A Stena RoRo vessel purchased by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos’ rocket company Blue Origin is set to play a more pivotal role than originally reported in the multi-billionaire’s vision of mass space travel.
The 2,175-lane-metre Stena Freighter (built 2004) is to be used as a launch base for rockets and for their safe return to the vessel.
Blue Origin has already achieved pinpoint accuracy in returning both rocket and crew capsule to earth.
The intention is to move the project forward using Stena Freighter, which sources now confirm has been acquired after Blue Origin began in early 2017 its search for a suitable vessel to purchase and convert.
A naval architect was appointed to handle the process.
Vessel candidates with bridge forward and a large deck area were deemed most suitable.
Blue Origin is said to have inspected mid-2017 a number of ro-ros before concluding, it is understood, the purchase of Stena Freighter two or three months ago.
Delivery is scheduled for later this year before Stena Freighter enters a shipyard for modification.
It was reported earlier that Stena Freighter would be used simply to transport rocket parts.
A video showing an artist’s impression of a rocket landing on a vessel can be viewed at https://www.blueorigin.com/new-glenn#youtubeBTEhohh6eYk
Another video illustrating how accurately rockets can land on a given spot on earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNRs2gMyLLk
Blue Origin, founded in 2000 by Bezos, is focusing on vertical take-off and landing vehicles for suborbital and orbital space travel. It is hoped that one day millions of people can live and work in space.
