What is it about?
Launching rockets from underwater submersibles in the Puerto Rico Trench could significantly reduce space travel costs. This approach minimizes the need for expensive land-based infrastructure and harnesses the Earth's rotation for more efficient launches. While there are engineering and safety challenges, this innovative method holds the potential to revolutionize space access and boost the commercial space economy for Puerto Rico.
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Why is it important?
Forget rockets waiting years for a launch site. This paper explores a radical new idea: launching rockets from underwater submersibles deep in the Puerto Rico Trench. Why is this a big deal? Cheaper Space Travel: Imagine cutting the cost of launching satellites and spacecraft by using the ocean as a natural launchpad. This technology could revolutionize space access for everyone. A New Space Race: Countries are vying for dominance in space. This paper examines how this innovative approach could give Puerto Rico a key role in the future of space exploration. AI-Powered Rockets: These aren't your grandfather's rockets. This paper explores how artificial intelligence and autonomous systems will be critical to making underwater launches safe and reliable. Dive into the future of space exploration with this timely and groundbreaking research.
Perspectives
As a citizen scientist, I'm excited by the potential of this technology, but we need to proceed with caution. How will these underwater launches affect marine life and ocean ecosystems? This paper addresses these crucial questions to ensure that our quest for space doesn't come at the cost of our own planet.
Jose Figueroa
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Navigating the Depths: The Impact on Space Cost Drivers of Autonomous Submersible Maritime Rocket Launch Systems in the Puerto Rico Trench., July 2024, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA),
DOI: 10.2514/6.2024-4876.
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