Space Zoo Patrol – Space Ports

Space Ports

by     Derek Webber, Executive Director, Spaceport Associates

1. What is it called?

You go to an airport when you want to board a plane to fly somewhere, perhaps on vacation. You go to a spaceport when you want to be launched into space, either for business or pleasure. There are lots of spaceports around the world, and even a dozen or more in the USA. One of the US spaceports is called Spaceport America, and it is in New Mexico. It was designed mainly for space tourism needs.

2. What does it do?

Some kinds of spacecraft are launched horizontally, and they need a long runway. Others are launched straight up, and just need a concrete launch pad. But all of them need a control tower to be able to make sure when it is safe to launch and to land. At the spaceport, apart from the hangars where the spacecraft and launch vehicles are kept, there may be training areas, where future space travelers can check out what it feels like to go into space.

3. How does it work?

Spaceports are generally put next to a coastline, or maybe in a desert region. This is so when a rocket takes off it does not need to fly over areas where there are lots of people who might be disturbed either by noise or even as the result of an accident. So, it can sometimes need a long car journey to get to the spaceport. And therefore, everything needed at the spaceport (such as water and food) needs to be brought in. Particularly for spaceports in desert regions, a spaceport may have its own hotels both for the staff and guests to use.

4. How is it better than the older technology?

In the early years of the space program, rocket launches used to take off from military (Army and Air Force) sites, and the public was not welcome. Also, at that time launches were unreliable, and one reason for keeping the public away was due to the risk of rocket explosions. But now, the technology has improved to the point that the spent-out stages of rockets can even be brought back to the spaceport and re-used. And the public is welcome at spaceports not only as space tourists, but as day-visitors to come and watch the launches.

5. What classes should I take in school to work on this?

There will be a wide assortment of jobs related to commercial spaceflight, and, in many cases, they will be located at spaceports. It is always helpful to have an understanding of the basic science (mainly physics) of spaceflight, even if you are planning on being a guide at a spaceport. And you will need math to help you understand the physics.

6. Pictures