Tag: Stratolaunch
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Paul Allen’s Stratolaunch lifts veil on world’s biggest plane — a giant bet on a new way to space
This view of Stratolaunch Systems’ hangar at Mojave Air and Space Port in California shows the massive airplane’s left-side fuselage and scaffolding. At least six people are in the picture. To spot them, click on the image and look for the red circles in an enlarged version. (Credit: Vulcan Inc.) MOJAVE, Calif. – When you walk…
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Work continues on Paul Allen’s Stratolaunch plane, but rocket plans are still under wraps
Stratolaunch Systems’ twin-fuselage jet is shown under construction inside a hangar in Mojave, Calif. Vulcan Aerospace released the photo in April. (Credit: Vulcan Aerospace) The world’s largest airplane is taking shape for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s Vulcan Aerospace venture, but it’s not yet clear what kind of rocket would be launched from the Stratolaunch super-jumbo jet.…
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Paul Allen launches Vulcan Aerospace to make commercial space travel cheaper, accessible
The Stratolaunch carrier vehicle under construction in the hangar at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, Calif. Photo via Vulcan Aerospace. Paul Allen wants to make commercial space travel more convenient and less expensive, and today he launched Vulcan Aerospace to help achieve those goals. Paul Allen. Vulcan Aerospace is a new company from…
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SNC, Stratolaunch expand on proposed Dream Chaser flights
As Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) continues forward with efforts to develop numerous mission scenarios for its Dream Chaser space plane, a study – in collaboration with Stratolaunch Systems – expands on the scaled-down version of Dream Chaser launched into orbit via the air-launch vehicle for a variety of mission including ISS emergency crew rescues and micro-gravity research missions.…
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Dream Chaser eyes rides on under review Stratolaunch system
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser – currently fighting for her future in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program – may join forces with Stratolaunch System’s air launch architecture, which is currently undergoing a major program review. SNC announced this week they have designed a scaled version of the Dream Chaser to fly crewed and automated missions with the…
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Runway to Space – SLF takes a commercial step forward
The historic Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has taken another step forward in achieving its future goal of accommodating a range of commercial spacecraft. Although deals are yet to be completed, NASA and Space Florida have begun negotiations relating to a partnership agreement for the commercial operation of the runway.…
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Video: Here’s how Paul Allen’s massive Stratolaunch aircraft will launch rockets into orbit
Stratolaunch Systems, the commercial space venture backed by Paul Allen, has published a new video showing how it plans to send rockets into the sky with the world’s largest plane. The video shows the aircraft, with its six 747 engines and a wingspan greater than the length of a football field, sporting an Orbitial Sciences Corp.…
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Stratolaunch and Orbital – The Height of Air Launch
New details into the Stratolaunch system have revealed an exciting pairing of a huge carrier aircraft and a highly capable Orbital rocket nicknamed Pegasus II. The “Any Time, Any Orbit” air-launch system will be capable of lofting payloads up to 13,500 lbs to Low Earth Orbit. Stratolaunch: Stratolaunch was founded by inventor, investor and…
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Paul Allen discusses the Stratolaunch and sports at U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen Dressed in a black tuxedo, Paul Allen sat on stage in front of 800 people Wednesday night in Huntsville, Alabama and shared personal insight on a variety of questions. But his words weren’t about new software, cloud computing or the Surface. Rather, the talk focused on two of the billionaire’s other…
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Commercial space flight shows reignited interest in the Air Launch system
Virgin Galactic unveiled their new air launch system – called LauncherOne – this week, classing it as a “revolution” in space access for small satellites. However, the concept of carrying one’s rocket to a high altitude, prior to “dropping” the vehicle and lighting its engine, isn’t new, yet appears to be gaining renewed interest –…