Last
week, AirLaunch LLC of Kirkland, Washington got the weight out.
They
tested on June 14 a simulated AirLaunch QuickReach rocket weighing 65,000
pounds (29,484 kilograms) - the heaviest single load ever to be dropped out of
a C-17A cargo aircraft.
The
drop test was performed as part of a program that is exploring a new way of
launching small satellites into space called the Falcon Small Launch Vehicle
(SLV) program. That effort is being undertaken via the U.S. Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Air Force.
According
to DARPA's Steven Walker, the air drop points the way toward a safe extraction
technique for an affordable and responsive spacelift capability.
"This
test is another accomplishment that will lead us to the next phase of the
program and eventually to launch," said Debra Facktor Lepore, president of
AirLaunch LLC in a press release, noting that the work is spearheading
technology that will enable operationally responsive access to space.
The drop test and related activities were conducted at Edwards Air Force Base,
California.
The
Falcon SLV program goal is to develop a vehicle that can launch a 1,000 pound
(454 kilogram) satellite to low Earth orbit for less than $5 million, within 24
hours of notice. The intent is to have a quick reaction launch system that that
can hurl into space specialized small satellites. That capability may well
stimulate military and civil applications, as well as commercial opportunities.
-- Leonard David
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