US Air Force to Convert Decommissioned Oil Platforms into Missile Launch Sites
The Able Baker project repurposes offshore oil platforms into maritime launch sites for reusable heavy rockets, addressing the need for increased launch capabilities by the Space Force. This initiative aims to save demolition costs and mitigate environmental impacts on marine ecosystems, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico.
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The US Air Force has initiated the Able Baker project to transform decommissioned offshore oil platforms into missile launch sites for reusable heavy rocket boosters, utilized by both the Space Force and commercial space companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX. This strategy reduces reliance on expensive drone ships and aims to increase launch frequency while minimizing sonic boom impacts.
The project addresses the financial and environmental challenges associated with decommissioning oil platforms, particularly given the high costs of dismantling, which can exceed $150 million. The project will proceed in two phases: the first assesses economic and technical feasibility, while the second tests reinforcement kits on a platform. This initiative is crucial as traditional launch sites reach capacity, with other nations like China developing similar capabilities.
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