AirLaunch’s FALCON Entry Succeeds in 2nd Drop from C-17
Jun 23, 2006 03:25 EDT
rocket up my…
On Sept 8, 2005, DID noted that AirLaunch LLC would soon be negotiating with DARPA to begin negotiations for a development contract under the FALCON/Common Aero Vehicles program, which aims to launch small satellite payloads and possibly even hypersonic aircraft into space for less than $5 million, and on only 24 hours notice. This would give the USA a unique capability that could be extremely useful in crisis situations, and is one aspect of “operationally responsive space.”
One of the most innovative ideas is AirLaunch LLC’s QuickReach small satellite booster, which is launched by rolling it out the back of a C-17 transport plane….
On November 8, 2005, we reported that AirLaunch had taken the next step and received a Phase 2b contract, following a successful test from a C-17 to cap the $11.3 million Phase 2a stage.
A recent article at DefenseLINK notes that the second in a series of tests June 14 was held on June 19, 2006, air-dropping a 65-foot, 65,000-pound mockup of a booster rocket over Edwards Precision Impact Range Area. The next test will increase the weight to 72,000 pounds and fly at the C-17’s service ceiling, around 31,600 feet. See the DefeneLINK article for more information concerning the challenges involved and next steps.
