METHODOLOGY FOR COST-BENEFIT-ANALYSIS OF SPACE LAUNCH INFRASTRUCTURE

Resources for improving space launch infrastructure are very limited a nd must be used in a manner that most effectively contributes to the s afety and competitiveness of the launch vehicle industry A benefit-cos t methodology for assessing the impacts of investments in space launch infrastructure is defined, Potential infrastructure investments are c ategorized based on an analysis of existing project proposals, range r equirements, and industry needs. The categories used include space lau nch vehicles, improvement/modification to an existing launch facility, and new spaceports. The uses and limitations of macroeconomic input/o utput analysis for assessing the impacts of space launch infrastructur e investments is also covered. In considering the overall approach, ec onomic drivers were explicitly considered, as well as performance and safety issues. Application of such a structured approach will yield se nsitivities that provide an increased understanding of the relative im portance of various economic, safety, and environmental concerns.