HavocAI Vessels Prepare Zone for Sea-Based Rocket Launch
On Monday, Rhode Island–based sea-drone manufacturer, HavocAI and The Spaceport Company, which specializes in sea-based rocket launches, announced the successful suborbital rocket test launch in the Gulf of Mexico, utilizing HavocAI’s USVs for range-clearing operations.
The growing frequency of commercial rocket launches and the Department of Defense’s initiative to increase missile testing, has led land-based spaceports and launch sites to experience heightened congestion. The Spaceport Company was established in 2022 by CEO Tom Marotta to address this issue by pursuing offshore solutions.
Currently, the company employs a 180-foot retired Navy vessel, “Once In A Lifetime,” for sea-based hypersonic missile and rocket launches, while planning the development of a floating platform for orbital launches. The company’s partnerships include defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, and X-Bow Systems, and collaborations with government agencies including the Coast Guard, Air Force Research Lab, Missile Defense Agency, and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
Launching rockets or missiles presents considerable logistical challenges, notably the need to clear uninvolved maritime traffic from designated safety zones. Typically, operators hire personnel to notify other vessels to vacate these areas. HavocAI’s autonomous vessels addressed this concern during last week’s operations. As explained by HavocAI CEO Paul Lwin, autonomy in maritime technology serves to handle tasks that are dull, repetitive, or hazardous - attributes well-suited for range-clearing missions.
According to Marotta, Friday’s launch in the Gulf of Mexico functioned as a “technology maturation exercise” intended to test a newly developed launch rail for future use with suborbital rockets under contract with the Air Force Research Lab. HavocAI’s Rampage USVs facilitated efficient launch preparations by collaborating with two crewed vessels to expedite the clearance of the vicinity around Spaceport’s Once In A Lifetime. This approach optimised operational coverage and resource utilisation.
The operation concluded with a successful launch, and HavocAI’s USVs contributed to post-launch activities by clearing debris and assisting in locating the rocket’s parachute following splashdown.
Both companies view this mission as a potential foundation for ongoing partnership and an expanded business line for HavocAI. The Spaceport Company is contracted for additional launches next year and anticipates increased demand from the Department of Defense for accelerated hypersonic missile testing at sea. While details of future collaboration remain in discussion, Marotta affirmed the value of including HavocAI’s vessels in upcoming operations, citing their proven capabilities. Lwin echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the partnership’s prospects and potential integration of HavocAI software onto launch vessels.
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