For the first time ever, the Stratolaunch aircraft moved out of the hangar to conduct aircraft fueling tests. This marks the completion of the initial aircraft construction phase and transition into the aircraft ground and flight testing phase. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Mojave Air and Space Port, California, USA – May 31, 2017

Stratolaunch, founded in 2011 by Paul G. Allen, is developing an air-launch platform to make access to space more convenient, reliable, and routine.

We believe that normalizing access to low Earth orbit (LEO) has the potential to redefine our lives by creating more opportunities for commercial, philanthropic and governmental organizations to collect rich and actionable data and drive advancements in science, research, and technology from space.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Stratolaunch is the world’s largest aircraft by wingspan and is the largest all-composite plane ever built.

Utilizing six Boeing 747 engines for a payload capacity of over 500,000 lbs. and an operational range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles, Stratolaunch is capable of delivering payloads to multiple orbits and inclinations in a single mission.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Stratolaunch’s reusability and air-launch capabilities enable us to take an airport-style approach to operations for launch services.

Stratolaunch will take off from a runway, rather than a logistically vulnerable fixed range, which allows us to avoid hazards such as inclement weather, airborne traffic and heavy marine activity.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Stratolaunch’s airborne launch platform significantly reduces the risk of costly delays or cancellations.

Stratolaunch is currently under construction at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, Calif. We aim to be fully operational by the end of this decade.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

We’re excited to announce that Stratolaunch aircraft has reached a major milestone in its journey toward providing convenient, reliable, and routine access to low Earth orbit.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Today, we’re moving the Stratolaunch aircraft out of the hangar – for the first time ever – to conduct aircraft fueling tests.

This marks the completion of the initial aircraft construction phase and the beginning of the aircraft ground and flight testing phase.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Over the past few weeks, we have removed the fabrication infrastructure, including the three-story scaffolding surrounding the aircraft, and rested the aircraft’s full weight on its 28 wheels for the first time.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

This was a crucial step in preparing the aircraft for ground testing, engine runs, taxi tests, and ultimately first flight.
Once we achieved weight-on-wheels, it enabled us to weigh the Stratolaunch aircraft for the first time, coming in at approximately 500,000 lbs.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

That may sound heavy, but remember that the Stratolaunch aircraft is the world’s largest plane by wingspan, measuring 385 ft. – by comparison, a National Football League field spans only 360 ft.

Stratolaunch Makes First Rollout To Begin Fueling Tests. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

The aircraft is 238 ft. from nose to tail and stands 50 ft. tall from the ground to the top of the vertical tail.
The Stratolaunch aircraft is designed for a max takeoff weight of 1,300,000 lbs., meaning it’s capable of carrying payloads up to approximately 550,000 lbs.

Conceptual rendering of the Stratolaunch Aircraft and the Orbital ATK Pegasus XL air-launch vehicles. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp. / Vulcan Aerospace

As we announced last fall , we will initially launch a single Orbital ATK Pegasus XL vehicle with the capability to launch up to three Pegasus vehicles in a single sortie mission.

http://www.stratolaunch.com/news/OrbitalATK.html  

http://www.orbitalatk.com/flight-systems/space-launch-vehicles/pegasus/  

https://www.astroman.com.pl/index.php?mod=magazine&a=read&id=2264  

Conceptual rendering of the Stratolaunch Aircraft and the Orbital ATK Pegasus XL air-launch vehicles. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp. / Vulcan Aerospace

We have already started preparations for launch vehicle delivery to our Mojave facilities.

We’re actively exploring a broad spectrum of launch vehicles that will enable us to provide more flexibility to customers.
Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be actively conducting ground and flightline testing at the Mojave Air and Space Port.

Founded by Paul G. Allen in 2011, Stratolaunch is based at the Mojave Air & Space Port, with Scaled Composites leading its construction. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

This is a first-of-its-kind aircraft, so we’re going to be diligent throughout testing and continue to prioritize the safety of our pilots, crew and staff.

Stratolaunch is on track to perform its first launch demonstration as early as 2019.

Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

This marks a historic step in our work to achieve Paul G. Allen’s vision of normalizing access to low Earth orbit.

It is proud day for us at Stratolaunch, for our partners at Scaled Composites, and for our founder Paul Allen.

Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

We have a lot of exciting activity ahead as we enter the testing process, and we look forward to sharing our progress during the coming months.

Mr. Jean Floyd
Chief Executive Officer, Stratolaunch Systems Corporation


Orbital ATK and Stratolaunch Partner to Offer Competitive Space Launch Opportunities

10/06/2016

Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, and Stratolaunch announced a multi-year production-based partnership that will offer significant cost advantages to air-launch customers.

http://www.orbitalatk.com  

Stratolaunch is responsible for realizing Paul G. Allen’s vision for space.

https://www.paulallen.com  

Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Under this partnership, Orbital ATK will initially provide multiple Pegasus XL air-launch vehicles for use with the Stratolaunch aircraft to provide customers with unparalleled flexibility to launch small satellites weighing up to 1,000 pounds into low Earth orbit.

Pegasus has carried out 42 space launch missions, successfully placing more than 80 satellites into orbit for scientific, commercial, defense and international customers.

Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

“We are energized by this evolved partnership with Orbital ATK,” said Mr. Jean Floyd, CEO of Stratolaunch.
“Orbital ATK is the world’s most experienced air-launch service provider, and we are proud to leverage that expertise and progressive approach in pursuit of our shared goal of convenient and affordable commercial access to low Earth orbit.”

Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

“Orbital ATK is excited by this collaboration and sees it as a positive first step in a long-term partnership,” said Scott Lehr, president of Orbital ATK’s Flight Systems Group.
“The combination of our extensive air-launch experience and the Stratolaunch aircraft has the potential to provide innovative and cost-effective options for commercial launch customers.”

Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

EXECUTIVE  TEAM

Paul G. Allen
Founder and Chairman, Vulcan Inc.

Paul G. Allen Founder and Chairman, Vulcan Inc. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Allen funded SpaceShipOne, the first private spacecraft to carry a civilian into suborbital space and safely home again - a historic triumph that in 2004 earned the Ansari X-Prize.

Allen’s founding of Stratolaunch seeks to build upon this success in space flight by achieving yet another breakthrough - the advancement of airport-style access to low Earth orbit, which Allen believes will open scientific and technological possibilities for humanity and our planet’s future.


Jean Floyd
Chief Executive Officer, Stratolaunch

Jean Floyd Chief Executive Officer, Stratolaunch. Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Jean Floyd is CEO of Stratolaunch, which aims to make access to space more convenient, reliable and routine.

Floyd has more than thirty years of industry experience and is uniquely qualified to oversee and lead the testing and evaluation phase of the carrier aircraft.

Floyd is a seasoned aerospace professional who has experience leading air launched space vehicle, launch operations, and spacecraft programs.

A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Floyd's legacy in space began on active duty in the Air Force and continued as the program manager for Orbital's Pegasus system.

Most recently, Floyd was vice president and general manager for the civil and defense division at Orbital ATK, where he managed P&L responsibilities of Human Space Systems, National Security Space, Science and Environmental, and Advanced Flight Systems.


Steve Nixon
Vice President, Strategic Development, Stratolaunch

Steve Nixon Vice President, Strategic Development, Stratolaunch Photo courtesy of Stratolaunch Systems Corp.

Steve Nixon is Vice President of Strategic Development at Stratolaunch.
He leads the company's national security business sector and U.S. government relations from Washington D.C.

Previously, Nixon served as the Director of Science and Technology and the Chief Technology Officer for the Director of National Intelligence.

Prior to his work in intelligence, Nixon served ten years with the U.S. Congress as a professional staff member for the U.S. House of Representatives Defense Appropriations Subcommittee where he reviewed a wide variety of military, research and development, and acquisition programs.

In 2008, Nixon was awarded the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement.

He has been recognized as one of the 100 top young engineers in the U.S. by the National Academy of Engineering.

In 2005, the National Journal included him on the "Hill 100" list under the Defense Transformation category, and SpaceNews named him one of the top 10 people “making a difference” in space.


Source: Stratolaunch

http://www.stratolaunch.com/news.html  

https://www.paulallen.com  



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