Steel cutting has begun for China's first satellite launch ship. Length = 162.5m, beam = 40m. It's expected to enter service in 2022.
At 10AM on October 29th, Beijing time, steel was cut for China's first marine satellite launch platform at the Haiyang shipyard. The ship has a total length of 162.5m, beam of 40m, draft of 8m, and a maximum load capacity of 12,000 tons. It utilizes all-electric propulsion and has a maximum speed of 15 knots. It is expected that after it is put into use at the Oriental Spaceport next year, the maritime launch capability and potential recovery capability of "cold and heat, solid and liquid fuel compatible" can be realized with various modular packages.
Capable of high-precision positioning and allowing a stable launch. The ship can also launch unmanned, launch multiple per sortie and comprehensively protect the rockets before launch. It can also support the operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms, ocean farms, and transport special cargo when not in use.