What is an amphibious space launch vehicle?
An amphibious space launch vehicle is capable of being launched like a conventional rocket from land or directly from the sea using a technique referred to as “surf- launch”. Floating- launch Carrying out launches at sea can in many ways simplify launch operations. Problems associated with equipment delivery, infrastructure, staging and stage recovery, and astronaut recovery are largely eliminated. Floating-launch differs from sea-launch by the fact that an expensive sea-launch platform is not required. A floating-launched rocket can float autonomously at sea. It is transported out to the launch area in a specially outfitted ship. Inside the ship’s bay, it remains clean and dry. After being fueled in the processing bay, it is transferred to the water and placed in a vertical position, using its own buoyancy properties and a ballast unit. After its engines are ignited underwater, the rocket literally climbs out of the sea.
