Presenters
Mike, Tomas, Brian
Summary:
Working Group 4, consisting of Mike, Tomas, and Brian, gathered at the Foresight Space Workshop ’23 to discuss the impact on the price of launch. They explored ways to positively affect launch prices without showing favoritism towards any winner or technology. They considered making launch sites more available, including utilizing old launch sites in the United States. The team believed that promoting smaller spaceports outside of the major ones could have a broad positive impact. They also brainstormed ideas to generate attention and funding for space exploration, such as creating a movie about the first Chinese mission to Mars. Compliance with regulations was seen as a challenging aspect, but the team saw potential in overcoming it. They recognized the congestion in current U.S. spaceports and proposed the establishment of a national spaceport system, as well as the need for inland launch capabilities. The importance of protocols for national security and incorporating commercial space into existing regulations was discussed. The Department of Defense was identified as a driving force in expanding spaceport systems. Challenges and uncertainties with kinetic launch systems and the difficulties in gaining regulation and approval were highlighted.