Author Topic: Stratolaunch: General Company and Development Updates and Discussions  (Read 1052246 times)

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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https://twitter.com/stratolaunch/status/1635777369762922498

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We hope you like your Pi hot! For #PiDay, we’re sharing a photo of our 3rd succesful hot fire test with the @ursamajortech Hadley engine. The test is part of a build-up series verifying our propulsion system is ready for flight test of the TA-1 vehicle  #hypersonics #propulsion

Offline leovinus

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Nice Stratolaunch Roc read IMHO

How To Land The World’s Biggest Aircraft According To Its Test Pilot
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/how-to-land-the-worlds-biggest-aircraft-according-to-its-test-pilot

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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https://twitter.com/stratolaunch/status/1641912665131077632

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We are closing out March with our 3rd engine hot fire test. This is the first test that includes vectored thrust movement, which will allow us to shape Talon-A’s flight path to meet customer requirements for altitude and air speed. #hypersonics #rocketengine #aerospace @UrsaMajor

Offline Vahe231991

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https://twitter.com/Stratolaunch/status/1642176141426413568
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Roc is in the air over the Mojave Desert. Stay tuned to our social media channels for flight updates!

Offline harrystranger

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Stratolaunch LLC announces it has successfully completed a third captive carry flight of the Talon-A separation test vehicle, TA-0. The flight was the tenth for the company's launch platform Roc and marks the beginning of routine flight operations in Vandenberg Space Force Base's Western Range off California's central coast.

The flight, which lasted a total of five hours, performed risk reduction by practicing a variety of separation profiles and confirming telemetry between Roc and Talon-A vehicles and Vandenberg Space Force Base's communication assets, assuring that back-up telemetry data collection will occur during future flight tests.

Pending results of post-flight data analysis, the team will progress toward a separation test in the coming weeks, enabling the company to perform its first hypersonic flight in 2023.

"This third captive carry accomplished data collection and verification of hardware that further builds confidence and reduces risks for our upcoming release test of our separation vehicle, known as TA-0. The team also practiced the release sequence, enabling us to collect important data regarding how the Stratolaunch Talon Launch System performs during this dynamic phase of flight," said Dr. Zachary Krevor, Chief Executive Officer for Stratolaunch.

"We thank the Western Range, Vandenberg Space Force Base for their outstanding support of our mission. Their partnership is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when private and government organizations come together to accomplish a mutually beneficial goal. We look forward to working together during our future operations pursuing hypersonic flight," he said.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stratolaunch-completes-third-captive-carry-flight-with-talon-a-vehicle-301787673.html

Offline harrystranger

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Alex (https://twitter.com/Alexphysics13) plotted this map that show's there were offshore hazard zones in place for this flight. I assume this will be the drop zone for Talon during the next flight: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1ypaR3jS2IZfnTAlVfmEUbVDehwnCC7s&ll=35.63867406053203%2C-120.76821500000001&z=8
« Last Edit: 04/02/2023 12:43 am by harrystranger »

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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Offline whitelancer64

It looks like the Stratolaunch website has some new background images on it

https://www.stratolaunch.com/

Attached image is dated 5/5
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Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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https://twitter.com/stratolaunch/status/1657362893422178305

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Good morning and happy #Saturday! Today we’re attempting our eleventh flight of Roc and fourth captive carry of the TA-0 separation test vehicle. Follow along on our social media accounts as we share updates from the flight. #LetsRoc #flighttest
« Last Edit: 05/13/2023 08:45 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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https://twitter.com/stratolaunch/status/1657417345306972161

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Roc is airborne over the Mojave Desert and headed out to @SLDelta30 Western Range for today’s flight. Stay tuned for updates. #LetsRoc

https://twitter.com/stratolaunch/status/1657481241455902725

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Roc has returned to base and you’ll notice something missing from the center wing. We’re excited to announce we successfully completed separation of TA-0, bringing us closer than ever to hypersonic flight. Congrats to the team & thanks to the Western Range for their support!

Offline Vahe231991

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https://www.investorsobserver.com/news/qm-pr/8068785447132922
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MOJAVE, Calif., May 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratolaunch LLC announces it has successfully completed a separation release test of the Talon-A separation test vehicle, TA-0. The flight was the eleventh for the company's launch platform Roc and the second time the team has conducted flight operations in Vandenberg Space Force Base's Western Range off California's central coast.

The flight, which lasted a total of 4 hours and 8 minutes, performed risk reduction by demonstrating the Talon-A launch system can cleanly and safely separate hypersonic vehicles from Roc's center-wing pylon. The test also confirmed telemetry between the vehicles and Vandenberg Space Force Base's communication assets, assuring that back-up telemetry data collection will occur during future hypersonic flight tests.   

With this landmark test complete, the team will progress toward its first hypersonic flight of the TA-1 expendable testbed in late summer of 2023.

"Today's test was exceptional," said Dr. Zachary Krevor, Chief Executive Officer and President for Stratolaunch. "It was exhilarating to see TA-0 release safely away from Roc, and I commend our team and partners. Our hardware and data collection systems performed as anticipated, and we now stand at the precipice of achieving hypersonic flight."

"We also thank the Western Range, Vandenberg Space Force Base, for their continued support of our test operations. They have provided us with multiple flight opportunities and have been a great partner adapting to our various schedule requests as we adjusted our release window. We look forward to working together during our future operations pursuing hypersonic flight," he said.

The company will hold a virtual press teleconference to discuss initial results of today's test flight via Zoom on Monday, May 15 at 9 a.m. PST. To join, click here.

Offline harrystranger

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https://www.investorsobserver.com/news/qm-pr/8068785447132922
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MOJAVE, Calif., May 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratolaunch LLC announces it has successfully completed a separation release test of the Talon-A separation test vehicle, TA-0. The flight was the eleventh for the company's launch platform Roc and the second time the team has conducted flight operations in Vandenberg Space Force Base's Western Range off California's central coast.

The flight, which lasted a total of 4 hours and 8 minutes, performed risk reduction by demonstrating the Talon-A launch system can cleanly and safely separate hypersonic vehicles from Roc's center-wing pylon. The test also confirmed telemetry between the vehicles and Vandenberg Space Force Base's communication assets, assuring that back-up telemetry data collection will occur during future hypersonic flight tests.   

With this landmark test complete, the team will progress toward its first hypersonic flight of the TA-1 expendable testbed in late summer of 2023.

"Today's test was exceptional," said Dr. Zachary Krevor, Chief Executive Officer and President for Stratolaunch. "It was exhilarating to see TA-0 release safely away from Roc, and I commend our team and partners. Our hardware and data collection systems performed as anticipated, and we now stand at the precipice of achieving hypersonic flight."

"We also thank the Western Range, Vandenberg Space Force Base, for their continued support of our test operations. They have provided us with multiple flight opportunities and have been a great partner adapting to our various schedule requests as we adjusted our release window. We look forward to working together during our future operations pursuing hypersonic flight," he said.

The company will hold a virtual press teleconference to discuss initial results of today's test flight via Zoom on Monday, May 15 at 9 a.m. PST. To join, click here.
Two images from the above link.

Offline harrystranger

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I put together a map showing Flight 11's path alongside the marine notice for the drop zone.
Link to map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1ODxFP7tONVUjd8fq9vub_QMddgM-rkk&usp=sharing

Offline harrystranger

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From Stratolaunch on LinkedIn:
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The moment of separation. A great achievement for our team and partners who have worked hard to meet this critical milestone. With this test complete, we will progress toward our first hypersonic flight of TA-1 in late summer of 2023. #LetsRoc
« Last Edit: 05/15/2023 11:43 pm by harrystranger »

Offline Star One

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Video of the test flight on You Tube:


Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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https://twitter.com/stratolaunch/status/1659946979659767808

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Take a deeper look at our 11th flight of Roc and first separation test of a Talon-A vehicle. With this milestone complete, we are moving on to focus on the first #hypersonic flight of Talon-A. Congratulations again to our team and partners! #LetsRoc

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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Offline harrystranger

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https://twitter.com/stratolaunch/status/1659946979659767808

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Take a deeper look at our 11th flight of Roc and first separation test of a Talon-A vehicle. With this milestone complete, we are moving on to focus on the first #hypersonic flight of Talon-A. Congratulations again to our team and partners! #LetsRoc
A reply to the above tweet with more info.
https://twitter.com/Stratolaunch/status/1659952628372238339

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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https://twitter.com/Stratolaunch/status/1661765488324558848

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NEWS: We're excited to officially announce that we're expanding our launch fleet with the acquisition of Virgin Orbit's modified Boeing 747. Read more:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stratolaunch-expands-fleet-with-virgin-orbits-modified-boeing-747-301834904.html

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Stratolaunch Expands Fleet with Virgin Orbit's Modified Boeing 747
NEWS PROVIDED BY Stratolaunch
25 May, 2023, 11:48 ET
     
Builds on Company's Mission to Deliver Routine and Accessible Hypersonic Testing

MOJAVE, Calif., May 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratolaunch, LLC ("Stratolaunch") today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to acquire Virgin Orbit's modified Boeing 747 and its related parts and equipment, marking an expansion of Stratolaunch's air-launch fleet. The acquisition is expected to close by July 31, 2023.

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that enables reusable and routine hypersonic testing through world-class aerospace vehicles and in-flight test capabilities. Upon closing of the acquisition, the additional aircraft will be repurposed as a launch platform for Stratolaunch's Talon-A reusable hypersonic testbeds and is expected to be fully operational in 2024. The expansion of Stratolaunch's fleet will increase its in-flight test capacity and ability to support government and commercial customers globally.

"The addition of this aircraft is a transformational milestone," said Dr. Zachary Krevor, President and CEO of Stratolaunch. "With Roc remaining as our mainstay aircraft, an additional 747 brings expanded capabilities and flexibility to our platform. We will be able to increase both our flight test capacity and reach to become an even stronger partner to global customers."

The acquisition of the modified 747 follows Stratolaunch's first successful Talon-A vehicle separation test on May 13. During the separation release trial, Stratolaunch demonstrated clean and safe separation of hypersonic vehicles and confirmed telemetry between the vehicles and on-the-ground communication assets. With this landmark test complete, Stratolaunch will progress toward its first hypersonic flight of the TA-1 expendable testbed in late summer 2023.     

Krevor continued: "The need for hypersonic testing has never been greater and we are committed to fulfilling this national imperative. We are making tremendous strides as we continue to enable the future of hypersonic testing. With the recent successful Talon-A separation test, we are excited to prepare for our first hypersonic flight of the TA-1 testbed."

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Following closing of the acquisition, the aircraft will undergo maintenance and modification to accommodate its new hypersonic test mission. The launch platform will also be renamed in the coming months.

About Stratolaunch

Stratolaunch's mission is to advance high-speed technology through innovative design, manufacturing, and operation of world-class aerospace vehicles. For the latest news and information, visit www.stratolaunch.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

SOURCE Stratolaunch

Image captions:

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Conceptual rendering of Stratolaunch 747 air-launch vehicle, anticipated to be operational in 2024. Credit: Stratolaunch / Delta Research Digital Products

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Conceptual rendering of Stratolaunch 747 air-launch vehicle, in launch configuration with the reusable Talon-A hypersonic testbed. Credit: Stratolaunch / Delta Research Digital Products
« Last Edit: 05/25/2023 04:13 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

Online Robotbeat

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Well that is interesting and somewhat unexpected. I thought they would just use the airplanes for parts.

This really does kind of feel like virgin orbit is living on. Especially if stratolaunch is serious about continuing to orbit eventually
Chris  Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

To the maximum extent practicable, the Federal Government shall plan missions to accommodate the space transportation services capabilities of United States commercial providers. US law http://goo.gl/YZYNt0

 

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