Due to orbital launch trajectory, rocket stages are released far east of the launch locations. The reusable first stage can return to the launch site with the expanse of using more fuel and oxidizer. The second option is to catch them at sea. Ships are modified for this purpose. The rocket stages exact point of landing can change dramatically within seconds which ships cannot respond in time.
I propose the use of rocket based in air catching platform. The dry mass of the first stage is around 100 tons for the Spaceship (SpaceX). Which is not that heavy for a rocket lifted platform to catch it and return it to the land or ship. The distance between the catch location and the land can be around 300 km. The platform can be designed to float on water in case of emergency. The rocket based thrust power of the platform would allow stability even in some windy conditions where electric propeller-based alternatives cannot handle. The second stage of a rocket can also be catched using this platform. However, the platform would than take off and land from a large ship close to the estimated landing area.
Same liquid propulsion engines can be used on the platform as the ones I proposed for the modular reusable rocket. In the modular rocket design, the liquid propulsion rocket is mainly used for maneuverability and the main descent thrust comes from the solid boosters. Therefore, highly pressurized hydrogen and oxygen tanks can be used for fuel and oxidizer storage. This is much easier and safer to maintain than a super cooled liquid methane and oxygen. These tanks can be filled on demand from the electrolyzed sea water either from the shore of the launch site or from the ship where the platform sits.
This platform can also catch the returning capsules from the space with a large air cushion placed on their centers. It would be a more pleasant and dry welcome for the space explorers.
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