Space launches at sea?

A caller near the end of the first hour of Bill’s show asked about the project using an ocean-going barge for space launches. He was thinking of Sea Launch—a joint venture between Boeing and the Russian Energia rocket company (and a few other companies). To date, the group has launched 7 satellites, including the two XM Radio satellites (Rock and Roll) which broadcast 100 radio stations, including Dr. Bill’s program. The the launch platform is a converted mobile oil drilling rig, named Odyssey, while the assembly and command ship, Sea Launch Commander, which was purpose-built for the program. [Photos of ships during Roll launch preparations.]

—by Pete at 12:18 AM {PermaLink}