Offshore spaceflight launching semi-submersible platform

Abstract

The invention provides an offshore spaceflight launching semi-submersible platform, which belongs to the technical field of rocket offshore launching, and comprises a platform main body, a main deck, a comprehensive test room, a guarantee equipment area, a life guarantee part and a power system, the platform body is provided with an upper platform body, a lower floating body and stand columns, the top ends of the stand columns are connected with the upper platform body, and the bottom ends of the stand columns are connected with the lower floating body. The middle position of a main deck of the upper platform body is a launching area. In the sailing state, the carrier rocket is horizontally placed in a launching area, and the platform body is driven by the power system to sail autonomously on the sea; in the launching state, the carrier rocket is erected on the platform body, the comprehensive test room, the guarantee equipment area and the living guarantee part on the main deck meet the test and launching guarantee requirements, temporary deployment and refitting design is not needed, and the calling period is shortened. According to the semi-submersible platform for offshore spaceflight launching, the problem that in the prior art, the calling period is long in temporary refitting design is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of rocket sea launches, and particularly relates to a semi-submersible platform for space launches at sea. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of space technology, traditional land launches are restricted by factors such as geographical location. Sea-based space launches, on the other hand, can flexibly select launch positions, expand launch orbits, improve launch capacity and the safety of the landing area, and are increasingly attracting attention due to their advantages such as higher safety. The main factors considered in the selection of the form of a sea launch platform are high static stability in a certain sea wave environment, meeting the required scale, and convenient support.

[0003] However, existing sea launch platforms are generally not designed specifically for space launches. Most of them are temporarily modified designs for space launch missions, which have problems such as long modification and deployment cycles of ships, restricting the wide application of sea-based space launches. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to develop a new type of sea-based space launch platform. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the problem of long deployment cycle in the existing temporary modification design, and thus provide a semi-submersible platform for space launches at sea.

[0005] To solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a semi-submersible platform for space launches at sea, including: a platform main body, a main deck, a comprehensive test room, a support equipment area, a living support department, and a power system; the platform main body has an upper platform body, a lower floating body, and columns, the top of the columns is connected to the upper platform body, and the bottom of the columns is connected to the lower floating body; the main deck is arranged on the upper surface of the upper platform body, and the middle position of the main deck is set as the launch area; the comprehensive test room is arranged on the first side of the main deck; the support equipment area is arranged on the second side of the main deck; the living support department is arranged at the front end of the main deck; the power system is arranged on the platform main body.

[0006] In use, the lower floating body and the upper platform body are supported and connected by columns. The columns are spaced at an appropriate distance to ensure the stability of the platform body. The lower floating body, the columns and the upper platform body form a semi-submersible platform structure. The lower floating body is submerged below the water surface, providing the main buoyancy for the platform body, and the amplitudes of its rolling and pitching are very small. In the navigation state, the carrier rocket is horizontally placed in the launch area in the middle of the main deck on the upper platform body, and the platform body is driven to navigate autonomously at sea through the power system or is towed to meet the transportation requirements for the sea space launch of the carrier rocket. In the launch state, the platform body reaches the designated coordinates, the carrier rocket is erected on the platform body, and the comprehensive test room, the support equipment area and the life support department on the main deck can meet the test and launch support requirements of the carrier rocket, so that the launch mission can be carried out in the sea area with any water depth without temporary deployment and modification design, shortening the call cycle. The semi-submersible platform for sea space launch provided by the present invention solves the problem of long call cycle existing in the temporary modification design in the prior art.

[0007] Optionally, the upper platform body is set as a small waterplane area structure, and the surface of the upper platform body is set as a ship-shaped structure. Through the above settings, the small waterplane area structure and the ship-shaped structure have good motion responses in the waves, the amplitudes of rolling, pitching and heaving motions are reduced, and the sea state stability is high.

[0008] Optionally, at least one lifting device is provided on the main deck. Through the above settings, the lifting device can facilitate the lifting, loading and transportation transfer of the rocket support equipment, etc.

[0009] Optionally, the lifting device includes: a first tower crane arranged at the rear of the main deck; a second tower crane arranged in the area of the main deck close to the comprehensive test room. Through the above settings, the first tower crane and the second tower crane cooperate together to be able to cover the surface of the main deck with a relatively large area, and can adapt to the lifting and layout of different rocket support equipment brought by different carrier rocket models.

[0010] Optionally, the life support department is set as a cantilever structure extending outward in a direction away from the main deck. Through the above settings, the extended cantilever structure can increase the distance between the life support department and the carrier rocket, which is beneficial to ensuring the safety of personnel and at the same time reducing the influence of the life support department on the layout of relevant equipment on the main deck.

[0011] Optionally, the life support department includes: a personnel life support layer arranged on the lower layer of the life support department; a helipad arranged on the top layer of the life support department, and the helipad is used for parking emergency rescue helicopters. Through the above settings, the personnel life support layer can provide life and work support for the accompanying personnel; the helipad can park emergency rescue helicopters for the takeoff and landing of emergency rescue helicopters in case of accidents during the launch process of the carrier rocket.

[0012] Optionally, a plurality of rest cabins and necessary support cabins are provided in the personnel living support layer. Through the above settings, living and working support can be provided for the accompanying personnel.

[0013] Optionally, it further includes a transportation and launch device, and the transportation and launch device is provided with a wheel assembly. Through the above settings, the transportation and launch device can roll the launch vehicle onto the ship by itself through the wheel assembly, reducing the labor and material costs of transshipment.

[0014] Optionally, the power system includes a thruster and a positioning system. Through the above settings, the positioning system can realize the remote control function of the platform main body, ensuring the stability of the platform main body during the launch process of the transportation rocket, which is conducive to the successful launch of the launch vehicle.

[0015] Optionally, a lifeboat is also provided on the main deck. Through the above settings, escape conditions can be provided for the accompanying personnel. Description of the Drawings

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 a top view schematic diagram of.

[0019] Description of the Reference Numerals:

[0020] 1. Platform main body; 2. Upper platform body; 3. Lower floating body; 4. Column; 5. Main deck; 6. Comprehensive test room; 7. Support equipment area; 8. Living support department; 9. Personnel living support layer; 10. Helipad; 11. First tower crane; 12. Second tower crane; 13. Launch vehicle; 14. Transportation and launch device; 15. Lifeboat; 16. Platform control and cooperation department. Detailed Embodiments

[0021] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0022] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be construed as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installation", "connection", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0024] In addition, the technical features involved in different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0025] This embodiment provides a structure of a semi-submersible platform for space launch at sea that can achieve rocket sea launch, which is used for rocket sea launch.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 This is a specific implementation manner of a semi-submersible platform for space launch at sea provided by this embodiment, including: a platform main body 1, a main deck 5, an integrated test room 6, a support equipment area 7, a life support department 8, and a power system; the platform main body 1 has an upper platform body 2, a lower floating body 3, and columns 4. The top of the column 4 is connected to the upper platform body 2, and the bottom of the column 4 is connected to the lower floating body 3; the main deck 5 is arranged on the upper surface of the upper platform body 2, and the middle position of the main deck 5 is set as the launch area; the integrated test room 6 is arranged on the first side of the main deck 5; the support equipment area 7 is arranged on the second side of the main deck 5; the life support department 8 is arranged at the front end of the main deck 5; the power system is arranged on the platform main body 1.

[0027] In use, the lower floating body 3 and the upper platform body 2 are supported and connected by the columns 4. The columns 4 are spaced at an appropriate distance to ensure the stability of the platform body 1. The lower floating body 3, the columns 4 and the upper platform body 2 form a semi-submersible platform structure. The lower floating body 3 is submerged below the water surface to provide the main buoyancy for the platform body 1, and the amplitudes of its rolling and pitching are very small. In the navigation state, the launch vehicle 13 is horizontally placed in the launch area in the middle of the main deck 5 on the upper platform body 2. The platform body 1 is driven to navigate autonomously at sea through the power system or is towed to meet the transportation requirements of the sea-based space launch of the launch vehicle 13. In the launch state, the platform body 1 reaches the designated coordinates, and the launch vehicle 13 is erected on the platform body 1. The comprehensive test room 6, the support equipment area 7 and the life support department 8 on the main deck 5 can meet the test and launch support requirements of the launch vehicle 13, so that the launch mission can be carried out in waters with any water depth without the need for temporary deployment and modification design, shortening the call cycle. The semi-submersible platform for sea-based space launch provided by this embodiment solves the problem of long call cycle in the existing technology due to temporary modification design.

[0028] Specifically, to control the heaving motion of the platform during sea launch, the platform body 1 is designed with a relatively large volume and is equipped with a thruster compartment, a ballast system, a buffer device, a sensor control system, etc., which can effectively avoid the initial attitude deviation of the rocket launch under high sea conditions.

[0029] The total length of the platform body 1 can be, but is not limited to, 110 m, its molded breadth can be, but is not limited to, 75 m, and its molded depth can be, but is not limited to, 38 m. The height difference between the molded depth of the platform body 1 and the height of the wharf is small, enabling the launch vehicle 13 to be rolled onto the ship.

[0030] The displacement of the platform body 1 can be, but is not limited to, 50,000 t, with strong load-bearing capacity, which helps to improve stability. The maximum navigation speed (designed speed) in still water is 8 knots per hour, with high maneuverability, enabling it to quickly reach the space launch mission area or evacuate.

[0031] The comprehensive test room 6 can be, but is not limited to, set up four, with a total area of about 300 square meters. The main equipment such as the front-end launch and test control for rocket launch and testing is arranged in the comprehensive test room 6, and the containers of other related support equipment, fire trucks, etc. can be arranged in the support equipment area 7.

[0032] The power scheme of the power system can be, but is not limited to, setting 8 thrusters.

[0033] It should be noted that the self-elevating platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment is mainly used for the offshore launch of the launch vehicle 13 with off-site fueling. The launch vehicle 13 with off-site fueling refers to a solid launch vehicle 13 or a liquid launch vehicle 13, a solid-liquid combined launch vehicle 13 that has completed propellant filling before being launched onto the platform.

[0034] As Figure 1 shown, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, the upper platform body 2 is set as a small waterplane type structure, and the surface of the upper platform body 2 is set as a ship-shaped structure. The small waterplane type structure and the ship-shaped structure have good motion responses in waves, with reduced amplitudes of rolling, pitching, and heaving motions, and high sea state stability. Additionally, as an alternative implementation, the upper platform body 2 can also be set as a non-ship-shaped structure according to design requirements.

[0035] As Figure 2 shown, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, at least one hoisting device is provided on the main deck 5. The hoisting device can facilitate the hoisting, loading, and transportation transfer of rocket support equipment. Additionally, as an alternative implementation, the hoisting device can be omitted, and the rocket packaging equipment is transported by roll-on or other moving methods.

[0036] As Figure 2 shown, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, the hoisting device includes: a first tower crane 11, arranged at the rear of the main deck 5; a second tower crane 12, arranged in the area of the main deck 5 close to the comprehensive test room 6. The first tower crane 11 and the second tower crane 12 cooperate together to be able to cover the surface of the relatively large main deck 5, and can adapt to the hoisting layouts of different rocket support equipment brought by different models of launch vehicles 13. Additionally, as an alternative implementation, the hoisting device can also be set to three or more according to design requirements.

[0037] Specifically, the lifting moment of the first tower crane 11 and the second tower crane 12 can be but is not limited to 20t×15m, that is to say, the maximum lifting weight of the tower crane is 20 tons, and the maximum working radius is 15 meters. The coverage range is a fan-shaped area within a radius of 15 meters centered on the tower crane base, and hoisting operations can be carried out within this area.

[0038] As Figure 2As shown in the figure, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, the life support department 8 is arranged as a cantilever structure that extends outward away from the main deck 5. The extended cantilever structure can increase the distance between the life support department 8 and the launch vehicle 13, which is beneficial to ensuring personnel safety and at the same time reducing the impact of the life support department 8 on the layout of related equipment on the main deck 5. Additionally, as an alternative embodiment, the life support department 8 may not extend outward at the head of the main deck 5.

[0039] Specifically, a cockpit is provided at the head of the main deck 5, and the cockpit is arranged in the platform control and cooperation department 16.

[0040] As Figure 2 shown in the figure, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, the life support department 8 includes: a personnel life support layer 9, which is arranged on the lower layer of the life support department 8; a helipad 10, which is arranged on the top layer of the life support department 8, and the helipad 10 is used for parking emergency rescue helicopters. The personnel life support layer 9 can provide life and work support for accompanying personnel; the helipad 10 can park emergency rescue helicopters for the takeoff and landing of emergency rescue helicopters in case of accidents during the launch process of the launch vehicle 13. Additionally, as an alternative embodiment, the helipad 10 can also be omitted, and emergency rescue can be carried out through lifeboats 15 or other means.

[0041] As Figure 2 shown in the figure, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, the personnel life support layer 9 is provided with a plurality of rest cabins and necessary support cabins, which can provide life and work support for accompanying personnel.

[0042] Specifically, the rest cabins are designed according to the necessary positions of the launch mission, and can include, but are not limited to, 36 beds and necessary support cabins, and the necessary support cabins can include, but are not limited to, kitchens, dining rooms, activity rooms, offices, meeting rooms, etc.

[0043] As Figure 2 shown in the figure, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, it further includes a transportation and launch device 14, and the transportation and launch device 14 is provided with wheel assemblies. The transportation and launch device 14 can realize the self-rolling loading of the launch vehicle 13 onto the ship through the wheel assemblies, reducing the labor and material costs of transshipment. Additionally, as an alternative, the wheel assemblies can be omitted, and the transshipment of the launch vehicle 13 can be realized through the method of hoisting and transshipment.

[0044] Specifically, the transportation and launch device 14 is a launch support system integrating transportation and launch. Its layout position on the main deck 5 is relatively fixed and will not move after reaching the designated position in the launch area. The transportation and launch device 14 can erect the launch vehicle 13.

[0045] As Figure 2 shown, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, the power system includes thrusters and a positioning system. The positioning system can realize the remote control function of the platform main body 1 and ensure the stability of the platform main body 1 during the transportation and launch of the rocket, so as to facilitate the successful launch of the launch vehicle 13.

[0046] Specifically, the positioning system includes a PD2 dynamic positioning system and an inertial navigation system.

[0047] As Figure 2 shown, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, a lifeboat 15 is also provided on the main deck 5, which can provide escape conditions for accompanying personnel.

[0048] Usage method:

[0049] As Figure 1 shown, in the semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch provided in this embodiment, during use, the lower floating body 3 and the upper platform main body 2 are supported and connected by the columns 4. The columns 4 are spaced at appropriate distances to ensure the stability of the platform main body 1. The lower floating body 3 is submerged below the water surface to provide the main buoyancy for the platform main body 1. In the navigation state, the launch vehicle 13 is horizontally placed in the launch area in the middle of the main deck 5 on the upper platform main body 2. The platform main body 1 is driven to navigate autonomously at sea through the power system or by towing, meeting the transportation requirements for the offshore space launch of the launch vehicle 13; in the launch state, the platform main body 1 reaches the designated coordinates, the launch vehicle 13 is erected on the platform main body 1, and the comprehensive test room 6, the support equipment area 7, and the life support department 8 on the main deck 5 can meet the test and launch support requirements of the launch vehicle 13, so that the launch mission can be carried out in waters with any water depth.

[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples given for clear illustration and are not limitations on the implementation manners. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation manners here. And the obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A semi-submersible platform for offshore space launch, characterized in that: include: The platform body (1) comprises an upper platform body (2), a lower floating body (3) and a column (4), wherein the top end of the column (4) is connected to the upper platform body (2), and the bottom end of the column (4) is connected to the lower floating body (3); A main deck (5) is arranged on the upper surface of the upper platform body (2), and the middle position of the main deck (5) is set as a launching area; A comprehensive test room (6) is arranged on a first side of the main deck (5); A support equipment area (7) is arranged on the second side of the main deck (5); A life support unit (8) is arranged at the front end of the main deck (5); A power system is arranged on the platform body (1).

2. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper platform body (2) is configured as a small waterplane surface structure, and the surface of the upper platform body (2) is configured as a ship-shaped structure.

3. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one lifting device is arranged on the main deck (5).

4. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hoisting equipment includes: A first tower crane (11) is arranged at the rear of the main deck (5); The second tower crane (12) is arranged in an area of ​​the main deck (5) close to the comprehensive test room (6).

5. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The life support part (8) is configured as a cantilever structure extending outward in a direction away from the main deck (5).

6. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to claim 5, characterized in that: The life support department (8) comprises: A personnel life support layer (9), arranged at the lower layer of the life support part (8); A helipad (10) is arranged on the top floor of the life support unit (8), and the helipad (10) is used to park an emergency rescue helicopter.

7. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to claim 6, characterized in that: The personnel life support layer (9) is provided with a plurality of rest cabins and necessary support cabins.

8. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also comprises a transport launch device (14), wherein the transport launch device (14) is provided with a wheel assembly.

9. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The power system includes a propeller and a positioning system.

10. The offshore space launch semi-submersible platform according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A lifeboat (15) is also provided on the main deck (5).

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