How Israel can benefit from a space port |Opinion
Guest author Alex Orlovsky, who is behind the “Space Port Israel” initiative, explains why he believes that the establishment of an infrastructure for civilian space launch is of utmost importance
IsraelDefense
| 22/08/2022
Photo: Virgin Galactic
In view of the development of technology and the massive entry of new companies, the accelerated commercialization of the space industry in general and the launch industry in particular, the establishment of an infrastructure for civilian space launches is literally the requirement of the hour.
In Israel today, there is no civilian launch infrastructure but only a military one, while it can be established with negligible investment by integrating the horizontal take-off and landing facility at the future international airport.
Since the future international airport will be built as BOT - Build, Operate and Transfer venture, aspects of intercontinental transportation and satellite launches should be included in the design of a new airport and BOT tender documents.
The horizontal take-off and landing facility will be used by space launch aircraft such as Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit. These systems can be used for small satellite launches and for microgravity and scientific experiments, but also for PTP point-to-point intercontinental transportation.
Private Space Industry is multi-billon dollar business expected to grow over next years. Global Space Economy worth in 2020 was approximately $450 billion, as published by the Space Foundation. This could reach $805 billion within 10 years, and $1 trillion within 20 years.
The need for a space port and its advantages for Israel
A space port will make possible to operate commercial flights and get bigger share from the multibillion revenues.
A space port will serve the country in both the short and long term. First for space tourism and the launch of small satellites, scientific research and then with the development and penetration into the market of the next generation of new vehicles, as a take-off and landing facility for suborbital and intercontinental flights, since flights are already around the corner. All that will provide us with a next-gen transport hub.
Since the operation of underground flights requires technical support and service, the maintenance and other capabilities related to the Space Port will be created.
The space port should include a technological park for space-related companies, but not only. The port’s existence itself will be contributing factor in decision making process for companies to establish manufacturing or R&D facility in Israel. This in turn will boost technology development and create jobs.
Israel is one of the few countries in the world that is in a prestigious club of countries with the ability to build, launch and operate satellites. The Space Port will strengthen Israel's position as Leading Space Nation.
Space ports are rapidly being built in USA and recently the UK announced plans to have an operational Space Port by 2024. Other countries such as the UAE, Japan, and Canada are actively working to establish Space Ports in their countries.
As airports in early 20th Century, spaceports are also still unique and rare, on the way to be widely spread all over the world.
A Space Port will make Israel a very attractive location for Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa for space plane operators, as well as for production and related services. There could also be direct technology spillovers, with a spaceport acting as a hub for high-technology firms. In the longer term, there would be opportunities in the supply chain for advanced manufacturing.
Even a negligible investment needs to be financed – sources of funding can come from a balanced investment between the central government and commercial companies interested in developing the Space Port. However, if the government wants Israel to become a hub for the space industry, it is likely that central funding would be needed or at least have bigger share over commercial companies investments.
Site for vertical launches
In my opinion, the only suitable location in Israel for vertical launch in non-polar orbit is the existing Palmachim launch site. Another potential site, suitable for polar launches southwards, subject to the results of the feasibility study, is the Shedma launch site, currently operating by Rafael.
The feasibility of establishing a vertical civilian launch site for polar orbits should consider quiet understandings with the neighboring countries and taking into account the safety of the launch direction.
Another option is to place a launch site at sea, which due to the limited operational criteria for vertical launch into orbit may be located at sea on the platform, mobile as the Sea Launch Odyssey platform or stationary.
More options include: launching from a ship such as the German Offshore Spaceport Alliance, or even using SpaceX’s STARSHIP.
Regardless of the proposed location of a Space Port, feasibility study should be carried out that will include:
a) A report on existing and emerging technologies to define for which one the requirements should be defined and what they are to include in a future international airport plan.
b) Area estimation to be included in Site Master Plan.
c) The study itself will include an examination of optimal locations in the country in general and of the new airport particularly from a geographical point of view, weather, safety, economic advantage and accessibility.
d) Certification of the FAA, a U.S. federal aviation authority, must be included for the new airport to allow landings of the Sierra Space Dream Chaser vehicles on it.
In parallel with this effort a proper Space legislation, regulating Israeli Space activities should be advanced and became a Law.
Under that Law the next step is to establish Space Israel – Authority to develop and operate Space Port.
Current Status
As of now, CAAI and Planning Administration have not selected future international airport location. On the table are 2 options: Nevatim and Ramat David air force bases.
On behalf of Space Port Israel association, white papers were submitted to ISA and the transportation department of the Planning Administration .
The Planning Administration is waiting for the definitions from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Transport is waiting for a request from ISA.
Written by Alex Orlovsky, Space Port Israel initiative
Guest author Alex Orlovsky, who is behind the “Space Port Israel” initiative, explains why he believes that the establishment of an infrastructure for civilian space launch is of utmost importance
Photo: Virgin Galactic
In view of the development of technology and the massive entry of new companies, the accelerated commercialization of the space industry in general and the launch industry in particular, the establishment of an infrastructure for civilian space launches is literally the requirement of the hour.
In Israel today, there is no civilian launch infrastructure but only a military one, while it can be established with negligible investment by integrating the horizontal take-off and landing facility at the future international airport.
Since the future international airport will be built as BOT - Build, Operate and Transfer venture, aspects of intercontinental transportation and satellite launches should be included in the design of a new airport and BOT tender documents.
The horizontal take-off and landing facility will be used by space launch aircraft such as Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit. These systems can be used for small satellite launches and for microgravity and scientific experiments, but also for PTP point-to-point intercontinental transportation.
Private Space Industry is multi-billon dollar business expected to grow over next years. Global Space Economy worth in 2020 was approximately $450 billion, as published by the Space Foundation. This could reach $805 billion within 10 years, and $1 trillion within 20 years.
The need for a space port and its advantages for Israel
A space port will make possible to operate commercial flights and get bigger share from the multibillion revenues.
A space port will serve the country in both the short and long term. First for space tourism and the launch of small satellites, scientific research and then with the development and penetration into the market of the next generation of new vehicles, as a take-off and landing facility for suborbital and intercontinental flights, since flights are already around the corner. All that will provide us with a next-gen transport hub.
Since the operation of underground flights requires technical support and service, the maintenance and other capabilities related to the Space Port will be created.
The space port should include a technological park for space-related companies, but not only. The port’s existence itself will be contributing factor in decision making process for companies to establish manufacturing or R&D facility in Israel. This in turn will boost technology development and create jobs.
Israel is one of the few countries in the world that is in a prestigious club of countries with the ability to build, launch and operate satellites. The Space Port will strengthen Israel's position as Leading Space Nation.
Space ports are rapidly being built in USA and recently the UK announced plans to have an operational Space Port by 2024. Other countries such as the UAE, Japan, and Canada are actively working to establish Space Ports in their countries.
As airports in early 20th Century, spaceports are also still unique and rare, on the way to be widely spread all over the world.
A Space Port will make Israel a very attractive location for Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa for space plane operators, as well as for production and related services. There could also be direct technology spillovers, with a spaceport acting as a hub for high-technology firms. In the longer term, there would be opportunities in the supply chain for advanced manufacturing.
Even a negligible investment needs to be financed – sources of funding can come from a balanced investment between the central government and commercial companies interested in developing the Space Port. However, if the government wants Israel to become a hub for the space industry, it is likely that central funding would be needed or at least have bigger share over commercial companies investments.
Site for vertical launches
In my opinion, the only suitable location in Israel for vertical launch in non-polar orbit is the existing Palmachim launch site. Another potential site, suitable for polar launches southwards, subject to the results of the feasibility study, is the Shedma launch site, currently operating by Rafael.
The feasibility of establishing a vertical civilian launch site for polar orbits should consider quiet understandings with the neighboring countries and taking into account the safety of the launch direction.
Another option is to place a launch site at sea, which due to the limited operational criteria for vertical launch into orbit may be located at sea on the platform, mobile as the Sea Launch Odyssey platform or stationary.
More options include: launching from a ship such as the German Offshore Spaceport Alliance, or even using SpaceX’s STARSHIP.
Regardless of the proposed location of a Space Port, feasibility study should be carried out that will include:
a) A report on existing and emerging technologies to define for which one the requirements should be defined and what they are to include in a future international airport plan.
b) Area estimation to be included in Site Master Plan.
c) The study itself will include an examination of optimal locations in the country in general and of the new airport particularly from a geographical point of view, weather, safety, economic advantage and accessibility.
d) Certification of the FAA, a U.S. federal aviation authority, must be included for the new airport to allow landings of the Sierra Space Dream Chaser vehicles on it.
In parallel with this effort a proper Space legislation, regulating Israeli Space activities should be advanced and became a Law.
Under that Law the next step is to establish Space Israel – Authority to develop and operate Space Port.
Current Status
As of now, CAAI and Planning Administration have not selected future international airport location. On the table are 2 options: Nevatim and Ramat David air force bases.
On behalf of Space Port Israel association, white papers were submitted to ISA and the transportation department of the Planning Administration .
The Planning Administration is waiting for the definitions from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Transport is waiting for a request from ISA.
Written by Alex Orlovsky, Space Port Israel initiative
