14 DAY TRIAL // On September 24, the FAA announced the opening of a new database for commercial spaceflight companies, which is meant to make this emerging field safer and moire reliable than ever.
Market analysts say that this is a major step forward for the spaceflight industry, especially given that the federal government is to begin subsidizing it with millions of dollars through NASA.
At this point, there are numerous companies that are involved in trying to develop private space capabilities. Additionally, several spaceports around the United States are awaiting construction approval.
The online lessons-learned database that the FAA has launched is dedicated to streamlining the current efforts of developing a strong space industry. This is important considering that the space shuttles will be retired by mid-2011.
NASA will be providing support for companies seeking to develop replacement spacecraft. Until now, some of these corporations have been supported by unnamed government agencies.
Another important section of the FAA efforts is the creation of a new center that will act as a hub for resolving all issues related to commercial spaceflight. A similar center exists for air flight as well.
According to officials at the agency, the new measures were taken so that interested companies can communicate at high speeds and easily. This may help the propagation of ideas pertaining to flight safety through the ranks of companies in the field.
“Commercial space flight is ready to play a greater role in the nation's space program,” said in a statement Randy Babbitt, the FAA Administrator.
“Universities working with industry partners will fuel the research necessary to help keep us in the forefront of both technology and safety in space,” adds the official, quoted by Space.
NASA itself will be a partner for the new center, and it recently announced that it is a great supporter of the initiative.
“This collaborative effort initiated by the FAA aligns perfectly with NASA's evolving relationship and support for a vital U.S. commercial space industry and with our vision of a 21st-century space launch complex,” explains Bob Cabana.
He is the director of the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC), in Florida. The official says that the new hub is called The Air Transportation Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation.
A number of industry representatives, university experts and government agency members make up the consortium, which is led by scientists at the New Mexico State University.
The Center began operations this August. At this point, it only has limited functions, until the FAA decides whether there is an interest to keep it and augment its role.