Rocket Recovery

Rocket Lab faced a critical challenge: how to recover rockets for reuse, aiming to minimize environmental impact and reduce potential ocean waste. Engaging Seaworks for this mission, we set forth on an ambitious journey to revolutionize rocket recovery processes.

Initially, our vessel, the Seaworker, spearheaded recovery missions, successfully retrieving the first stage booster of Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from offshore splashdown zones near the Chatham Islands. These efforts not only showcased our capabilities but also underscored our commitment to sustainability and innovation. As Rocket Lab's strategies evolved, including a phase of helicopter recoveries, Seaworks adapted seamlessly. Our vessel remained a steadfast participant, ready to recover boosters in case of aerial retrieval anomalies.

Eventually, Rocket Lab shifted focus to utilizing our Seasurveyor for recoveries. This transition required us to innovate further, developing onboard recovery systems to safely secure and transport boosters back to New Zealand. Through multiple successful missions with the Seasurveyor, including notable recoveries in July 2023, August 2023, and February 2024,Seaworks has completed eight recovery missions in total, marking significant milestones in sustainable space exploration.

Our collaboration with Rocket Lab not only solved the initial problem of efficiently recovering rockets for reuse but also set new standards for environmental responsibility in the space industry. Together, we're paving the way for more sustainable, cost-effective access to space, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.