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The world’s largest airplane may be grounded after a single flight
The aerospace company founded by Paul Allen, Stratolaunch, is closing operations according to a report by Reuters that cited anonymous sources. The company will cease its efforts to challenge traditional aerospace companies in a new “space race,” four people familiar with the matter told the wire service. In response to a query from Ars about potentially ending operations, a spokeswoman for the Seattle-based company replied, "We don’t have any news or announcements to share at this time.… (arstechnica.com) Mais...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
"Stratolaunch remains operational." When Richard Branson can gain control of these assets at a price he likes he'll have another launch vehicle...
Considering same company/individuals developed and built for both, I could see it happen. Although I remember wayy back when Allen envisioned Stratolaunch, Branson thot it was too big. Remember he already had shown his identical vehicle, White Knight. Allen thought it too small.
Paul already paid for the big, if Richard has a need he'll use it.
Yes...I was referring to Burt Rutan and Scaled Composites as the developer/builder of the vehicles Stratolaunch, SpaceShip 1&2, White Knight...they were also to have built a launch vehicle for Stratolaunch, but it got cancelled.
Yup, I know. Been a huge Burt fan for years. Got to meet him very briefly, at Oshkosh 05, when Richard was doing his round the world non-stop on one jet engine victory lap.
But how many "small payloads" would it take to equal the one payload of any of the companies John Miller mentioned and would it still be cheaper?
Average price of a SpaceX launch is about $57 Mil...Average cost on Virgin and their "Cosmic Girl" since Stratolaunch closed already, is about $12 Mil
Virgin's real competition are companies like Rocket Lab, whose "Electron" rocket can put a 500 lb payload into low earth orbit for under $6M.
https://www.airspacemag.com/as-next/milestone-180968351/
BTW, I love the choice of name... The real rockets nerds will get it.
https://www.airspacemag.com/as-next/milestone-180968351/
BTW, I love the choice of name... The real rockets nerds will get it.
Not competition at all, considering the 12 MIL is priced for a single 1,100 lb payload. If the payload is lighter and hitch hikers want aboard, the costs will be on par with Rocket Lab's hitch hiker rates. Branson is actually rooting for Rocket Lab..it will keep all the "big players" on their toes.
Plus Cosmic Girl is not bounded by launching in 1 or 2 places. For example, Branson signed up with ANA to also launch payloads from Japan.
Plus Cosmic Girl is not bounded by launching in 1 or 2 places. For example, Branson signed up with ANA to also launch payloads from Japan.