The latest taxi test of the giant aircraft being developed by Stratolaunch for its air-launch system is a sign the plane’s first flight may take place soon.The company announced Jan. 9 that its airplane, the largest in the world by wingspan, performed its fastest taxi test to date at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California, reaching a top speed of 219 kilometers per hour. That test also featured a “rotation authority maneuver” that briefly lifted the plane’s nose gear off the ground.This was the latest in a series of taxi tests, where the airplane goes down the runway under its own power but does not take off. That test program started in late 2017, with subsequent tests at increasing speeds.
It keeps getting larger and larger velocity values as they use smaller and smaller units. 110 knots136 mph219 kph340262 Furlongs per fortnight?Looking forward to some vertical velocity
Stratolaunch, the Seattle-based space venture created by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen seven years ago, says it’s discontinuing its programs to develop a new type of rocket engine and a new line of rockets.
Stratolaunch space venture sharply scales back its operations, months after Paul Allen’s deathQuoteStratolaunch, the Seattle-based space venture created by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen seven years ago, says it’s discontinuing its programs to develop a new type of rocket engine and a new line of rockets.https://www.geekwire.com/2019/stratolaunch-layoffs/
Well that didn't last long.
“I have been given the great responsibility to steward Paul’s wealth in service of his vision for the future,” Jody Allen said in a statement. “While the loss of Paul is overwhelming, I am dedicated to preserving and implementing Paul’s vision.”
For the sake of not seeing wasted effort, hopefully another air launch based company can merge with them to develop a medium lift launcher or point to point transport. Disgusting that family members would so quickly kill off a life long dream and years of effort after taking control of Paul's estate.
Shame I have always been skeptical of the concept. The SSTO RLV project looked cool on paper and gave me some hope. With that gone, I give them 3 more years, at most. Quite sad
Quote from: GWH on 01/19/2019 06:09 amFor the sake of not seeing wasted effort, hopefully another air launch based company can merge with them to develop a medium lift launcher or point to point transport. Disgusting that family members would so quickly kill off a life long dream and years of effort after taking control of Paul's estate.Unfortunately Jody doesn't share Paul's passion for space.Stratolauncher is looking more like a modern Spruce Goose. Here's hoping Bezos and Musk have better succession plans. Both have better companies. Blue just need to start earning money from NS flying passengers and for NG to be complete to stand chance of surviving without large cash injections.SpaceX may find BFR shelved with them concentrating on profitable F9.
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 01/19/2019 08:17 amQuote from: GWH on 01/19/2019 06:09 amFor the sake of not seeing wasted effort, hopefully another air launch based company can merge with them to develop a medium lift launcher or point to point transport. Disgusting that family members would so quickly kill off a life long dream and years of effort after taking control of Paul's estate.Unfortunately Jody doesn't share Paul's passion for space.Stratolauncher is looking more like a modern Spruce Goose. Here's hoping Bezos and Musk have better succession plans. Both have better companies. Blue just need to start earning money from NS flying passengers and for NG to be complete to stand chance of surviving without large cash injections.SpaceX may find BFR shelved with them concentrating on profitable F9.Both Bezos & Elon are relatively young men to be talking about succession plans.
Quote from: Star One on 01/19/2019 08:57 amQuote from: TrevorMonty on 01/19/2019 08:17 amQuote from: GWH on 01/19/2019 06:09 amFor the sake of not seeing wasted effort, hopefully another air launch based company can merge with them to develop a medium lift launcher or point to point transport. Disgusting that family members would so quickly kill off a life long dream and years of effort after taking control of Paul's estate.Unfortunately Jody doesn't share Paul's passion for space.Stratolauncher is looking more like a modern Spruce Goose. Here's hoping Bezos and Musk have better succession plans. Both have better companies. Blue just need to start earning money from NS flying passengers and for NG to be complete to stand chance of surviving without large cash injections.SpaceX may find BFR shelved with them concentrating on profitable F9.Both Bezos & Elon are relatively young men to be talking about succession plans.Bezos is 10 years and Elon Musk is 18 years Paul Allen's junior. Bezos is a year younger than Steve Jobs when he died. Musk is 9 years younger. Unfortunately, stress kills.
