Giant Stratolaunch aircraft lifts off from California

[turbinetree]

By JOHN ANTCZAK 22 minutes ago

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A giant six-engine aircraft with the world’s longest wingspan landed its first flight after some two hours in the air Saturday.

The behemoth, twin-fuselage Stratolaunch jet lifted off from Mojave Air and Space Port and climbed into the desert sky 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of Los Angeles.

Founded by the late billionaire Paul G. Allen, Stratolaunch is vying to be a contender in the market for air-launching small satellites.

The aircraft is designed to carry as many as three satellite-laden rockets at a time under the center of its enormous wing, which stretches 385 feet (117 meters) — a longer wingspan than any other aircraft.

https://apnews.com/1ea378f268b548a7895b2c7c76eca5a0

[Docreed2003]

1. Wow...

The wingspan of a football field!

[PufPuf23]

2. Need a picture.

[A HERETIC I AM]

3. How about a video?

[PufPuf23]

5. Awesome. Thanks. nt

[A HERETIC I AM]

4. I'm going right by Mojave in 48 hours.

I taking a trip to California leaving today and we (team operation) will be going by that airport on Monday afternoon. I've been by there probably 10 times since they had first rolled her out, but I've never seen it outside.

This is very cool and a hat tip to the team for getting Mr. Allen's dream off the ground.

[Brother Buzz]

6. I would run outside to watch that thing fly by

[lunatica]

7. How exciting!

Just fly the rocket into clear skies and let er rip!

Would the rocket be able to return to be used again?

[A HERETIC I AM]

8. It depends on the type.

According to their website, the launch vehicle is capable of carrying various types of Space Vehicles;

https://www.stratolaunch.com/

[backscatter712]

9. At one point, SpaceX was considering using Stratolaunch to launch a variant of the Falcon 9

That would be a hell of a sight.

Unfortunately, the two companies are going different directions. IIRC, the Stratolaunch is going to launch Pegasus rockets. Will be able to carry 3 at a time.

[lunatica]

10. Maybe that's not unfortunate in the long run

Competition is good.