SpaceX Ocean Spaceport: First Launches Scheduled for Next Year

SpaceX Advances Construction of Floating Spaceport

SpaceX has initiated construction on its inaugural floating spaceport platform, with initial launch operations anticipated within the coming year. This information was disclosed by Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, detailing the advancements in the build of Deimos.

Deimos is one of two oil rigs acquired by SpaceX earlier this year, undergoing conversion into floating launch and landing facilities for the future Starship reusable rocket.

Deimos and Phobos: Offshore Launch Platforms

The acquisition of these two rigs at the start of the year facilitated the creation of Deimos and Phobos. These platforms, named after the moons of Mars, will serve as offshore staging areas for Starship launch operations.

This naming convention reflects the ultimate goal of utilizing Starship for the transportation of both passengers and cargo to and from Mars.

Global Hypersonic Travel Vision

Elon Musk and SpaceX have previously articulated a vision for a network of spaceports, such as Deimos, strategically located near major global cities.

This network would enable a worldwide hypersonic point-to-point travel system, with Starships potentially transporting individuals between distant locations like Beijing and New York in approximately 30 minutes.

Starship Development and Testing

Prior to this ambitious travel plan, SpaceX intends to conduct orbital flight testing of the Starship and its Super Heavy booster.

Initial projections suggested launches from the offshore platforms could commence as early as late 2021, but this timeline has been revised.

Despite this adjustment, significant progress has been made in the Starship program, including a successful high-altitude launch and landing test at the Texas “Starbase” facility.