Integrating Space Vehicle Operations into Air Traffic Management - ATM Research and Validation Capabilities at DLR

Abstract

The commercialisation of Space Transportation is increasing significantly as is the number of Space Vehicles which are expected to be launched in the upcoming years. Operation will expand from the current established and well known space ports towards new operational sites. This development is leading towards an increased awareness on the effects of space operations at the Air Traffic Management (ATM). Integrating space operations into ATM has to cover launch and reentry operation, with the main task of air traffic control to ensure separation between aircraft and space vehicles, boosters, 1st stage rockets and also debris in case of a mishap. Established procedures based on the segregation of airspaces is the current state of the art, which means space vehicle operations are still an exception from normal operations. To cope with an increased amount of launches and to avoid its impact on the execution of flights, a seamless and efficient integration of air traffic- and spaceflight operations has to be the goal. The presentation explores the requirements on space and air traffic integration, its current state of the art and the research and validation capabilities of the DLR air traffic validation center on this subject.