In a significant development for the offshore space industry, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to Seagate Space for its unmanned semi-submersible launch platform.
This marks the first offshore asset to receive such recognition under the newly established ABS Requirements for Offshore Spaceports. The platform, called Gateway-S, showcases a leap in space launch infrastructure, designed especially for remote operations far from shore.
Commitment to safety and precision
ABS and Seagate Space are underscoring their commitment to advancing technology innovations for reliable and efficient launch operations.
Miguel Hernandez, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore, remarked, “Safety and precision are critical to the success of offshore space launch operations. This AIP reflects both ABS’ and Seagate Space’s commitment to advancing innovative technologies that enable reliable and efficient launch operations in a fast-evolving sector. ABS is proud to continue shaping the offshore infrastructure critical to supporting space launches across the globe.”
Advancements in offshore spaceport infrastructure
The cutting-edge Gateway-S forum heralds a new era in modular offshore spaceport infrastructure
The cutting-edge Gateway-S platform heralds a new era in modular offshore spaceport infrastructure. Notably, it is engineered for both launch and recovery.
The platform's design includes semi-submersible features that minimise wave-induced motion, and its deck setup can accommodate varied equipment for mission-specific requirements. Its modular build allows it to be transported easily by sea, truck, or rail, facilitating operations across multiple sites.
Growth of offshore recovery missions
Seagate Space Co-Founder and COO/President, Sean Fortener, praised the industry’s progress, stating, “Our customers in the space industry are truly transforming humanity’s future, and we are proud to be at the forefront of supporting their unique maritime needs. Gateway-S is the first of a series of configurations that achieve greater capability at a more efficient cost point.”
The number of offshore recovery missions has surged dramatically from just two in 2015 to over a hundred anticipated by 2024, driven by enhanced barge and support vessel capabilities.
Feasibility and novel concepts
Offshore spaceports offer strategic edges by relocating functions to the ocean, reducing public impact
Offshore spaceports offer strategic advantages by relocating operations to the ocean, decreasing public impact, and alleviating pressure on traditional spaceport facilities.
The AIP serves as an intermediate approval step, validating the feasibility of innovative concepts to stakeholders and regulatory bodies, in line with the ABS Requirements for Offshore Spaceports and Offshore Rules.
Pioneering offshore spaceport standards
ABS has pioneered the establishment of industry standards for offshore space infrastructure, addressing the distinct challenges faced by offshore spaceports.
It achieved a milestone in 2023 by publishing the world’s first requirements tailored for these unique sites, and it has collaborated with SpaceX to evaluate the remotely controlled dynamic positioning systems of autonomous rocket recovery droneships.
