Airports Anad Spaceports: A Historical Comparison (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781249590187)

This study attempts to determine if there are any inferences that can be gleaned from the evolution and operation of airports that can be applied to the current group of spaceports. The author lays the foundation of the study by examining the history of the commercial space industry and the US government's role in supporting that industry. Next, the study focuses on the evolution of airports. Specifically, it traces the roots of the airport back to the early 1900's, describes the impact of WWII on the development of the US airport system, and concludes with the most current trend towards airport privitization. With the historical foundation on which to base inferences complete, the author then focuses on the emergence of the commercial spaceport sector. He describes the economics influencing the sector and the DOD grant program which provided much needed seed money for spaceport development. He then provides a description of the three spaceports-California, Florida and Alaska. Finally, the author provides background on key issues (ownership, planning, certification, and governmental roles), discusses "the airport way," and then makes inferences and recommendations to address the issues.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.