Stratolaunch Buys Virgin Orbit's Rocket-Launching 747 By Nancy_A
As soon as the deal for Virgin Orbit’s 747 is closed – expected by the end of July this year – Stratolaunch said they would immediately repurpose it for the Talon-A reusable hypersonic test. Stratolaunch said this acquisition will allow them to increase its in-flight test capacity and ability to support government and commercial customers globally. The company currently uses their own “Roc” air launch platform.
Stratolaunch successfully releases the Talon-0 separation test vehicle from its Roc air launch platform on May 13, 2023. Credit: Stratolaunch / Ethan Wagner “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 Talon-A test flight lasted 4 hours and 8 minutes and demonstrated the 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. “The need for hypersonic testing has never been greater and we are committed to fulfilling this national imperative,” Krevor said. “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.”
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