Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
7-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Disaster Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Dean Kyne
Second Advisor
Dr. William Donner
Third Advisor
Dr. Arlett Lomeli
Abstract
The commercialization of space has increased spaceport development and activity across the United States. The magnitude of growth can be witnessed through the spaceport expansion and spacecraft testing at the SpaceX “Starbase” Launch Facility, located along the Texas-Mexico border. Matching the pace of SpaceX’s growth while evaluating levels of risk, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) diligently conducted a comprehensive Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA). While this assessment provides significant environmental impact data and risk analysis, much is left to understand regarding hazards and risk exposure to local communities. More specifically, research is needed to understand hazards associated with operational- and anomaly- events of the spaceport’s activities. Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) methods and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) indicators, this study outlines hazards to vulnerable populations within varying proximities of the SpaceX “Starbase” Launch Facility. Findings will provide insight into alignments, deficiencies and discrepancies of risk exposure determinations presented within federal assessments.
Recommended Citation
Garcia, Evan D., "Measuring Social Vulnerability and Exposure to Potential Risks Induced by Spaceport Operations in South Texas: An Empirical Study Utilizing GIS Methods and Social Vulnerability Indicators" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 1215.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1215
Comments
Copyright 2023 Evan D. Garcia. All Rights Reserved.
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