment that will be affected by spaceport activities and needs to be included in the study is geology and soils. When the Kennedy Space Center performed their environmental study for the Space Shuttle extended use, an analysis of the geology and soils of the area was conducted to understand how activities will affect these resources. Colorado is comprised of a diverse composition of soils and geological characteristics and an in-depth study will be necessary to understand any affects by the future spaceport. Impacts from spaceport construction and operations will have to be identified. Possible construction impact will be site preparation activities, land clearing and excavation for facility foundations, as well as changes in water flow patterns (NASA 2007).

54 COLORADO SPACEPORT 54 Noise. The noise that will originate from a future spaceport is another environmental impact that needs to be considered. The noise that will come from the proposed activities will most likely come from launches and sonic booms. Noise may also come from construction and traffic. From Team 52 research, the main concern for increased levels of noise is how it will affect both wildlife and humans working at or visiting the area of operations. Understanding the allowable noise levels that wildlife and humans are exposed to is important. The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Spaceport America Commercial Launch Site, Sierra County, New Mexico (Nov 2008) identified two organizations that provide guidance on exposure to noise levels. First, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation establishes a maximum noise level of 90 dba for a continuous eight-hour exposure for the work day and higher levels for shorter exposure times in the workplace. Second, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended an average equivalent noise level of 70 dba for continuous 24-hour exposure to noise to protect hearing (EPA, 1974). Depending on the type of spacecraft and other activities conducted in a spaceport will determine what measures will be developed to protect wildlife and humans from the long term effects of noise. Water quality (ground and surface). Water resources are the next area that will be potentially affected by a spaceport. Water resources include freshwater, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, coastal resources, floodplains, and groundwater, reservoirs, etc. These water resources need to be identified in an environmental study and the effects, if any; the spaceport will have on them.

55 COLORADO SPACEPORT 55 There are several regulations that control how much an activity can affect existing water resources for both ground and surface water sources. The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Spaceport America Commercial Launch Site, Sierra County, New Mexico (Nov 2008) named the following regulatory bodies: First, The Clean Water Act; regulates discharges to surface water and effects to surface water quality through Sections 402 and 404 of the Act. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System storm water program, as authorized in Section 402 of the Clean Water Act, controls water pollution by regulating storm water discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States. Each state will have their own procedures and protocol prior to any construction activities taking places and the spaceport operator will have to follow these procedures. Land use. The way the land where the spaceport will be sited is also an environmental impact to be considered. The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Spaceport America Commercial Launch Site, Sierra County, New Mexico (Nov 2008) had an extensive definition of land use and it is as follows: Land use is interconnected with most of the other resource areas considered in a NEPA document. The EPA defines land use as the way land is developed and used in terms of the kinds of anthropogenic activities that occur (EPA, 2007a). Land use refers to the use of land for economic production; for residential, recreational or other purposes; and for natural or cultural resource protection. The Spaceport America EIS further states that depending on the use, location, and ownership of a particular land parcel, land can be subject to regulations under Federal, State, local government entities, special districts, or a combination of entities.

56 COLORADO SPACEPORT 56 Support In order to pursue spaceport activity in the state of Colorado, support must be garnered from political, military, industry and social forces. A state government appointed Spaceport Authority, potentially the Colorado Space Business Roundtable (CSBR) could represent Colorado s vital space-related industry is essential for the continued health and future expansion of this important industry. The Aerospace Colorado Industry Cluster Profile for 2011 stated Colorado continues to be a national leader in the space industry with the support of four military commands, eight major space contractors, and several universities involved in expansive space research. According to the profile, Colorado is ranked first in the nation for its concentration of private aerospace employment with almost 400 companies in the space industry that provide challenging, highly rewarded employment for 164,000 Coloradoans (Development Research Partners, 2011). At the present time there is not a singular state agency or authority to represent this robust industry to either elected officials of Colorado state government or the people of Colorado, especially youth and the educators who will prepare them for employment in this industry. One major consequence is that the political sphere is neither ready to leverage their assistance where needed nor to benefit from developments in the space industry. Other state governments have positioned a Spaceport Authority to strengthen their existing space industry. These states include but are not limited to California, Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Florida and New Mexico whose appointed Space Authorities has developed plans for space tourism and other forward thinking activities seeking to become key future players in the new era of space transportation. Colorado has the basic foundation to support a Spaceport Authority already in place with

57 COLORADO SPACEPORT 57 key organizations such as the Colorado Space Business Roundtable (CSBR) who are active in political circles. Additionally, the Space Foundation established and hosts the annual National Space Symposium where leaders from all space industry sectors as well as interested government officials involved at the forefront of the space industry gather at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs to discuss global perspectives on the latest space technologies. A national organization with a global reach, the Space Foundation, headquartered in Colorado, also supports public education activities and brings various groups together into a unified organization with the directed purpose of strengthening the space industry workforce and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational programs. If a Colorado Space Authority were created, it would have the potential to become a valued and respected support system for Colorado s economic development, workforce development and scientific initiatives in the space industry such as a Colorado based spaceport or NACC. By establishing a Space Authority, the power of various Colorado space organizations and businesses will be leveraged to strengthen the field and address new developments in the space industry as well as mitigate workforce problems. A single, strong voice to advance common positions will provide unified support to the quickly changing commercial driven space based initiatives of this great state. Webster s Capstone Team 52 have taken the first steps towards Colorado s recognition as a spaceport state by obtaining support from Mike Kazmierski, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corporation, Edgar Johansson, Chairman of the Colorado Space Business Roundtable (CSBR), as well as educational mentorship from the former president and current board member of The Space Foundation, Mr. Dick MacLeod. The next step is to organize the representatives from the various space industry sectors and garner

58 COLORADO SPACEPORT 58 their support in an effort to advocate further actions to be taken by responsible political officials. This may be advocating for a Colorado Space Authority to be appointed or requesting Colorado be considered for federal grants to support spaceport feasibility studies. Regardless, Webster students should build upon the support structure gained from Team 52. Conclusion Colorado is one of the leading space-industry states in the nation, both in the commercial and government sectors. However, in order to maintain that superior industrial edge and to exploit its many resources and inherent advantages, Colorado should work towards becoming a spaceport state. While the end goal of building an active spaceport may be complex, the initial step is easy. This first step only requires the Governor s signature on a letter to the Associate Director for Commercial Space Transportation FAA/AST-1. With this signature, the doors and opportunities are opened for potential federal funding both for feasibility studies and for future infrastructure development. This step also puts Colorado on the map of commercial space, and signals the state s strong intent to support enterprise and businesses within the commercial space sector. The benefits of having an active spaceport within the state can be immense and will ensure that Colorado plays a strong and active role in all future space endeavors. Recommendations: Present the spaceport concept and letter of proposed spaceport status to the Governor of Colorado for his approving signature. Webster University and the EDC continue to promote the concept and garner industry support, potentially leveraging Lockheed Martin s James H. Crocker s support.

59 COLORADO SPACEPORT 59 Encourage the Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Center to become the State of Colorado s, Aerospace Advocate with the goal of supporting legislation and focus on the growth of the Colorado Commercial Space Transportation enterprise. Secure support and interest of the Colorado Space Business Roundtable (CSBR) to support the proposed spaceport status and consider, by decree from the Governor, being the focus as the Colorado Spaceport Advisory Board or Spaceport Authority. Accept continued support of Webster University Space Systems Operations Management graduate classes. The graduate teams will be well suited to draft proposed information for inclusion in the FAA/AST 2012 U.S. Commercial Space Transportation Developments and Concepts, Vehicles, Technologies, and Spaceports report.

60 COLORADO SPACEPORT 60 References ACE-Loveland: Where Art and Science Meet. (n.d.). Loveland Chamber of Commerce & Visitor s Center. Retrieved from Airport Cooperative Research Program (2008). ACRP Synthesis 7, Airport Economic Impact Methods and Model. Retrieved from acrp_syn_007.pdf Attenborough, S. (2011). Virgin Galactic Announces World s First Commercial Contracts to Send Researchers to Space. Retrieved from Chang, K. (2010). In New Space Race, Enter the Entrepreneurs. The New York Times. Retrieved from html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 Development Research Partners, Inc. (2011). AEROSPACE, Colorado Industry Cluster Profile. Retrieved from Emerson, K. (2011). Spaceport America. White Sands New Mexico, Retrieved from FAA. (2011) U.S. Commercial Space Transportation Developments and Concepts: Vehicles, Technologies, and Spaceports. Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved from

61 COLORADO SPACEPORT 61 Federal Aviation Administration (2008). Volume 1, Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Spaceport America Commercial Launch Site, Sierra County, New Mexico, November Retrieved from ast/ media/ Spaceport%20 America-FINAL%20EIS%20Vol%201.pdf Federal Aviation Administration (2008). Volume 2, Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Spaceport America Commercial Launch Site, Sierra County, New Mexico, November Retrieved from media/ Spaceport%20America-FINAL%20EIS%20Vol%202.pdf Federal Aviation Administration (2010). The Economic Impact of Commercial Space Transportation on the U.S. Economy in Retrieved from updates/ media/economic%20impact%20study%20september% _ _ PS.pdf Final Environmental Assessment for the Oklahoma Spaceport, May Retrieved from Foust, J. (2010) Suborbital research gets ready for liftoff. The Space Review. Retrieved from Frosch, D. D. (2011, February 24). New Mexico's Bet On Space Tourism Stays Earthbound. New York Times. p. 16. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Futron (2005). New Mexico Commercial Spaceport Economic Impact Study for State of New Mexico Economic Development Department. Retrieved from Spaceport+Economic+Impact+Study+for+State+of+New+Mexico+Economic+ Development+Department

62 COLORADO SPACEPORT 62 Gallegos, G. (2010). Governor Bill Richardson announces Rick Homans as Spaceport Executive Director. Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, Retrieved from Gomez, L, Gutman, B, Lee, B, & McCune, B. (2007). History of Spaceport America. Unpublished manuscript, NMSU, Las Cruses, New Mexico. Retrieved from Handberg, R. (2008). State Spaceports: Road to the Economic Future or Hype? Retrieved from p php Heild, C. (2011). Spaceport America faces delays, tough questions. Albuquerque Journal, Retrieved from Hsu, J. (2009). Spaceport Hawaii, Here We Come? Popular Science. Retrieved from Luther, L (2007). Environmental Impacts of Airport Operations, Maintenance, and Expansion. Retrieved from Messier, D. (2011). Hawaiian Legislature Pushes Ahead on Spaceport Application. Parabolic Arc. Retrieved from NASA. (n.d.) NASA Sounding Rocket Science. Retrieved from

63 COLORADO SPACEPORT 63 NASA. (2010, December 13). NASA Partners With Colorado In Technology Acceleration Initiative [Press Release]. Retrieved from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (2007). Final Environmental Assessment for Expanded Use of the Space Shuttle Landing Facility, September Retrieved from nasa.gov/ documents/slf_ea_ pdf National Space Policy of the United States of America. (2010, June 28). Retrieved from Pankratz, H. (2011, April 6). Loveland close to purchasing campus eyed for Aerospace and Clean Energy Park. The Denver Post. Retrieved from Raymond, J.W. (1997). Airports and Spaceports a Historical Comparison. Retrieved from Southwest Research Institute. (2011). SwRI signs contracts to fly eight pioneering missions with SwRI payload specialists aboard reusable suborbital launchers [Press Release]. Retrieved from Spaceport America. (2011). Spaceport America History. Retrieved from Stolley, R. B. (2009). Postcard: Las Cruces. Time, 174(23), 10. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Tuohy, M. (2009). Space: Hawaii's Final Frontier? Honolulu Magazine. Retrieved from 039s-Final-Frontier/

64 COLORADO SPACEPORT 64 University of Michigan-Dearborn School of Management (n.d.). The Economic Impact of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Retrieve from metro airport. com/ pdf/dtw_economic_impact_report.pdf Vane, C. (2005). Spaceport New Mexico and the X Prize Cup. The Space Review, Retrieved from Virgin Galactic. (n.d.). Experience the Dream. Retrieved from Ward, S., Tubergen, T., Ludwig, J., Owings, M., Parsons, T. Anderson, R., et al. (2007). The Space Learning and Lodging Center (SLLC). Retrieved from combined_brief_co pdf

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