This document provides an overview of an international team's efforts to develop a sea-based orbital launch system called the Sea Serpent Rocket. The 14-member team has expertise in various aerospace fields and is working with companies like Rocketstar LLC and Teknova. They have conducted propulsion testing and are developing the launch system through trade studies and design work. The goal is to utilize existing maritime infrastructure and workforce to enable low-cost, reusable rockets manufactured and launched from sea. The team is currently seeking funding and recruiting more members as it works towards testing and launching the Sea Serpent Rocket.

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2. Background
International team:
14 members in total
Four in America, two in the EU, one in Australia and
the remainder in Norway
Expertise ranging from financial, marketing,
innovation, to systems engineering, space propulsion
systems, aerospace engineering and corrosion
engineering.

3. Origins
Master Thesis
Mars Settlement Research Organization
Contacted SpaceX re/thesis
Sea Dragon Project
Meeting under the Saturn V
Bringing space to Norway

4. How have we worked
Integrated operations
Leadership by permission
Specialized Tasks between team members
- Stewardship
- Individual, voluntary contributions

5. Distance to Realization
SpaceX → 6 years to launch 1st orbital rocket (2002-08)
→ 20 successful orbital launches since 2006
Rocket Lab → 2 years to launch 1st suborbital rocket (150 km) (2007-09)
→ 8 years expected till 1st commercial orbital launch
(2007-15)
Firefly → 4 years expected till 1st orbital launch (2014-18)
Once funding is provided, successful launch systems
can be developed in a time frame of 5 to 10 years.

6. Next steps
R&D with Teknova w/ possible inclusion of
Rocketstar LLC

7. Reception
Norwegian Media Attention
Positive Social Media Appeal
Being reached out by aerospace
consulting firms and smaller
companies to gather partnerships
and joint development of systems

8. History of Sea Launch
Robert Truax- Founder of Sea Launch Vehicles
Sea Dragon Project (Sea Bee, Sea Horse,
Excalibur)
Successful Sea Launch Test Launches conducted by Truax and
Aerojet. Over 120 Successful test launches of smaller scaled systems.
Aerojet-General, NASA Future Projects Branch
(1963-1977)
Contracted Todds Shipyards to conduct the feasibility of producing
rockets in shipyard. Proved economically viable and meets demands
of mass manufacturing.
Simplified Rocketry Systems to launch super heavy launch capability.
(500 tons to Low Earth Orbit)
Truax Engineering (1980s)
Continued Testing of Sea Launch in joint effort with US Army and US
Navy
NASA Direct Group, Leviathan proposal (2011)
Brought forward as an immediate solution to replace the Space
Shuttle by following the principles of the Sea Dragon study.

9. The Sea Serpent Rocket
Initial Version:
-2000 kg Payload to Low-Earth Orbit
Other orbits as well as Interplanetary Destinations available
Two Stage to Orbit System
Majority Reusable System
Launching from water
Aerospike Engines
Ballast system
Scalable Launch System

10. Maritime Manufacturing
Building Rockets like Ships
Utilizing traditional construction methods
Maritime Companies accustomed to larger scale projects
Allows for quick assembly of launch system components
Rockets in Months rather than years to meet high demand of space
industry
Bulk manufacturing (mass production capability to meet the demand
of industry)
Reusability of Stages
Designed to endure exposure on the seas and extreme environments
of space multiple times
Recovery and recheck of components for several launches before
complete overhaul of launch system.

11. Existing Workforce and Infrastructure
Emphasis on a verified concept
Logistic supply chain for megascale engineering projects as is from maritime
companies. Easily capable of meeting demands of rockets whose average tonnage is
dwarfed by everyday ship based construction
Propellants, Pressure Gases and Oxidizer Supply
Supply Ships and Control/Patrol Craft
Existing Infrastructure for Space Systems development and Testing (Andøya,
NASAs own test-facilities, ESA, Norsk Romsenter)
Existing available workforce (under threat)
Laying off of thousands of engineers from the oil/energy industry as of Fall 2015
that are competent by education and work experience to transition

12. Launch System Development Progress:
Propulsion System
Propulsion System Highlight
In development by Rocketstar LLC (New York), first engine tests
began this month at NASAs Kennedy Space Center
High Level Requirement in progress at Rocketstar allows for
multi-tasking ability as a company to pursue parallel objectives of
importance.
Successful 1,136 kg (11 KN) Hot Test Firings conducted at NASAs
Kennedy Space Center. .
Aerospike Requirements for Sea Serpent Launch Vehicle is 1000-
1250KN - Rocketstar plans a 2200 KN capable engine
Pre-Phase Alpha Studies concluded. Phase-A study of rocket
ongoing in regards to launch system development and market
analysis

13. Launch System Development Progress
Continued
Beginning Process Flow to develop more detailed static displays
of launch system.
Trade Studies ongoing for mid-level requirement systems.
Examples:
-Interstage Design
-Reaction Control Systems
-Flight Instruments
-Parachutes
Fine tuning the flexibility of the rocket to meet various mission
requirements for beyond Low Earth Orbit missions.
-First Stage Guaranteed reusable after each mission
-Modified second stage expendability for SSO, GTO and Beyond missions
-Improving internal design systems for quick assembly and breakdown
effectiveness to allow for overhaul

14. Current Status of Company
Working on government funding opportunities to reach near term goals and
testing ahead of schedule.
Offices in Pittsburgh, USA and Kristiansand, Norway
Consistently recruiting new members of diverse skill sets
Shifting from individual responsibilities to allocated team efforts