(source: SpaceX)
Class society ABS has signed a joint development project (JDP) with SpaceX to review the remotely controlled functions of autonomous rocket recovery drone ships used for booster rocket recovery at sea
The rocket recovery drone ships have an expanded deck to increase the size of the landing platform, four thruster engines for propulsion and to hold on station, and blast shielding to protect electrical and engine equipment on deck.
These drone ships are unmanned during landings, with a robot deployed on board to secure the rocket booster to the drone ship before the vessel returns to port.
ABS’ project will review the design of one of SpaceX’s three rocket recovery drone ships for compliance with the ABS Guide for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functions. The class society said the unique and challenging operating requirements will mean ABS will apply “a risk-based approach to evaluate the autonomous functions.”
ABS senior vice preisdent global engineering and technology Patrick Ryan said, “Through our work on autonomous and remote-control technologies in projects with leading partners all over the world, ABS has been leading the way in supporting its practical application at sea. This makes us ideally placed to work with SpaceX on its unique and exciting project.
We are proud our capabilities in this area have been recognised by a true pioneer such as SpaceX.”
The first unit to receive ABS’ Remote-Con notation was a harbour tug operated by Keppel Offshore & Marine back in October 2021.
A copy of ABS’Guide for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functionscan be downloadedhere.
