Rocket Racing League

[coach]

I realize that NSF is focused on the space aspect of aerospace but I thought the RRL deserved it's own thread.  Especially considering their recent partnership with Armadillo Aerospace.  Here's a couple links to get the ball rolling.  The first one includes first hand accounts of AA's staff regarding the Racer's inaugural flight.

http://www.armadilloaerospace.com/n.x/Armadillo/Home/News?news_id=361

http://www.rocketracingleague.com/


Coach

[braddock]

A recent Armadillo post contains all sorts of detailed construction photos on the aircraft.
http://armadilloaerospace.com/n.x/Armadillo/Home/News?news_id=361

[gin455res]

I wonder if Armadillo A. will be tempted down the rocketplane route now they have some experience with rocket racers?

[Patchouli]

The engine and tanks look almost like one of their modular VTOL craft repackaged into an aircraft.
As for being tempted to take a space plane route it does have a lot of advantages in recovery and launching for sub orbital vehicles.
The X15 had a very good safety record for a prototype vehicle for example.
 

[braddock]

As for being tempted to take a space plane route it does have a lot of advantages in recovery and launching for sub orbital vehicles.

Carmack already has a Russian space suit with only a "few holes that need patching", so a pressurized cabin is optional.  
I'm sure he has done the calculations...

But I thought he needed a lot more than a single engine module to get near black sky (4? 9?).  Even with a carrier launch aircraft would one module get anywhere close?

[mrmandias]

If you want to predict whether the RRL will get going in 2009, here's a link to the free prediction market at the free version of Intrade.

http://www.intrade.net/market/listing/showEvent.faces?e=29020