I just realized that there is an operational and flying launcher in this range. Minotaur IV will do 1.5 tons to LEO.
Restricted launcher. Not too sure you can offer the Minotaur for non-US government missions, since the Minotaur components are mainly from old USAF ICBMs.
Interesting article about Max Polyakov:http://micetimes.asia/max-polyakov-firefly-aerospace-not-flyable/I had no idea about his background.
Quote from: Zed_Noir on 02/22/2018 08:56 pmRestricted launcher. Not too sure you can offer the Minotaur for non-US government missions, since the Minotaur components are mainly from old USAF ICBMs.You legally can't, but Minotaur-C is unrestricted and in roughly the same size class.
Markusic: plan to do two launches next year, eight in 2020. Need to do four a year to break even. #SatShow
Want to win a spot on the Firefly bus? The bus will tour our corporate headquarters in Cedar Park and then head out to watch us test the new Lightning engine in person! Stop by booth 405 at the Austin Convention Center to complete an entry form.
There are pictures out there of the Firefly booth at SXSW but I don't know if it is appropriate to post pics from LinkedIn. Super cool static display of engine, combustion chamber and Alpha model. Anyone know the right way to post/link that stuff here?
Quote from: fthomassy on 03/13/2018 03:36 amhttps://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6378660087690600448What are we looking at? 1st stage Reaver or 2nd stage Lightning engine?
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6378660087690600448
Also, surely the CFRP extension is just for show?
Quote from: Davidthefat on 03/13/2018 06:09 pmAlso, surely the CFRP extension is just for show?Carbon composite nozzle is puzzling. Why would they waste materials and time to manufacture a dummy? Could this contain a metal cooling jacket and inner shell? Appears to be a regen cooling set up, would rule out ablatives, no?Matthew