CATCHER
The World’s Most
Maneuverable Vessel
OUR TECHNOLOGY
The Catcher vessel is a patented, highly maneuverable quadmaran designed to catch rocket parts up to 75 feet in length and safely transport them back to port for reuse. Its four independently rotating hulls allow it to move in any direction and provides the large platform with the turning radius capabilities of its much smaller hulls.
Catcher is designed to operate autonomously and is controlled by a proprietary autopilot system developed by our team.
A tender will accompany Catcher for transporting crew members and refueling.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
We needed a vessel that could reliably catch rocket parts descending by parachute across a wide spectrum of weather conditions and sea states. To do that a vessel must be:
Large enough to catch the part
Faster than a parafoil
Highly maneuverable while at speed
Stable at all angles relative to the sea state
There are no conventional designs that satisfy all of these criteria.
That is why we came up with a new design unlike anything that has ever been done, while still using proven concepts and technologies. Our decades of experience designing the most advanced multihull racing boats in the world uniquely positions us to execute this unconventional design.
FAIRING CONFIGURATION
Catcher can recover fairings up to 75 feet in length using a 145’ x 145’ net configured in a flat orientation. The vessel’s unprecedented maneuvering capabilities, paired with a design that resists pitching and rolling motions, will allow for the reliable recovery of rocket components across a wide spectrum of weather conditions and sea states.
BOOSTER CONFIGURATION
The net configuration for catching boosters is elevated in the back. As the booster touches down into the net, the vessel accelerates and the booster lays down gently. The elevated net portion ensures the booster stays secure. Catcher’s ability to move in any direction allows it to change course while always keeping the net in the proper orientation.
RECOVERY OPERATIONS
Fairing Recovery
Fairing recoveries are conducted by two Catcher vessels which are accompanied by a tender for crew transport and refueling.
Booster Recovery
Booster recoveries are conducted by one Catcher vessel which is accompanied by a tender for crew transport and refueling.
PART PROTECTION
A light and durable tent provides an enclosure that is completely sealed from spray, rain and other potential contaminants.
