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
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 [email protected]
COLORADO SPACEPORT
3
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
COLORADO SPACEPORT
5
Support ...........................................................................................................................................54
Conclusion .....................................................................................................................................56
References ......................................................................................................................................58
Appendix ........................................................................................................................................63
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
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.
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.
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
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), 2011. 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.
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
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
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 21st 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 point-
to-point launch and landing, or many other viable non-launch activities.
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
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
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
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.).
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
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
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;
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;
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. 10-11).
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
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
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 space-
manufacturing 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.
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
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
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.
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,
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.
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
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
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, NASA-
sponsored 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
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
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).
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
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:
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 dry-
cleaning, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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).
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 1910.95 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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
COLORADO SPACEPORT
60
References
ACE-Loveland: Where Art and Science Meet. (n.d.). Loveland Chamber of Commerce &
Visitor’s Center. Retrieved from http://www.loveland.org/ACE-Loveland
Airport Cooperative Research Program (2008). ACRP Synthesis 7, Airport Economic Impact
Methods and Model. Retrieved from http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/acrp/
acrp_syn_007.pdf
Attenborough, S. (2011). Virgin Galactic Announces World’s First Commercial Contracts to
Send Researchers to Space. Retrieved from
http://www.virgingalactic.com/news/item/virgin-galactic-to-fly-scientists-to-space/
Chang, K. (2010). In New Space Race, Enter the Entrepreneurs. The New York Times.
Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/08/science/space/08space.
html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
Development Research Partners, Inc. (2011). AEROSPACE, Colorado Industry Cluster Profile.
Retrieved from http://www.spacecolorado.org/files/colorado-space/industry-
overview/Aerospace_2010_CO_123010.pdf
Emerson, K. (2011). Spaceport America. White Sands New Mexico, Retrieved from
http://www.white-sands-new-mexico.com/spaceport_america.htm
FAA. (2011). 2011 U.S. Commercial Space Transportation Developments and Concepts:
Vehicles, Technologies, and Spaceports. Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved
from www.faa.gov/about/office_org/.../ast/.../2011%20DevCon%20Report.pdf
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
2008. Retrieved from http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ 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
2008. Retrieved from http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/
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 2009. Retrieved from http://www.faa.gov/news/
updates/ media/Economic%20Impact%20Study%20September%20 2010_20101026_
PS.pdf
Final Environmental Assessment for the Oklahoma Spaceport, May 2006. Retrieved from
http://www.okspaceport.eis.com/
Foust, J. (2010) Suborbital research gets ready for liftoff. The Space Review. Retrieved from
http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1577/1
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
http://www.futron.com/search.xml?search-clause=New+Mexico+Commercial+
Spaceport+Economic+Impact+Study+for+State+of+New+Mexico+Economic+
Development+Department
COLORADO SPACEPORT
62
Gallegos, G. (2010). Governor Bill Richardson announces Rick Homans as Spaceport Executive
Director. Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, Retrieved from
http://www.mveda.com/blog/2010/06/governor-bill-richardson-announces-rick-homans-
as-spaceport-executive-director/
Gomez, L, Gutman, B, Lee, B, & McCune, B. (2007). History of Spaceport America.
Unpublished manuscript, NMSU, Las Cruses, New Mexico. Retrieved from
http://spacegrant.nmsu.edu/isps/presentation/history.pdf
Handberg, R. (2008). State Spaceports: Road to the Economic Future or Hype? Retrieved from
http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/7/9/5/6/pages279568/
p279568-1.php
Heild, C. (2011). Spaceport America faces delays, tough questions. Albuquerque Journal,
Retrieved from http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/1623176state01-16-11.htm
Hsu, J. (2009). Spaceport Hawaii, Here We Come? Popular Science. Retrieved from
http://www.popsci.com/military-aviation-amp-space/article/2009-07/spaceport-hawaii-
here-we-come
Luther, L (2007). Environmental Impacts of Airport Operations, Maintenance, and Expansion.
Retrieved from http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33949.pdf
Messier, D. (2011). Hawaiian Legislature Pushes Ahead on Spaceport Application. Parabolic
Arc. Retrieved from http://www.parabolicarc.com/2011/02/26/hawaiian-
legislature-pushes-spaceport-application/
NASA. (n.d.) NASA Sounding Rocket Science. Retrieved from
http://rscience.gsfc.nasa.gov/srrov.html
COLORADO SPACEPORT
63
NASA. (2010, December 13). NASA Partners With Colorado In Technology Acceleration
Initiative [Press Release]. Retrieved from
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/dec/HQ_10-328_Tech_Signing_prt.htm
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (2007). Final Environmental Assessment for
Expanded Use of the Space Shuttle Landing Facility, September 2007. Retrieved from
http://kscpartnerships.ksc. nasa.gov/ documents/SLF_EA_200809.pdf
National Space Policy of the United States of America. (2010, June 28). Retrieved from
www.whitehouse.gov/sites/.../national_space_policy_6-28-10.pdf
Pankratz, H. (2011, April 6). Loveland close to purchasing campus eyed for Aerospace and
Clean Energy Park. The Denver Post. Retrieved from
http://www.denverpost.com/fdcp?unique=1302755510638
Raymond, J.W. (1997). Airports and Spaceports a Historical Comparison. Retrieved from
http://www.fas.org/spp/eprint/97-0368.pdf
Southwest Research Institute. (2011). SwRI signs contracts to fly eight pioneering missions
with SwRI payload specialists aboard reusable suborbital launchers [Press Release].
Retrieved from http://www.swri.org/PrinterFriendly/TechPrint.asp
Spaceport America. (2011). Spaceport America History. Retrieved from
http://www.spaceportamerica.com/about-us/history.html
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
http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/September-2009/Space-Hawaii-
039s-Final-Frontier/
COLORADO SPACEPORT
64
University of Michigan-Dearborn School of Management (n.d.). The Economic Impact of the
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, 2006. Retrieve from http://www. 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 http://www.thespacereview.com/article/366/1
Virgin Galactic. (n.d.). Experience the Dream. Retrieved from
http://www.virgingalactic.com/overview/experience/
Ward, S., Tubergen, T., Ludwig, J., Owings, M., Parsons, T. Anderson, R., et al. (2007). The
Space Learning and Lodging Center (SLLC). Retrieved from
http://ereserves.webster.edu/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=271&page=docs#/sllc_ii_
combined_brief_co…pdf
COLORADO SPACEPORT
65
COLORADO SPACEPORT
66
Dr. George C. Nield FAA/AST-1 Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation 800 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20591 RE: Request Colorado be recognized as a “Proposed” Spaceport State Dr. Nield, I hereby request Colorado be recognized by the FAA/AST in the next FAA/AST Commercial Space Development and Concepts publication and placement on the Spaceport map with 'Proposed' spaceport status. Colorado, with over 164,000 aerospace workers generates billions of dollars in revenue attributable to the aerospace industry, is home to over 140 aerospace companies and is ranked in the top three states in terms of revenue generated from the aerospace industry. We are home to Headquarters Air Force Space Command’s Space Tracking and Warning capabilities with facilities at Peterson, Schriever, and Buckley Air Force Bases, as well as the operational home of the Air Force Satellite Control Network, the Global Positioning System (GPS) used globally for accurate navigation, position determination and timing, the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM), North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Colorado has the unique advantage of having world-class commercial space firms such as Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Ball Aerospace, Boeing, Raytheon, DirecTV, ARINC, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, ITT Industries, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, and hundreds more located in our state, which produce the components and provide the services that make access to space more economical and reliable. Colorado has several world-class institutions of higher learning that continue to keep Colorado at the top of the list in the number of high-tech employees graduated each year and are the recipient of millions of dollars in NASA space research funding. The University of Colorado at Boulder conducting advanced space engineering projects and the National Security Space Institute focused on producing the Nation's professional space force. We are also fortunate to have the Space Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that vigorously advances civil, commercial, and national security space endeavors and educational excellence, and hosts the annual National Space Symposium. The Office of the Governor working closely with the Colorado Springs and Denver Economic Development Corporations recognize the value and strength that the Aerospace Industry brings to Colorado’s Front Range, its economy and its citizenry and hereby proclaims it intends to pursue through research and feasibility studies, as appropriate, our position as a 'Proposed' Spaceport State. Mr. David L. White, Executive Vice President, Marketing of the Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corporation, working with graduate students of Webster University’s Space Systems Operations Management graduate program, an associate member of the FAA/AST Commercial Space Transportation – Center of Excellence (CST/COE) partnered with New Mexico State University (NMSU), will be providing information on Colorado’s Proposed Spaceport. Please have your staff contact David (dlwhite.org, 719-884-2835) with guidance on what information your office needs to document our status as a Proposed Spaceport State and submission of information for the next FAA/AST Commercial Space Development and Concepts publication. John W. Hickenlooper Governor, State of Colorado 136 State Capitol Denver, Colorado 80203-1792