Tsuneishi to develop vessel for offshore rocket launches and recovery

Other companies will join in exploring opportunities in this collaboration.

Tsuneishi Solutions Tokyobay Co., Ltd. has entered into a collaboration agreement with Innovative Space Carrier Inc. for the commercialisation of offshore rocket launch and recovery operations.

“To achieve the goal of providing space transportation services using ISC’s reusable launch vehicle 'ASCA 1,' we are developing a recovery vessel by utilising our experience in shipbuilding and engineering to realise offshore launch and recovery technology,” said Tsuneishi.

Tsuneishi will work ISC, and MOL in exploring various initiatives, such as examining the design requirements for rocket recovery ships, conducting a feasibility study to evaluate their applicability to the ASCA 1reusable rocket developed by ISC, and proceeding with verification tests to validate the findings.

A feasibility study on the commercialisation of offshore launch vessels for rockets will also be conducted. They will examine design requirements for offshore launch vessels for rockets, conduct technical and economic feasibility studies, assess their applicability to the ASCA 1, and proceed with verification tests to validate the findings.