America is, once again, focused on advancing its human spacefaring enterprise. This will require an integrated spacefaring logistics infrastructure be built to enable and promote civil, government, and military human spacefaring operations. In 1996, I published my first paper on space logistics planning. I have released an updated version of this paper, Spacefaring Logistics Infrastructure Planning (2018 update). This paper helps in understanding the scope of what will transpire as America becomes a true human spacefaring nation.
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Abstract
The human settlement of space will involve the design, fabrication, testing, deployment, operation, replenishment, maintenance, repair, and disposal of a wide spectrum of spacefaring logistics operations. These will include reusable, aircraft-like space access systems, expendable and reusable traditional launch vehicles, Earth-orbiting space bases, space tugs and ferries, interplanetary spaceships, surface and orbiting bases on the Moon and Mars, extraterrestrial space and surface mobility systems, and space colonies throughout the central solar system. This paper discusses the importance of carefully and systematically undertaking the systems engineering planning of the basic logistics infrastructure for the first phase of humanity’s spaceward expansion. Further, this paper proposes an initial spacefaring logistics infrastructure planning requirement, derived functional requirements, functional elements, and functional interfaces that may serve as a starting point for further analysis and refinement.
Mike Snead is a professional engineer and Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He is president of the Spacefaring Institute™ (spacefaringinstitute.net) and writes this Spacefaring America blog. He has formed the LinkedIn group Space Solar Power to advocate for space-based sustainable energy and the coming American spacefaring industrial revolution. He can be reached through the contact form or through LinkedIn. His technical papers are available here.