Rocket launching method and integrated offshore launch vessel

Abstract

The application relates to the field of rocket sea launching, in particular to a rocket far-sea launching method and an integrated sea launching ship, which comprises a launching ship body, an environment guarantee plant and a launching device. A rocket storage cabin is arranged in a ship cabin of the launching ship body, and a fairing assembly storage cabin is arranged on a bow cabin of the launching ship body. A rocket in-out cabin lifting device is arranged at a rocket storage cabin opening, a rocket parking adjusting device is arranged in the rocket storage cabin, and a flatbed transport vehicle is arranged on a deck of the launching ship body. The environment guarantee plant is movably arranged on the deck of the launching ship body, and the launching device is fixedly arranged on the deck of the launching ship body. The application can realize multiple launching and continuous launching in a far-sea condition, greatly shortens the period of sea launching, reduces the cost of sea launching and guarantees the reliability of sea launching.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of rocket sea launch, and in particular to a rocket long-range sea launch method and an integrated sea launch vessel. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demand for space launches and the growing population density on land, the safety of rocket flight and landing zones has become increasingly prominent. Sea-based launches, by flexibly selecting launch points and landing zones through maritime navigation, effectively address the safety issues of rocket flight zones and debris landing areas, significantly reducing the evacuation costs for personnel from land-based launch sites. Furthermore, the number of satellites with small inclinations is increasing globally, and sea-based launch platforms can move extensively across the sea, effectively overcoming the challenge of land-based launch sites in some regions being unable to meet the launch requirements of satellites with inclinations ranging from 0° to 13°. Therefore, sea-based launches are of great significance to rocket launch services and have excellent development prospects.

[0003] Because sea-based launches require rocket launch ships to transport the rockets to the launch area, and launch command ships and some technical personnel also need to reach the launch area, the launch and operating costs of sea-based launches are relatively high.

[0004] Therefore, how to reduce the cost of sea launches, shorten the sea launch cycle, and ensure the reliability of sea launches are technical problems that urgently need to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method for launching rockets at sea and an integrated sea launch vessel to shorten the launch cycle, reduce the cost of sea launches, and ensure the reliability of sea launches.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An integrated sea-based launch vessel includes: a launch hull, an environmental protection facility, and a launch system. The hull houses a rocket storage compartment for horizontal storage of multiple rockets during transport. The bow of the hull houses a satellite array storage compartment for vertical storage of multiple satellite array assemblies during transport, and a satellite array assembly storage compartment providing installation space for docking the rockets with the satellite array assemblies. The deck of the launch hull has a rocket storage hatch communicating with the rocket storage compartment, and the hatch is equipped with a cover. The satellite array assembly storage compartment has a hatch and a door. The rocket storage hatch has a rocket entry / exit lifting device for docking with the rocket carrier's erector after the rocket is loaded onto the ship, lowering the rocket from the hatch into the storage compartment, and for docking with the rocket carrier's erector during launch preparation. The storage hatch rises from inside the rocket storage compartment to the deck of the launch ship. The rocket storage compartment is equipped with a rocket parking and adjustment device for docking with the rocket-carrying erector, allowing for the movement of the rocket and erector within the storage compartment. The launch ship's deck is equipped with a satellite array assembly entry / exit device for moving the satellite array assembly into its storage compartment. The launch ship's deck is also equipped with a satellite array docking and adjustment device for moving the rocket and its carrier erector into the satellite array assembly storage compartment for docking. Furthermore, the launch ship's deck is equipped with an erection docking and adjustment device, which, after docking the satellite array assembly with the rocket, moves the rocket and erector until the erector docks with the launch device. The environmental protection facility is movably mounted on the launch ship's deck, while the launch device is fixedly mounted on the deck. This device is used to erect the rocket from a horizontal to a vertical position and to carry the vertically positioned rocket until ignition and launch.

[0008] In the integrated sea-based launch vessel described above, preferably, the rocket entry / exit lifting device includes: a support frame, a winch, a lifting cable, and a hoisting buckle; the support frame is supported at the rocket storage hatch, the winch is fixed to the support frame, one end of the lifting cable is connected to the drive component of the winch, and the other end of the lifting cable is connected to the hoisting buckle, which is used to dock with the erecting frame that holds the rocket.

[0009] In the integrated sea-launch vessel described above, preferably, the support frame includes: four main load-bearing columns, four auxiliary load-bearing columns, two crossbeams, and four longitudinal beams; two main load-bearing columns are located on one side of the rocket storage hatch, with their lower ends extending and fixed to the bottom plate of the rocket storage hatch; two auxiliary load-bearing columns are located on one side of the rocket storage hatch, with their lower ends extending and fixed to the rocket storage hatch, and these two auxiliary load-bearing columns are distributed to the outside of the two main load-bearing columns on the same side; the other two main load-bearing columns are located on the other side of the rocket storage hatch, with their lower ends extending... The rocket is fixed to the bottom plate of the rocket storage compartment. Two other auxiliary support columns are located on the other side of the rocket storage compartment opening, with their lower ends extending and fixed to the rocket storage compartment opening. These two auxiliary support columns are distributed to the outside of the two main support columns on the same side. One crossbeam is fixed to the upper ends of the two main support columns and the two auxiliary support columns on the same side. Another crossbeam is fixed to the upper ends of the two main support columns and the two auxiliary support columns on the other side. Four longitudinal beams are fixed between the two crossbeams, and the winch is fixed to the two longitudinal beams in the middle.

[0010] In the integrated sea-launching vessel described above, preferably, the height of the satellite docking adjustment device is lower than the height of the erection docking adjustment device.

[0011] In the integrated sea-based launch vessel described above, preferably, a thermal insulation chamber installation and adjustment device is provided on the deck of the launch vessel hull, which is used to carry the thermal insulation chamber and install it to the outside of the rocket fairing after the rocket and the satellite fairing assembly are docked.

[0012] In the integrated sea-launching vessel described above, preferably, the environmental protection facility includes: a first facility and a second facility, the first facility being higher than the second facility, and the second facility being pluggable to the first facility.

[0013] A method for launching rockets at sea includes the following steps: Step S910: Transporting multiple rockets and multiple sets of satellite shield assemblies to the launch ship at the dock; Step S920: Lowering the multiple rockets transported to the launch ship into the rocket storage compartment in sequence, and moving the multiple sets of satellite shield assemblies into the satellite shield assembly storage compartment in sequence; Step S930: Moving the multiple rockets and the erector frame lowered into the rocket storage compartment to designated positions and locking them in sequence for horizontal storage in the rocket storage compartment, and moving the multiple sets of satellite shield assemblies moved to the satellite shield assembly storage compartment to designated positions and locking them in sequence for vertical storage in the satellite shield assembly storage compartment; Step S94: 0. After storing multiple rockets in the rocket storage compartment and multiple satellite array assemblies in the satellite array assembly storage compartment, the launch ship sails towards the launch area; Step S950. After the launch ship arrives at the launch area, during the rocket launch preparation phase, the rocket is raised from the rocket storage compartment to the deck of the launch ship and moved to the satellite array assembly storage compartment for docking with the satellite array assembly; Step S960. The docked rocket is moved to the deck of the launch ship and docked to the launch device. The environmental protection facility is removed, and the rocket is erected for launch; Step S970. After the launch of this rocket is completed, the preparation phase for the next rocket launch begins.

[0014] The rocket launch method for long-range sea launch described above preferably includes the following steps: Step S980, after the rocket in the rocket storage compartment and the satellite array assembly in the satellite array assembly storage compartment are fully docked and launched, the rocket is retrieved and returned to port.

[0015] In the rocket launch method described above, preferably, the vertically positioned satellite-enclosure assembly is rotated to a horizontal position to dock the rocket with the satellite-enclosure assembly.

[0016] In the rocket launch method described above for long-range sea launch, it is preferable to raise the rocket's altitude to achieve docking between the rocket and the launch device.

[0017] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the launch vessel of this application has the capability to carry multiple rockets on a single sea voyage, and has the capability to transport, assemble, and launch rockets and satellite arrays. The vessel also possesses the environmental support and operational conditions necessary for the rocket and satellite array assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the integrated sea-based launch vessel provided in Embodiment 1 Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the integrated sea-based launch vessel provided in Embodiment 1 Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the integrated sea-based launch vessel provided in Embodiment 1 Figure 3 ;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the integrated sea-based launch vessel provided in Embodiment 1 Figure 4 ;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the integrated sea-based launch vessel provided in Embodiment 1 Figure 5 ;

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the rocket storage compartment of the integrated sea-based launch vessel provided in Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the rocket entry / exit lift device of the integrated sea launch vessel provided in Embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the storage compartment of the integrated sea launch vessel's satellite array as provided in Embodiment 1;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the rocket launch method for offshore launch provided in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this application provides an integrated marine launch vessel, including: a launch hull 110, an environmental protection facility 120, and a launch device 130. As an example, the launch hull 110 is 165m long, 40m wide, and has a draft of 9m.

[0031] The launch hull 110 houses a rocket storage compartment 111, which is used to store multiple rockets (without the satellite shield assembly) during transport, for example, storing six rockets horizontally. The rocket storage compartment 111 is equipped with temperature and humidity control components, salt spray control components, and explosion-proof components to ensure its environmental protection and explosion-proof capabilities. Due to the long length of the rockets, they are stored horizontally within the rocket storage compartment 111.

[0032] As an example, the rocket storage compartment 111 is divided into 6 rocket parking spaces (e.g. Figure 6 The rocket parking positions shown (①, ②, ③, ④, ⑤, and ⑥) extend in the same direction as the launch hull 110. Furthermore, the six rocket parking positions are arranged in two rows, with three parking positions in each row.

[0033] The launch hull 110 has a rocket storage hatch on its deck that connects to the rocket storage compartment 111. This hatch is used for lowering the rocket and erector frame into the rocket storage compartment 111 or raising it from the compartment onto the deck of the launch hull 110. The erector frame provides support and securement for the rocket, including load-sharing supports, lower clamps, support rings, and upper clamps. It has an independent oil source and control system, enabling independent locking of the support rings and operation of the upper and lower clamps. As an example, the rocket storage hatch is located opposite the middle rocket parking position in a row of rocket parking positions near the bow. Figure 6 The rocket is positioned at location 6 in the rocket storage compartment 111, which facilitates the movement of the rocket from location 6 to other rocket storage locations. Furthermore, the rocket storage hatch is rectangular in shape to accommodate the shape of the rocket. Additionally, the extension direction of the rocket storage hatch is the same as the extension direction of the launch hull 110.

[0034] like Figure 7 As shown, a rocket storage hatch cover 114 is provided at the rocket storage hatch opening, which is opened when the rocket enters or exits the rocket storage compartment 111, and closed at other times. As an example, the rocket storage hatch cover 114 is located inside the rocket storage compartment 111, and the rocket storage hatch cover 114 is slidably connected to the inner surface of the deck. Optionally, the inner surface of the deck has a sliding track, and the rocket storage hatch cover 114 slides into the sliding track.

[0035] The rocket storage hatch is equipped with a rocket entry / exit lift device 113, used to dock with the rocket carrier erector after the rocket is loaded onto the ship, and to lower the rocket from the rocket storage hatch into the rocket storage compartment 111 for storage. It is also used during the rocket launch preparation phase to dock with the rocket carrier erector and to raise the rocket from the rocket storage hatch into the rocket storage compartment 111 onto the deck of the launch ship hull 110. The rocket entry / exit lift device 113 provides lifting and protection for the rocket, ensuring the safety of the rocket lifting process. As an example, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the rocket entry / exit lift device 113 includes: a support frame, a winch 1131, a lifting cable (not shown in the figure), and a hoisting buckle (not shown in the figure). The support frame is supported at the rocket storage hatch, the winch 1131 is fixed to the support frame, one end of the lifting cable is connected to the drive component of the winch 1131, and the other end of the lifting cable is connected to the hoisting buckle. The hoisting buckle is used to dock with the erector frame holding the rocket, thereby driving the lifting cable through the winch 1131 to achieve the lifting and lowering of the rocket. In addition, after the hoisting buckle is unlocked from the erector frame holding the rocket, the winch 1131 can tighten the lifting cable, thereby avoiding affecting the movement of the rocket.

[0036] Optionally, the support frame includes: four main load-bearing columns 1132, four auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133, two crossbeams 1134, and four longitudinal beams 1135. The two main load-bearing columns 1132 are located on one side of the rocket storage hatch, with their lower ends extending and fixed to the bottom plate of the rocket storage compartment 111. The upper ends of these two main load-bearing columns 1132 extend to a predetermined position above the rocket storage hatch. The two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 are located on one side of the rocket storage hatch, with their lower ends extending and fixed to the rocket storage hatch. The upper ends of these two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 extend to a predetermined position above the rocket storage hatch, and these two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 are distributed to the outside of the two main load-bearing columns 1132 on the same side. Two additional main load-bearing columns 1132 are located on the other side of the rocket storage hatch, with their lower ends extending and fixed to the bottom plate of the rocket storage compartment 111. The upper ends of these two main load-bearing columns 1132 extend to a predetermined position above the rocket storage hatch. Two additional auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 are located on the other side of the rocket storage hatch, with their lower ends extending and fixed to the rocket storage hatch. The upper ends of these two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 extend to a predetermined position above the rocket storage hatch, and these two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 are distributed to the outside of the two main load-bearing columns 1132 on the same side. One crossbeam 1134 is fixed to the upper ends of the two main load-bearing columns 1132 and the two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 on the same side. Another crossbeam 1134 is fixed to the upper ends of the two main load-bearing columns 1132 and the two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 on the other side of the same side. Four longitudinal beams 1135 are fixed between these two transverse beams 1134 so that the winch is fixed to the two longitudinal beams 1135 located in the middle.

[0037] In addition, the space occupied by the support frame can be covered by the environmental protection facility 120 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, when the environmental protection building 120 moves to the support frame, the support frame is located inside the environmental protection building 120, thus avoiding any impact on the movement of the environmental protection building 120. As an example, the four main load-bearing columns 1132 and four auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 extend upwards by a predetermined distance, which can be determined according to the required height of the rocket, for example, extending upwards to 14m above the deck of the launch hull 110. Furthermore, the width between the two main load-bearing columns 1132 and two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 on the same side and the two main load-bearing columns 1132 and two auxiliary load-bearing columns 1133 on the other side is 6m, thus forming a 6m wide lifting space in the middle of the support frame.

[0038] Alternatively, the rocket entry / exit lift 113 can be locked at a desired height to facilitate the docking and installation of the rocket-carrying erector and the rocket parking adjustment device (not shown in the figure), as well as the docking and installation of the rocket-carrying erector and the satellite fairing docking adjustment device (shown in the figure). As an example, the winch can lock the lifting cable, thereby locking the rocket entry / exit lift 113.

[0039] The rocket storage compartment 111 is equipped with a rocket parking and adjustment device for docking with the rocket carrier's erector frame, allowing for the movement of the rocket and the erector frame within the storage compartment. Specifically, after the rocket descends into the storage compartment 111, the device moves to a position below the rocket and docks with the rocket carrier's erector frame, thereby disengaging the rocket entry / exit lift 113 from the rocket carrier's erector frame. It then moves the rocket and the rocket carrier's erector frame to a designated position and locks them in place. Furthermore, during the rocket launch preparation phase, the device moves the rocket and the rocket carrier's erector frame to the rocket entry / exit lift 113, allowing the lift 113 to dock with the rocket carrier's erector frame, thus raising the rocket and the rocket carrier's erector frame onto the deck of the launch vehicle hull 110. As an example, the rocket parking and adjustment device could also be a mobile trolley.

[0040] A satellite array storage compartment 112 is installed on the bow of the launch hull 110. This compartment is used to store multiple satellite arrays during transport, for example, six 3.35m satellite arrays stored vertically. The storage compartment 112 is equipped with temperature and humidity control components, salt spray control components, and explosion-proof components to ensure its environmental protection and explosion-proof capabilities. Since the satellite array in this application can be stored and transported separately from the rocket, it can be stored vertically in the storage compartment 112. Therefore, this application is applicable to situations where the satellite cannot be transported horizontally, and also to situations where the satellite can be transported horizontally. Furthermore, the storage compartment 112 also provides installation space for docking the rocket and the satellite array, allowing the rocket to dock with the satellite array, which has been flipped from a vertical to a horizontal position, within the storage compartment 112.

[0041] The satellite array storage compartment 112 is provided with a satellite array storage hatch for moving the satellite array / rocket from the deck of the launch ship hull 110 to the satellite array storage compartment 112, and for moving the rocket to the deck of the launch ship hull 110 after the satellite array docking is completed. The satellite array storage hatch is provided with a satellite array storage compartment door, which is opened when the satellite array / rocket enters the satellite array storage compartment 112 and when the rocket exits the satellite array storage compartment 112 after the satellite array docking is completed, and closed at other times.

[0042] Optional, such as Figure 8 As shown, the satellite array storage compartment 112 is divided into a first satellite array storage room 1121, a transfer room 1122, and a second satellite array storage room 1123. The first and second satellite array storage rooms 1121 and 1123 are located on either side of the transfer room 1122, and their extending directions are the same as those of the launch vehicle hull 110. Both the first and second satellite array storage rooms 1121 and 1123 are used to store multiple satellite arrays during transportation; for example, each storage room stores three satellite arrays. The transfer room 1122 provides installation space for docking the rocket with the satellite array. In this application, the storage hatch of the star shield assembly is located in the transfer room 1122, and hatches are provided between the transfer room 1122 and the first star shield assembly storage room 1121 and the second star shield assembly storage room 1123.

[0043] A satellite array assembly access and exit device is placed on the deck of the launch vessel 110. This device is used to dock with the satellite array assembly after it is loaded onto the vessel and to move the satellite array assembly from the satellite array assembly storage hatch to the satellite array assembly storage compartment for storage. As an example, the satellite array assembly access and exit device can be a mobile trolley.

[0044] A satellite shield docking and adjustment device is installed on the deck of the launch hull 110. This device is used to dock with the rocket-carrying erector after the rocket is raised onto the deck of the launch hull 110 by the rocket entry / exit lifter 113. This disconnects the rocket entry / exit lifter 113 from the rocket-carrying erector, and moves the rocket and its carrier erector into the satellite shield assembly storage compartment 112 for docking with the satellite shield assembly. As an example, the satellite shield docking and adjustment device could also be a mobile trolley.

[0045] The launch hull 110 is also equipped with an erection and docking adjustment device on its deck. After the satellite array assembly is docked with the rocket, the erector frame used to move the rocket and its carrier rocket docks with the launch device 130. After docking, the rocket carrier rocket erector frame is capable of erecting and launching the rocket. As an example, the erection and docking adjustment device can also be a mobile trolley. Optionally, in this application, the height of the satellite array docking adjustment device is lower than the height of the erection and docking adjustment device. Alternatively, after the erector frame docks with the launch device 130, a dual-cylinder erection method is used to erect the erector frame and the rocket it carries.

[0046] The satellite enclosure assembly's entry / exit maneuvering device, docking adjustment device, and erection / docking adjustment device can be a single flatbed transport vehicle or several different flatbed transport vehicles. If the satellite enclosure assembly's entry / exit maneuvering device, docking adjustment device, and erection / docking adjustment device are a single flatbed transport vehicle, the height of this flatbed transport vehicle can be adjusted to ensure that when the flatbed transport vehicle is used as the satellite enclosure docking adjustment device, its height is lower than the height of the erection / docking adjustment device seated on the flatbed transport vehicle.

[0047] The launch hull 110 is equipped with a thermal insulation chamber installation and adjustment device on its deck. After the rocket and the satellite fairing assembly are docked, the thermal insulation chamber installation and adjustment device carries the thermal insulation chamber and installs it on the outside of the rocket fairing to keep the satellite and other equipment inside the fairing warm.

[0048] In addition, a testing cabin is set up on the bow compartment of the launch hull 110 to store various testing instruments. These instruments are used to complete subsystem tests and full rocket tests before launch.

[0049] Environmental protection facility 120 is movably mounted on the deck of launch vehicle hull 110, covering launch device 130 and rocket. It provides environmental protection functions for the rocket and satellite during the rocket launch preparation phase, and for launch device 130 outside of the rocket launch preparation and launch phases. As an example, environmental protection facility 120 is movable on the deck of launch vehicle hull 110 via rails. Also as an example, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the environmental protection facility 120 includes a first facility and a second facility. The first facility is higher than the second facility, and the second facility is pluggable to the first facility. That is, the second facility is inserted into the first facility, and the second facility can be inserted into the depth of the first facility. The second facility can also be pulled out from the depth of the first facility, thereby enabling the environmental protection facility 120 to achieve a telescopic function to meet the space constraints on the launch hull 110.

[0050] The launch device 130 is fixedly mounted on the deck of the launch hull 110 and is used to erect the rocket from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and to carry the vertically positioned rocket to the launch site. As an example, the launch device 130 is fixed to the stern of the launch hull 110. The launch device 130 includes: a rocket erection device, an anti-tipping device, a launch pad assembly, and a deflector assembly. The rocket erection device is used to erect the rocket onto the launch pad assembly, the anti-tipping device is used to prevent the rocket from tipping over, and the deflector assembly is located below the launch pad assembly to guide the rocket's exhaust plume.

[0051] Based on the above, the rocket launcher with multiple launch capabilities provided in this application also includes a command ship. During transportation, the command ship is moored and secured to the deck of the launch ship hull 110. After reaching the designated location, the command ship is hoisted into the water and sails to the command area. As an example, during transportation, the command ship is moored and secured to the stern of the launch ship hull 110. Furthermore, both the command ship and the launch ship hull 110 are equipped with wireless communication equipment, thereby enabling telemetry, control, and launch functions between the command ship and the launch ship hull 110. The launch ship hull 110 is equipped with satellite communication equipment, providing remote testing and launch capabilities with a land-based telemetry and control center.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] like Figure 9 As shown, this application provides a method for launching a rocket over the open sea, comprising the following steps:

[0054] Step S910: Transport multiple rockets and multiple satellite array assemblies to the launch ship at the dock;

[0055] For satellites that cannot be transported horizontally, or those that can be transported horizontally, the final assembly, testing, and roll-on / roll-off preparations for the rockets are completed in the land-based rocket assembly plant. The land-based rocket assembly plant also completes the assembly and testing of the satellite fairing (satellite and fairing). At the home port, the launch equipment (launch pad, rocket erection system, anti-tipping device, and deflector system), environmental protection facilities, fairing assembly storage tanks, and rocket entry / exit lift systems are arranged and installed on the launch ship. For liquid rocket launches, the loading and distribution equipment and propellant tanks must also be loaded and installed simultaneously. Then, multiple rockets and multiple fairing assemblies are transported separately to the launch ship.

[0056] As an example, when loading rockets onto the ship, the transport vehicle drives to the dock, reverses, and carries the rocket and erector frame onto the launch ship. It then proceeds to the position of the rocket entry / exit lift, which mates with the erector frame carrying the rocket. The erector frame is then released from the transport vehicle, and the lift, carrying the erector frame and rocket, rises, at which point the transport vehicle departs. The transport vehicle then carries the satellite array assembly onto the ship to the position of the satellite array assembly entry / exit moving device. This device mates with the satellite array assembly, releases the lock from the transport vehicle, and the device, carrying the satellite array assembly, rises, at which point the transport vehicle departs. As another example, at the dock, multiple rockets and multiple satellite array assemblies are transported sequentially from the bow to the launch ship, while the launch equipment and command ship are transported from the stern to the launch ship.

[0057] Step S920: The multiple rockets transported to the launch ship are lowered into the rocket storage compartment in sequence, and the multiple satellite array assemblies are moved into the satellite array assembly storage compartment in sequence.

[0058] Open the rocket storage hatch cover, and the rocket entry and exit lifting device lowers the rocket and erector frame from the rocket storage hatch to the No. 6 rocket parking position in the rocket storage compartment. Open the stellar array assembly storage compartment door, and the stellar array assembly entry and exit moving device moves the stellar array assembly from the stellar array assembly storage hatch to the stellar array assembly storage compartment.

[0059] Step S930: Move the multiple rockets and erector frames that have descended into the rocket storage compartment to the designated positions and lock them in order to store them in the rocket storage compartment. Also, move the multiple sets of satellite arrays that have been moved into the satellite array storage compartment to the designated positions and lock them in order to store them in the satellite array storage compartment.

[0060] After the rocket entry / exit lift lowers the rocket and its carrier erector into the rocket storage compartment, the rocket parking and adjustment device moves to below the rocket and erector, specifically to rocket parking position ⑥, and docks with the erector. The docking of the rocket entry / exit lift with the erector is then disengaged. The rocket and erector are then moved from rocket parking position ⑥ to a designated location and locked (the other rocket parking positions), thus storing multiple rockets in the rocket storage compartment. Furthermore, due to the long size of the rocket and the fact that the rocket and the satellite shield assembly in this application are stored and transported separately, the rocket is stored horizontally within the rocket storage compartment.

[0061] After the satellite array assembly's entry and exit mechanism moves the satellite array assembly into the satellite array assembly storage compartment, it carries the assembly to a designated location and locks it in place, thus storing multiple satellite array assemblies within the storage compartment. Furthermore, for satellites that cannot be transported horizontally, the satellite array assembly is stored vertically within the storage compartment during transport; for satellites that can be transported horizontally, the satellite array assembly can be stored either vertically or horizontally within the storage compartment during transport.

[0062] Step S940: After storing multiple rockets in the rocket storage compartment and multiple sets of satellite arrays in the satellite array storage compartment, the launch ship sails towards the launch area.

[0063] After all the rockets are stored in the rocket storage compartment and all the satellite arrays are stored in the satellite array storage compartment, the rocket storage compartment door and the satellite array storage compartment door are closed. At this point, the launch ship is ready and can start sailing towards the launch area.

[0064] Step S950: After the launch vessel arrives at the launch area, during the rocket launch preparation phase, the rocket is raised from the rocket storage compartment to the deck of the launch vessel and moved to the satellite array storage compartment for docking with the rocket.

[0065] After the launch vessel arrives at the launch area, it anchors and enters the launch preparation phase. During the rocket launch preparation phase, the environmental support facility moves to a position where it contacts the satellite enclosure storage compartment. At this point, the environmental support facility covers the rocket's entry and exit lift system, thus completing the parking of the environmental support facility.

[0066] Open the rocket storage hatch cover. The rocket entry / exit lifter connects with the erector frame parked at the No. 6 rocket parking position. Disconnect the rocket parking adjustment device from the erector frame. The rocket entry / exit lifter raises the rocket from the rocket storage hatch inside the rocket storage compartment to the deck of the launch ship, and raises it to a height of 1200mm above the deck. The satellite fairing docking adjustment device moves along the deck surface driving line to the area under the erector frame to complete parking. The rocket entry / exit lifter lowers the rocket and erector frame until the satellite fairing docking adjustment device connects with the erector frame, thereby disconnecting the rocket entry / exit lifter from the erector frame and closing the rocket storage hatch cover.

[0067] During the subsequent lifting and lowering of other rockets, the rocket parking adjustment device, which was parked in the parking position of other rockets, moved the rocket to the parking position of rocket No. 6. The rocket entry and exit lift device docked with the erector holding the rocket, and the docking between the rocket parking adjustment device and the erector was released. The rocket entry and exit lift device then raised the rocket from the rocket storage hatch from inside the rocket storage compartment to the deck of the launch ship.

[0068] The satellite-enclosure docking adjustment device moves the rocket from the satellite-enclosure assembly storage hatch to the satellite-enclosure assembly storage compartment, closes the satellite-enclosure assembly storage compartment door, rotates the vertical satellite-enclosure assembly to a horizontal position, and docks the rocket with the horizontal satellite-enclosure assembly.

[0069] Optionally, the rocket and erector frame are moved to the transfer bay of the satellite array storage compartment. The satellite array is then pushed out from the first or second satellite array storage bay of the satellite array storage compartment to the transfer bay, and docking of the satellite array with the rocket is completed with the assistance of a crane.

[0070] Step S960: Move the docked rocket to the deck of the launch ship and dock it to the launch device. Remove the environmental protection building and carry out the rocket erection and launch.

[0071] After the satellite fairing assembly is docked with the rocket, the insulated compartment is installed on the outside of the rocket fairing using the insulated compartment installation and adjustment device. The storage compartment door of the satellite fairing assembly is opened, and the satellite fairing docking and adjustment device moves the rocket and erector frame to below the rocket entry / exit lift device. The rocket entry / exit lift device hoists the rocket and erector frame to a height of 8600mm above the deck surface. The erector docking and adjustment device moves to below the rocket and erector frame, and the rocket entry / exit lift device lowers the rocket and erector frame onto the erector docking and adjustment device. The erector docking and adjustment device carries the rocket and erector frame to the launch pad, achieving docking between the erector frame and the launch pad, ready for the launch pad to erect the rocket.

[0072] The environmental protection facility was driven to the launch site and parked and secured. The launch device erected the rocket and then entered the formal launch process. In accordance with the launch process requirements, most personnel evacuated to the command ship. The personnel responsible for disassembling and assembling the process bolts evacuated via the search and rescue boat at -38 minutes. The command ship then sailed to the command area and carried out remote control launch.

[0073] Because the rocket storage compartment stores multiple rockets and the satellite array storage compartment stores multiple satellite arrays, the docking of the satellite array with the rocket continues after each rocket launch.

[0074] Step S970: After the launch of this rocket is completed, proceed to the preparation stage for the launch of the next rocket;

[0075] After the rocket launch is completed, if the rocket storage compartment still contains the rocket and the satellite array combination storage compartment still contains the satellite array combination, the next rocket launch preparation phase will begin, which means continuing to execute step S950 until there are no rockets in the rocket storage compartment and no satellite array combination in the satellite array combination storage compartment, thus completing the long-range sea launch.

[0076] Step S980: After the rocket in the rocket storage compartment and the satellite array in the satellite array storage compartment are fully docked and launched, the rocket will be retrieved and returned to Earth.

[0077] After the rocket in the rocket storage compartment and the satellite array assembly in the satellite array storage compartment are fully docked and the launch is completed, the erector frame separates from the launch device (launch device rocker arm). The erector docking and adjustment device carries the erector frame to the rocket entry / exit lift device, which docks with the erector frame. The rocket storage compartment hatch is opened, and the erector frame is lowered into the rocket storage compartment for parking. The rocket storage compartment hatch hatch is then closed. Specifically, the erector frame is lowered to the rocket parking adjustment device at rocket position 6. If the erector frame is not parked at other rocket parking positions, it is moved to another rocket parking position. If the erector frame is parked at all rocket parking positions...

[0078] Then, the erection and docking adjustment device and the satellite array assembly entry / exit moving device were placed in the satellite array assembly storage compartment, and the command ship was withdrawn to the deck of the launch ship for parking and securing. After all equipment was withdrawn, the launch ship returned to port.

[0079] The launch vessel described in this application has the capability to carry multiple rockets on a single sea voyage, and has the capability to transport, assemble, and launch rockets and satellite arrays. The vessel also has the environmental support and operational conditions necessary for the rocket and satellite array assembly.

[0080] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0081] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An integrated sea-launching vessel, characterized in that, include: Launch hull, environmental protection facility, and launch equipment; The launch ship's cabin is equipped with a rocket storage compartment for storing multiple rockets during transportation, and a satellite array storage compartment is installed on the bow compartment of the launch ship for storing multiple satellite array assemblies during transportation, as well as a satellite array assembly storage compartment for providing installation space for docking rockets with satellite array assemblies. The launch ship's deck has a rocket storage hatch that connects to the rocket storage compartment. The rocket storage hatch is equipped with a rocket storage hatch cover. The satellite array storage compartment has a satellite array storage hatch and a satellite array storage compartment door. The rocket storage hatch is equipped with a rocket entry and exit lifting device, which is used to dock with the rocket carrier erector after the rocket is loaded onto the ship, and to lower the rocket from the rocket storage hatch into the rocket storage compartment for storage, and to dock with the rocket carrier erector during the rocket launch preparation phase, and to raise the rocket from the rocket storage hatch from the rocket storage compartment into the deck of the launch ship. The rocket storage compartment is equipped with a rocket parking and adjustment device, which is used to dock the rocket storage compartment with the erector that holds the rocket, so as to move the rocket and the erector within the rocket storage compartment. The launch ship's deck is equipped with a satellite array assembly entry and exit mechanism for moving the satellite array assembly into the satellite array assembly storage compartment. The launch ship's deck is equipped with a satellite array docking and adjustment device, which is used to move the rocket and the rocket-carrying erector to the satellite array storage compartment and dock with the satellite array. The launch ship's deck is equipped with an erection and docking adjustment device, which is used to move the rocket and the erector frame until the erector frame docks with the launch device after the satellite array is docked with the rocket. The environmental protection facility is movably mounted on the deck of the launch ship, while the launch device is fixedly mounted on the deck of the launch ship. It is used to lift the rocket from a horizontal position to a vertical position and to carry the vertically mounted rocket to the rocket ignition and launch.

2. The integrated sea-launching vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rocket entry and exit lift system includes: a support frame, a winch, a lifting cable, and a hoisting buckle; the support frame is supported at the rocket storage hatch, the winch is fixed to the support frame, one end of the lifting cable is connected to the drive component of the winch, and the other end of the lifting cable is connected to the hoisting buckle, which is used to dock with the erecting frame that holds the rocket.

3. The integrated sea-launching vessel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support frame includes: Four main load-bearing columns, four auxiliary load-bearing columns, two horizontal beams and four longitudinal beams; Two main load-bearing columns are located on one side of the rocket storage hatch, and their lower ends extend and are fixed to the bottom plate of the rocket storage hatch. Two auxiliary load-bearing columns are located on one side of the rocket storage hatch, and their lower ends extend and are fixed to the rocket storage hatch. These two auxiliary load-bearing columns are distributed to the outside of the two main load-bearing columns on the same side. The other two main load-bearing columns are located on the other side of the rocket storage hatch, and their lower ends extend and are fixed to the bottom plate of the rocket storage hatch. The other two auxiliary load-bearing columns are located on the other side of the rocket storage hatch, and their lower ends extend and are fixed to the rocket storage hatch. The two auxiliary load-bearing columns are distributed to the outside of the two main load-bearing columns on the same side. One crossbeam is fixed to the upper ends of two main load-bearing columns and two auxiliary load-bearing columns on the same side, and another crossbeam is fixed to the upper ends of two main load-bearing columns and two auxiliary load-bearing columns on the other side. Four longitudinal beams are fixed between these two transverse beams, and the winch is fixed to the two longitudinal beams located in the middle.

4. The integrated sea-launching vessel according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The height of the star cover docking adjustment device is lower than the height of the erection docking adjustment device.

5. The integrated sea-launching vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The launch ship's deck is equipped with an insulated cabin installation and adjustment device, which is used to carry the insulated cabin and install it to the outside of the rocket's fairing after the rocket and the satellite fairing assembly are docked.

6. The integrated sea-launching vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The environmental protection plant includes Plant 1 and Plant 2. Plant 1 is higher than Plant 2, and Plant 2 and Plant 1 are pluggable connected.

7. A method for launching rockets over the open sea, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S910: Transport multiple rockets and multiple satellite array assemblies to the launch ship at the dock; Step S920: The multiple rockets transported to the launch ship are lowered into the rocket storage compartment in sequence, and the multiple satellite array assemblies are moved into the satellite array assembly storage compartment in sequence. Step S930: Move the multiple rockets and erector frames that have descended into the rocket storage compartment to the designated positions and lock them in order to store them in the rocket storage compartment. Also, move the multiple sets of satellite arrays that have been moved into the satellite array storage compartment to the designated positions and lock them in order to store them in the satellite array storage compartment. Step S940: After storing multiple rockets in the rocket storage compartment and multiple sets of satellite arrays in the satellite array storage compartment, the launch ship sails towards the launch area. Step S950: After the launch vessel arrives at the launch area, during the rocket launch preparation phase, the rocket is raised from the rocket storage compartment to the deck of the launch vessel and moved to the satellite array storage compartment for docking with the rocket. Step S960: Move the docked rocket to the deck of the launch ship and dock it to the launch device. Remove the environmental protection building and carry out the rocket erection and launch. Step S970: After the launch of this rocket is completed, proceed to the preparation stage for the launch of the next rocket.

8. The method for launching rockets over the open sea according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Step S980: After the rocket in the rocket storage compartment and the satellite array in the satellite array storage compartment are fully docked and launched, the rocket will be retrieved and returned to Earth.

9. The method for launching a rocket over the open sea according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The vertically positioned satellite array assembly was rotated to a horizontal position to facilitate docking of the rocket with the satellite array assembly.

10. The method for launching a rocket over the open sea according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Raise the rocket's altitude to allow it to dock with the launch pad.

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