DOCSLIB.ORG

Anousheh Ansari

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Anousheh Ansari 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page i My Dream of Stars This page intentionally left blank 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page iii My Dream of Stars From Daughter of Iran to Space Pioneer Anousheh Ansari with Homer Hickam 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page iv The poem by Karen Ravn that appears in the Epilogue is reprinted courtesy of Hallmark Cards, Inc. MY DREAM OF STARS Copyright © Anousheh Ansari and Homer Hickam, 2010. All rights reserved. First published in 2010 by PALGRAVE MACMILLAN® in the United States—a division of St. Martin’s Press LLC, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Where this book is distributed in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, this is by Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited, registered in England, company number 785998, of Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6XS. Palgrave Macmillan is the global academic imprint of the above companies and has companies and representatives throughout the world. Palgrave® and Macmillan® are registered trademarks in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and other countries. ISBN-13: 978-0-230-61993-7 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ansari, Anousheh, 1966– My dream of stars : from daughter of Iran to space pioneer / by Anousheh Ansari with Homer Hickam. p. cm. ISBN-13: 978-0-230-61993-7 (hardcover) ISBN-10: 0-230-61993-2 (hardcover) 1. Ansari, Anousheh, 1966– 2. Women astronauts—United States—Biography. 3. Astronauts—United States—Biography. 4. Space flight—United States. 5. Iranian Americans—Biography. 6. Muslim women—United States—Biography. 7. Businesswomen—Texas—Biography. 8. Telecommunication—United States. 9. Social entrepreneurship—United States. 10. Iran—Biography. I. Hickam, Homer, 1943– II. Title. CT275.A736A3 2010 629.450092—dc22 [B] 2009025884 A catalogue record of the book is available from the British Library. Design by Letra Libre, Inc. First edition: March 2010 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Printed in the United States of America. 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page v To I l ya , whose innocence and purity of love gives me hope for brighter tomorrows. 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page vi “All men have the stars,” he answered, “but they are not the same things for different people. For some, who are travelers, the stars are guides. For others they are no more than little lights in the sky. For others, who are scholars, they are problems. For my businessman they were wealth. But all the stars are silent. You—you alone—will have the stars as no one else has them—” The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page vii Contents Acknowledgments ix Preface xi First Stage An Iranian Girl Growing Up Iranian 3 Revolution 17 Second Stage A Woman of the World The Alpha Ansari System 29 Texas 51 A New Beginning 71 An Old Dream Comes Alive 89 Third Stage A Woman of the Stars Star City 101 Training for the Stars 119 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page viii A Patch of Trouble 149 Into Space 169 At Home among the Stars 189 Return to Earth 219 Epilogue 227 Index 231 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page ix Acknowledgments riting this book was not easy because I always look to the future Wrather than back at the past. Reliving tough childhood memories is not something I would do voluntarily so I must thank Homer Hickam for encouraging me (and sometimes harassing me) to finish this book. Other- wise, it would only exist in my head and in my scattered journals. I decided to tell my story to bring a voice to all the amazing women in the world, especially to Iranian women who have fought and continue to fight for their freedom, and to Iranians around the world who have left their home- land in search of that freedom and better days. It is sometimes difficult to see the true face of a nation when what is prevalent in the media is a hideous image. I hope this book shows readers that there is another side to the beau- tiful country I left as a teenager and that there are still many Anoushehs who live in Iran with hopes and dreams of a brighter, peaceful future. My dreams might have never come true without the opportunities that the United States of America afforded me, for which I’m forever grateful. I learned the meaning of freedom in my adopted country and I hope that America continues to symbolize freedom and the land of opportunity to people around the world as it did for me. I am who I am today because of the unconditional love and support of my mother, Fakhri Shahidi. She, in many ways, portrays the strong will and 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page x x My Dream of Stars survivor spirit of the women of Iran. A very special thanks also goes to my sis- ter Atousa Raissyan, who was my “raison d’être” growing up, her beautiful face and soulful eyes always giving me hope no matter how dire the situation. I would never have been able to start a new life in United States if not for the foresight and guidance of my Aunt Chamsi and Uncle Frank Brown and for that they have my eternal gratitude. I would also like to thank my fa- ther, Houshang Raissian, for keeping my mind open to all the possibilities that life holds for us. A personal note of gratitude is due to my father-in-law, Hosein Ansari, for being like a second father to me and, of course, to Amir Ansari for being a true friend and a brother. Our bond is stronger than blood. My life took a course correction toward the space station on the day I met Peter Diamandis and I’m eternally grateful for his contagious passion and pure friendship. Of course, it was Space Adventures and its president, Eric Anderson, who made my trip possible and I cannot thank him and all the Space Adventures support team enough. I would also like to thank Michael Lopez-Alegria and Mikhail Tyurin, my crewmates, for taking me to my home amongst the stars and Jeffry Williams and Pavel Vinogradoff for returning me home, safe and sound, to my family. My trip would not have been possible without the support of the Russian Space Agency and NASA. I admire all the great men and women who work at both of these agencies for their passion and dedication to space exploration. Finally, I would not be where I am today without the true love and sup- port of my soulmate, Hamid Ansari. He is not only my husband but also my mentor, best friend, and source of energy. I cannot imagine what my life would be like had I not met and married him. Without his resilience and en- thusiasm, my dream of stars would have remained just that, a dream. With him, all my dreams, past, present, and future, can come true. 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page xi Preface all this a love story that ends not only with an embrace but a fortune Cgained, a dream fulfilled, and a voyage to the far and magnificent reaches of space. After everything was done and I landed beneath silky para- chutes on the high desert of Kazakhstan, I realized it wasn’t rocket engines that had propelled me to the stars but the infinite power of hopes, dreams, and especially love, which transcends everything, even the universal princi- ples of physics. Wherever I go, I am asked to tell the story of how I flew into space. I am pleased to tell it, yet I fear my words are inadequate to explain the passion, the joy, and sometimes the despair I experienced during every stage of the journey it took to get there from my youth in Iran. I recall watching from the International Space Station the glow of the sun as it began its rise. From my vantage point 220 miles high, I could see the glimmering threads of gold and silver along the edge of our magnificent planet that heralded a new tomorrow. I found myself delighted not only with this glorious apparition, but with all the new tomorrows coming at me, one after the other as I raced around the world, safe inside my aluminum co- coon. When I was in space, I felt free of all the trivial details that can pre- occupy the minds of humanity daily. I had been blessed to not only dream 01 new ansari text:Layout 1 1/8/10 2:34 PM Page xii xii My Dream of Stars of the stars but also to be visiting them. But even in space, I was aware that the light of our tomorrows is sometimes threatened by the darkness of our yesterdays. Ee Although beautiful in its own way, I did not enjoy seeing the sun draw a deep shadow across the planet, snuffing out continents and seas alike. As far as I was concerned, that encroaching darkness represented yesterday. Al- though some say that one’s past is the primary predictor of one’s future, I firmly believe this is not the case—our yesterdays are gone, done, and fin- ished.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 04Aug00-Ieee-Spaceshipone
    News Analysis IEEE Spectrum magazine August 2004 A Giant Leap For Commercial Space Travel Pioneering aerospace designer Burt Rutan claims early lead in race for Ansari X Prize Looking like something out of a Japanese sci-fi cartoon, the futuristic space plane dropped from its mother ship 14 kilometers above Edwards Air Force Base, east of Mojave, Calif., and lit its rocket engine. The winged craft shot straight up, up, and still up, marked by a milky white smoke trail. It didn't curve toward any horizon, the way most rockets do, as they head toward a stable orbit as quickly as possible. More than 30 000 viewers in the desert tilted their heads back farther and farther, mouths agape, necks starting to ache, for the 76 seconds that pilot Michael W. Melvill let the engine burn. It was the most momentous suborbital hop since Alan Shepard rode his Freedom 7 capsule to an altitude of 187.4 km in 1961. IEEE Spectrum was on hand at Mojave Airport in California on 21 June for the launch of the unusual privately funded space plane, SpaceShipOne, which was designed by Burt Rutan and his team at Scaled Composites LLC in Mojave. Paul Allen, Microsoft Corp.'s cofounder, funded Rutan's project, ostensibly to win the US $10 million Ansari X Prize for the first workable "space tourist" vehicle. But Rutan and Allen's gaze was directed far beyond that prize. Considering they spent more than twice as much money as they could win, clearly they were looking to participate in a future of commercial space travel for ordinary—albeit rich—people.
    [Show full text]
  • Aerospace Industry Review Paper Canadian Space Society Introduction in 1962, Canada Became the Third Country in Space with the L
    Aerospace Industry Review Paper Canadian Space Society Introduction In 1962, Canada became the third country in space with the launch of Alouette-1. Since then, Canada has had a proud history of significant contributions in science and technology through space research and development. In 1967, the Chapman Report provided a series of recommendations that helped guide Canada’s original focus and investments in space technology. The Chapman Report also provided a practical plan that outlined how space can address the areas of greatest need for Canadians. Given our large geographic area and disperse population, satellite communications and remote sensing (including space-based earth observation) was, and still is, a practical and cost effective means to address Canada’s needs. As such, space technology has helped Canadians stay connected, coast to coast to coast, and has given us a higher vantage point to monitor our large country. In addition, research and development into space technology has provided us the Canadarm, an iconic symbol of Canada’s innovative and imaginative ability. 50-years have now passed since the launch of Aloutte-1 and Canada’s space program is at a crossroads. The global community has yet to chart a course for space exploration and NASA has ended its Space Shuttle program. India and China have entered the space arena with significant strides in rocketry, satellite manufacturing, human space flight and has set its targets on the Moon. The private sector in the USA has entered the arena providing its own space transportation systems (SpaceX), and is setting ambitious targets to mine space resources (Planetary Resources).
    [Show full text]
  • The Space Race Continues
    The Space Race Continues The Evolution of Space Tourism from Novelty to Opportunity Matthew D. Melville, Vice President Shira Amrany, Consulting and Valuation Analyst HVS GLOBAL HOSPITALITY SERVICES 369 Willis Avenue Mineola, NY 11501 USA Tel: +1 516 248-8828 Fax: +1 516 742-3059 June 2009 NORTH AMERICA - Atlanta | Boston | Boulder | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Mexico City | Miami | New York | Newport, RI | San Francisco | Toronto | Vancouver | Washington, D.C. | EUROPE - Athens | London | Madrid | Moscow | ASIA - 1 Beijing | Hong Kong | Mumbai | New Delhi | Shanghai | Singapore | SOUTH AMERICA - Buenos Aires | São Paulo | MIDDLE EAST - Dubai HVS Global Hospitality Services The Space Race Continues At a space business forum in June 2008, Dr. George C. Nield, Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), addressed the future of commercial space travel: “There is tangible work underway by a number of companies aiming for space, partly because of their dreams, but primarily because they are confident it can be done by the private sector and it can be done at a profit.” Indeed, private companies and entrepreneurs are currently aiming to make this dream a reality. While the current economic downturn will likely slow industry progress, space tourism, currently in its infancy, is poised to become a significant part of the hospitality industry. Unlike the space race of the 1950s and 1960s between the United States and the former Soviet Union, the current rivalry is not defined on a national level, but by a collection of first-mover entrepreneurs that are working to define the industry and position it for long- term profitability.
    [Show full text]
  • Evidence Review – Environmental Innovation Prizes for Development
    Evidence Review – Environmental Innovation Prizes for Development DEW Point Enquiry No. A0405 A Report by Bryony Everett With support from Chris Barnett and Radha Verma Peer Review by William Masters July 2011 Acknowledgements We would like to thank all the interviewees detailed in Annex 1 for their time and support in providing us with their insights and information, without which we would not have been able to produce this report. Particular thanks go to Erika, Jaison and Will. Disclaimer This report is commissioned under DEW Point, the DFID Resource Centre for Environment, Water and Sanitation, which is managed by a consortium of companies led by Harewelle International Limited1. Although the report is commissioned by DFID, the views expressed in the report are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent DFID’s own views or policies, or those of DEW Point. Comments and discussion on items related to content and opinion should be addressed to the author, via the “Contact and correspondence” address e-mail or website, as indicated in the control document above. 1 Consortium comprises Harewelle International Limited, DD International, Practical Action Consulting, Cranfield University and AEA Energy and Environment Table of Contents Evidence Review – Environmental Innovation Prizes for Development Summary .................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Download of Your Pictures to Your Computer
    w ww om .estesrockets.c TABLE OF CONTENTS Index . .2 Skill Level 2 Rocket Kits . .26 How To Start . .3 Skill Level 3 Rocket Kits . .30 What to Know . .4 “E” Engine Powered Kits . .32 Model Rocket Safety Code . .5 Blurzz™ Rocket Racers . .33 Ready To Fly Starter Sets . .6 How Model Rocket Engines Work . .34 E2X® Starter Sets . .8 Model Rocket Engine Chart . .35 Ready to Fly Launch Sets . .10 Engine Time/Thrust Curves . .36 E2X® Launch Sets . .12 Model Rocket Accessories . .37 Ready To Fly Rockets . .14 Estes Airplanes . .38 E2X® Rocket Kits . .15 Estes Educator™ Products . .41 Skill Level 1 Rocket Kits . .20 Estes Specialty Products . .42 INDEX 220 Swift™. 21 Lucky Seven . 17 36 D Squared™ . 27 Max Trax® Starter Set. 7 Accessories. 37 Mini Super Shot™ Starter Set . 9 AeroX™ Interceptor™R/C Mobile Launcher. 40 Model Rocket Bulk Packs . 41 Air Force 1 Electric R/C Jet. 39 No. 2 Estes Sky Writer® . 17 Air Powered Action Hero. 43 NSA Starship™ . 7 Air Powered Blast Jets®. 43 Operation Search & Destroy™ Launch Set . 11 Air Show™ Launch Set. 13 Oracle™ Digital Camera Rocket . 19 Alpha®. 21 Outlander™ . 31 Alpha III®. 17 Patriot™ Starter Set. 7 Alpha III® Starter Set . 9 Presidential VIP Electric R/C Jet Airplane. 39 Astrocam® 110 . 19 Quickfire™ Catapult R/C Airplane . 39 Baby Bertha™. 21 Quark™ . 21 Bandito™ . 15 Renegade™ . 31 Big Bertha® . 23 Riptide™ Launch Set. 11 Big Daddy™ . 32 Rocket Bulk Packs. 41 Blue Ninja™ . 17 Rubicon . 25 Blurzz™ Rocket Powered Cars . 33 Scissor Wing Transport™ . 31 Bull Pup 12D™.
    [Show full text]
  • Space Planes and Space Tourism: the Industry and the Regulation of Its Safety
    Space Planes and Space Tourism: The Industry and the Regulation of its Safety A Research Study Prepared by Dr. Joseph N. Pelton Director, Space & Advanced Communications Research Institute George Washington University George Washington University SACRI Research Study 1 Table of Contents Executive Summary…………………………………………………… p 4-14 1.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………….. p 16-26 2.0 Methodology…………………………………………………………………….. p 26-28 3.0 Background and History……………………………………………………….. p 28-34 4.0 US Regulations and Government Programs………………………………….. p 34-35 4.1 NASA’s Legislative Mandate and the New Space Vision………….……. p 35-36 4.2 NASA Safety Practices in Comparison to the FAA……….…………….. p 36-37 4.3 New US Legislation to Regulate and Control Private Space Ventures… p 37 4.3.1 Status of Legislation and Pending FAA Draft Regulations……….. p 37-38 4.3.2 The New Role of Prizes in Space Development…………………….. p 38-40 4.3.3 Implications of Private Space Ventures…………………………….. p 41-42 4.4 International Efforts to Regulate Private Space Systems………………… p 42 4.4.1 International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety… p 42-43 4.4.2 The International Telecommunications Union (ITU)…………….. p 43-44 4.4.3 The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).. p 44 4.4.4 The European Aviation Safety Agency…………………………….. p 44-45 4.4.5 Review of International Treaties Involving Space………………… p 45 4.4.6 The ICAO -The Best Way Forward for International Regulation.. p 45-47 5.0 Key Efforts to Estimate the Size of a Private Space Tourism Business……… p 47 5.1.
    [Show full text]
  • Non-Traditional Flight Safety Systems and IVHM
    Non-Traditional Flight Safety Systems & Integrated Vehicle Health Management Systems Descriptions of Proposed & Existing Systems and Enabling Technologies & Verification Methods Final Report Produced for: The Office of the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Section AST-300 Produced by: Michael Fudge Thomas Stagliano Sunny Tsiao ITT Industries, Advanced Engineering & Sciences Division 2560 Huntington Avenue Alexandria, Virginia 22303 Contract DTFA01-01-D-03013 Delivery Order #3 August 26, 2003 i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This paper describes present and future flight safety systems (FSS) and integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) systems relevant to reusable launch vehicle (RLV) design and operation. FSS design and implementation for RLVs in the launch-regime will be based mainly upon the evolving flight safety infrastructure presently utilized for expandable launch vehicles (ELV)s and the Space Shuttle. The evolution towards a more autonomous “space-based” range is the most significant issue within the RLV launch-phase flight safety paradigm, and the ability to confidently use Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers on both ELVs and RLVs to conduct real-time vehicle tracking and trajectory assessment is the key enabling technology towards this vision. Experiments utilizing sounding rockets to test this technology are currently ongoing. A flight safety paradigm for RLVs in the post-reentry phase of operations (atmospheric powered or gliding-flight ) is postulated in this paper; it is based upon current Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight safety practices and designs. The emphasis in this paper is placed upon flight safety for uncrewed RLVs; however, pertinent post-reentry flight safety issues and possible system operations for crewed RLVs are also addressed.
    [Show full text]
  • Third Quarter 2003 Quarterly Launch Report 1
    Third Quarter 2003 Quarterly Launch Report 1 Introduction The Third Quarter 2003 Quarterly Launch Report features launch results from the second quarter of 2003 (April-June 2003) and launch forecasts for the third quarter of 2003 (July-September 2003) and fourth quarter of 2003 (October-December 2003). This report contains information on worldwide commercial, civil, and military orbital space launch events. Projected launches have been identified from open sources, including industry references, company manifests, periodicals, and government sources. Projected launches are subject to change. This report highlights commercial launch activities, classifying commercial launches as one or both of the following: • Internationally-competed launch events (i.e., launch opportunities considered available in principle to competitors in the international launch services market) • Any launches licensed by the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation of the Federal Aviation Administration under 49 United States Code Subtitle IX, Chapter 701 (formerly the Commercial Space Launch Act) Contents Second Quarter 2003 Highlights . .2 Vehicle Use . .3 Commercial Launch Events by Country . .4 Commercial vs. Non-commercial Launch Events . .4 Payload Use . .5 Payload Mass Class . .5 Commercial Launch Trends . .6 Appendix A: Second Quarter 2003 Orbital Launch Events . .A-1 Appendix B: Third Quarter 2003 Projected Orbital Launch Events . .B-1 Appendix C: Fourth Quarter 2003 Projected Orbital Launch Events . .C-1 Cover: A Zenit 3SL, marketed by Boeing Launch Services and launched by the multina­ tional consortium Sea Launch, sends Thuraya 2 on its way to geosynchronous orbit on June 10, 2003 from the central Pacific Ocean. Third Quarter 2003 Quarterly Launch Report 2 Second Quarter 2003 Highlights U.S.-based Scaled Composites unveiled its entry for the X PRIZE competition during the second quarter of 2003.
    [Show full text]
  • Preparation of Papers for AIAA Technical Conferences
    Arcachon, France, AA-1-2008-045 Reflections on Conditions for Commercial Air-launched Suborbital Flight in Europe - Selected Results of a Study Funded by the European Community (EC) J.-P. Belmont DASSAULT Aviation, 78, Quai Marcel Dassault, 92552 St. Cloud Cedex 300, France J. Starke Astrium Space Transportation, Airbus Allee 1, 28199 Bremen, Germany J. Longo DLR, Lilienthalplatz 7, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany Ph. Novelli ONERA, BP 72, 92322 Châtillon Cedex, France W. Kordulla ESA/ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, 2201 AZ Noordwijk, Netherlands Abstract The achievements of Scaled Composites with their SpaceShipOne (SS1) flights in 2004 in the frame of the Ansari X-Prize competition led the authors to propose an EC study to look into corresponding capabilities and opportunities for suborbital flight in Europe. This study confirmed that space tourism is the major commercial driver for suborbital ballistic flight, as long as the corresponding costs cannot be reduced substantially. The study considered a variety of issues to conclude that technical show stoppers to achieve suborbital flight in Europe do not exist, assuming the composite configuration of an Airbus as carrier plane and a winged space plane as suborbital vehicle. A major stumbling block, in addition to the funding issues, remains with legal issues and to achieve permission to fly such vehicles in Europe. Introduction The success story of Scaled Composites’ spaceships suggested that going to space would be possible without the enormous cost typical for institutional access to space although the high cost of governmental missions can not prevent accidents to happen from time to time. Of course, the mentioned suborbital ballistic flights of SpaceShipOne type can not be compared with those of e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • The Analysis of Potential Space Tourism Market
    Rochester Institute of Technology RIT Scholar Works Theses 2007 The analysis of potential space tourism market Sandra Sankovic Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.rit.edu/theses Recommended Citation Sankovic, Sandra, "The analysis of potential space tourism market" (2007). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by RIT Scholar Works. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of RIT Scholar Works. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL SPACE TOURISM MARKET A continuation of project started by RIT Professor CJ. Wallington and its students in Space Tourism Development Course (Winter 2004/2005) Student: Sandra Sankovic Professors: Dr. CJ. Wallington Dr. James Jacobs Rochester, January 8, 2007 ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Department of Hospitality and Service Management Graduate Studies M.S. Service Management Presentation of ThesislProiect Findings Name: Sandra Sankovic Date: 3/30/07 S Title of Research: The Analysis of Potential Space Tourism Market Specific Recommendations: (use other side if necessary) Thesis Committee: (1) _~J....;;am~e~sJ....;;ac_o_b_s:,...., J_r ....!.., _Ph....;;.D~ ___ (Chairperson) (2) OR (3) -------------- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Clint Wallington Number of Credits Approved: 4 '/-3--07 J. W. Jacobs Jr. Date Committee Chairperson's Signature \6---~D-O 7 C. J. Wallington Date Committee Signature Note: This form will not be signed by the Department Chairperson until all corrections, as suggested in the specific recommendations (above) are completed. ce. Department Student Record File - Original Student FORMT ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Department of Hospitality and Service Management Graduate Studies M.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicles and Applicable Markets
    SUBORBITAL REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND APPLICABLE MARKETS Prepared by J. C. MARTIN and G. W. LAW Space Launch Support Division Space Launch Operations October 2002 Space Systems Group THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION El Segundo, CA 90245-4691 Prepared for U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCIALIZATION Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th and Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230 (202) 482-6125, 482-5913 Contract No. SB1359-01-Z-0020 PUBLIC RELEASE IS AUTHORIZED Preface This report has been prepared by The Aerospace Corporation for the Department of Commerce, Office of Space Commercialization, under contract #SB1359-01-Z-0020. The objective of this report is to characterize suborbital reusable launch vehicle (RLV) concepts currently in development, and define the military, civil, and commercial missions and markets that could capitalize on their capabilities. The structure of the report includes a brief background on orbital vs. suborbital trajectories, as well as an overview of expendable and reusable launch vehicles. Current and emerging market opportunities for suborbital RLVs are identified and discussed. Finally, the report presents the technical aspects and program characteristics of selected U.S. and international suborbital RLVs in development. The appendix at the end of this report provides further detail on each of the suborbital vehicles, as well as the management biographies for each of the companies. The integration of suborbital RLVs with existing airports and/or spaceports, though an important factor that needs to be evaluated, was not the focus of this effort. However, it should be noted that the RLV concepts discussed in this report are being designed to minimize unique facility requirements.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Private Spaceflight Companies - Wikipedia
    6/18/2020 List of private spaceflight companies - Wikipedia List of private spaceflight companies This page is a list of non-governmental (privately owned) entities that currently offer—or are planning to offer—equipment and services geared towards spaceflight, both robotic and human. List of abbreviations used in this article Contents Commercial astronauts LEO: Low Earth orbit GTO: Geostationary transfer Manufacturers of space vehicles orbit Cargo transport vehicles VTOL: Vertical take-off and Crew transport vehicles landing Orbital SSTO: Single-stage-to-orbit Suborbital TSTO: Two-stage-to-orbit Launch vehicle manufacturers SSTSO: Single-stage-to-sub- Landers, rovers and orbiters orbit Research craft and tech demonstrators Propulsion manufacturers Satellite launchers Space-based economy Space manufacturing Space mining Space stations Space settlement Spacecraft component developers and manufacturers Spaceliner companies See also References External links Commercial astronauts Association of Spaceflight Professionals[1][2] — Astronaut training, applied research and development, payload testing and integration, mission planning and operations support (Christopher Altman, Soyeon Yi)[1][3] Manufacturers of space vehicles Cargo transport vehicles Dry Launch Return Company Launch Length Payload Diameter Generated Automated Spacecraft mass mass Payload (kg) payload S name system (m) volume (m3) (m) power (W) docking (kg) (kg) (kg) 10.0 (pressurized), 3,310 plus 14 2,500 Falcon 9 pressurized or (unpressurized), Dragon 6.1 4,200[4] 10,200 capsule
    [Show full text]