China has launched its first and the world’s 5th carrier rocket maritime recovery ship and has become the second after the U.S to have such a vessel.

The launch of Xingji Guihang, or Interstellar Return, is a major step for China’s reusable rocket maritime recovery technology.

The ship will support recovery work for the returning first stage of the SQX-3 reusable launch vehicle developed by Beijing-based private rocket maker iSPACE.

The firm said that it aims to conduct an orbital entrance and maritime recovery test flight around 2025 end.

The newly launched ship has a robust structure and is around 100 m long, 42 m wide and has a recovery deck which is 40 m by 60 m, enough to support the returning first-stage rocket.

The ship has a displacement of 17,000 tons and has a DP2 dynamic positioning system. It can capture rockets in Sea State 4 and navigate in Sea State 5, providing flexibility in recovery points.

Its intelligent unmanned operation mode improves security and convenience during recovery tasks, while a dedicated storage compartment meets the requirements of maritime rocket component transport.

Sea State 4 and Sea State 5 are classifications from the World Meteorological Organization’s sea state scale, which describes ocean conditions based on wind speed, wave height and sea behaviour.

Sea State 4 is moderate, with wave heights about 1.25 to 2.5 m and wind speeds of 11 to 16 knots, while Sea State 5 is rough, with wave heights of 2.5 to 4 m and wind speeds of 17 to 21 knots.

After launching the rocket recovery ship, it will undergo assessment, including outfitting, testing of shipboard mechanical and electrical equipment, sea trials and ship performance testing.

It will reach South China’s Hainan Province in September for maritime exercises and further testing.

In future, the ship could support more medium and large-sized reusable rockets’ maritime recovery missions.

Source: www.marineinsight.com