Space Explored

SpaceX's new ship Bob arrives in Tampa port

By Derek Wise

Sept. 4, 2021

SpaceX acquired two new vessels to support their launches. The two vessels are named Bob and Doug; in reference to the DM-2 Astronauts.

Doug arrived in Port Canaveral earlier this week, but Bob was stuck in Port Fourchon for Hurricane Ida.

Bob withstood sustained 150+ mph winds from the hurricane. A few days after the hurricane Bob left, but headed to Tampa rather than Port Canaveral.

As Bob moved into Tampa bay, some damage became visible. One antenna dome was missing and another damaged.

Overall, this is a very minor amount of damage given how rough a storm it Bob went through.

Bob will undergo repairs and additional preparations before traveling to Port Canaveral.

Bob and Doug will serve Fairing Recovery as well as Droneship support as a Tug and Crew operations for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions.

They are taking the place of previous long term fairing catching ships GO Ms. Chief and GO Ms. Tree. Catching was not a reliable enough solution long term so they have opted to scoop the fairings from the water.