Space for Kentucky

Hello Everyone!

We just concluded a series of Space for Kentucky Roundtable meetings that focused on Building a Spaceport. Each roundtable is recorded and can be seen on our website.

Building a Spaceport - Part 1-4

Part 1 - Bringing space to your community

We will begin the evening with a great example of how a spaceport can be a beacon for an area’s economy, and provide inspiration for its citizens. Arturo Machuca will share the spaceport’s business case and Dr. David Alexander will discuss its focal point of education.

Houston Spaceport is a part of the Ellington Field Airport in Houston.

The Houston Airport System spent $21 million on infrastructure at the spaceport site to help secure for Collins and Axiom. The?$21 million investment resulted in $5 BILLION in contracts* adding 1,500-1,800+ jobs to the area.

(*an increase of $1 Billion since the July 2022?Space Marketing Podcast interview)

Houston Spaceport is the new home to Axiom Space , Intuitive Machines , and Collins Aerospace in a 120,000-sq ft complex that includes the city’s first “spaceflight incubator.”

In PART 1, we discussed:

• The business case for spaceports – Arturo Machuca , Houston Spaceport?
• Spaceports as a focal point for education – Dr. David Alexander OBE , Rice Space Institute from Rice University
• Conducting an economic study – Scott McLaughlin , Spaceport America
• Planning and building a spaceport – Francis Walker , Corgan – Associate Principal, Office Director — London
• Preparing for Point-to-Point transportation needs – Oscar Garcia , InterFlight Global Corporation

Part 2 - Spaceport Vehicles

Many areas cannot have a rocket launch from a spaceport due to population or location. BUT, many of those possible spaceports can pursue horizontal-launch options.

This meeting focuses on space vehicles that can be utilized at horizontal-licensed spaceports.

In PART 2, we discussed:

Suborbital transportation – Oscar Garcia , InterFlight Global Corporation

Sierra Space Tenacity: Key to Space Manufacturing – Christopher Allison , Sierra Space

Merging the world of rockets and aviation – Khaki Rodway , Dawn Aerospace

NASA’s X-59 Quesst Supersonic – Mary Stringer , NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Part 3 - Alternative Rocket Fuels

This meeting focuses on new launch technology to propel space and clean fuel for future transportation.

A lot has been done to develop space propellants that are environmentally friendly (“green”) and contribute towards non-toxic propellants. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that are used in the main engines of the Space Shuttle and the main stages of the Ariane V rocket are clean and burn as steam. From agricultural waste to recycled material, the best and the brightest are looking at sustainable and eco-friendly ways to reach space.

In Part 3, we discussed:

Turning plastic into Ecosene rocket fuel - Derek Harris Business Operations Manager at Skyrora Ltd and CEO of Ecosene

Recycled water bottles as fuel - Col. Robert Fabian USAF (Ret.) Chief Operating Officer at Vaya Space

Going Green with Rocket Fuel - Richard Osborne, Chief Technology Officer at AstroAgency

Part 4: Developing an Economic Study

This meeting focuses on creating an economic study to demonstrate the opportunities of an initiative, like a spaceport.

Dr Mick O'Connor CEng CDir is Co-founder and Managing Director of FIRE ARROW , a spaceflight company that enables governments and commercial organizations to achieve safe, #sustainable, responsive, and affordable Access to Space.

Paul Sloan is the Economic Development Manager who is working to bring a spaceport to the Paso Robles community in #California to attract a workforce and space companies. He has worked extensively in the areas of marketing, strategic planning, communications, branding, and business development. He is leading the City of Paso Robles through the steps of building a spaceport to bring the space industry to his community.

We discuss workforce development, community support, and attracting tenants and investments.

• Scotland's burgeoning space industry, emphasizes its growing significance and contributions to the global space sector. Space Scotland
• Details the strategic considerations and planning required to establish a spaceport, including site selection and infrastructure needs.
• Determining the Economic Feasibility of a Spaceport - Examines the economic aspects of developing a spaceport, such as cost-benefit analysis, potential revenue streams, and funding sources.
• Emphasizes the necessity of diverse skill sets and inclusive workforce development to support the space industry.
• Educational Access to Space Workforce Development - The importance of educational programs from K-20 levels, including advanced degrees and technician certifications, to develop a skilled space workforce. Cal Poly Engineering
• Outlines the steps involved in developing a spaceport, including creating test sites, securing private sector partnerships, and navigating the licensing process. Stellar Exploration, Inc.
• Developing Financial Resources and Incentives
• Attracting Foreign Direct Investment
• Community Support - The strong community backing for the spaceport is driven by the potential for local job creation and economic benefits.
• Preparations that are needed to make the business park suitable for incoming space industry businesses.
• Providing Testing Areas as a key attraction for foreign companies interested in the spaceport.
• Tax Incentives and Credits
• The potential for point-to-point space transportation and its implications for the industry.

About the Host

Izzy House is the host and organizer of the Space for Kentucky Roundtable.

Armed with 20+ years of experience in public affairs, outreach, and marketing, Izzy aims to empower and inspire dreams of space while making the planet a better place to live.

Host and organizer: Space for Kentucky Roundtable (SpaceForKentucky.com)

Author of Space Marketing Book Series:

· Space Marketing: Competing in the new commercial space industry

· Space Marketing: Spaceports - Communicating with stakeholders, communities, and key leaders

Podcast Host: Space Marketing Podcast (SpaceMarketingPodcast.com)

For more information, go to her website at izzy.house