Oceaneering International, Inc. and Seagate Space Corporation today announced a strategic relationship to advance the development of Seagate Space’s offshore launch platform design. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term collaboration spanning system development, engineering maturation, integration support, and future production opportunities. The joint announcement was formalized at the 2026 Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, CO.
Seagate Space co-founder and CEO Michael Anderson said: “We are thrilled to work with Oceaneering to bring our Gateway platform concept to our launch partners with speed, technical rigor, and a clear path to scale.”
“Oceaneering is a proven offshore leader with decades of spaceflight heritage. Their experience at the intersection of maritime and space systems makes them an ideal partner as we advance offshore launch infrastructure.”
Oceaneering provides advanced engineering services and products across offshore energy, defense, aerospace, and science. Its space systems division has supported major programs including the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and NASA’s Artemis mission.
Kirsten Whittingham, VP/GM of Oceaneering Space Systems said: “The Seagate Space team and their unique approach shows the potential for offshore launch while directly addressing the challenges. We look forward to working together to redefining what’s possible for the space industry.”
Seagate Space recently received Approval in Principle (AiP). from American Bureau of Shipping, the first to do under the classification society’s offshore spaceport requirements. The company successfully completed wave basin testing at MIT’s Parsons Hydrodynamics Laboratory earlier this year, with initial offshore missions targeted as early as 2027.
Founded in 2025, Seagate Space is based out of spARK Labs in St. Petersburg, Florida. Seagate Space Corporation announced earlier this month a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Firefly Aerospace to collaborate on the development of an offshore launch platform that enables a sea-based launch capability for Firefly’s Alpha rocket. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding responsive, resilient launch solutions for the rapidly growing space economy. Under the MOU, Seagate Space is working closely with Firefly to mature the design of an integrated offshore launch system capable of supporting the unique requirements of liquid-fueled orbital rockets. Central to this development is the integration of Seagate Space’s Gateway Series, the industry’s first purpose-built offshore spaceport designed specifically for launch operations. Seagate Space collaborated with maritime industry leaders on Gateway’s development, and the American Bureau of Shipping recently announced the system received “Approval in Principle” – the first to do so under their offshore spaceport guidelines. Seagate Space also conducted precision testing using a model prototype at the MIT Sea Grant Hydrodynamics Laboratory to validate key capabilities in ocean conditions that are required for safe, reliable orbital launch operations from sea.
Source: Seagate Space
