The world’s largest aircraft, the Roc, took flight from Mojave Air and Space Port in California, marking a significant milestone for aerospace company Stratolaunch. During the flight, the Roc deployed the Talon-A vehicle, intended to reach hypersonic speeds. While the vehicle did not quite meet hypersonic velocity, valuable data was collected for future development. This flight showcased the potential for future reusable vehicles capable of achieving hypersonic speeds, with plans for the next vehicle, TA-2, to potentially launch later this year.
Stratolaunch’s journey to this moment has been a challenging one, with the company facing obstacles such as identifying the right rocket for deployment and the untimely passing of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who funded the project. Following Allen’s death, the company’s future seemed uncertain, but it was eventually acquired by private equity firm Cerberus, leading to a shift in focus towards launching hypersonic vehicles for testing. This new direction aligns with the US military’s priority on developing hypersonic technology, in response to advancements made by China, Russia, and other nations in this area.
The recent flight also highlighted the achievement of Ursa Major Technologies, whose Hadley rocket engine powered the TA-1 vehicle. Ursa Major, specializing in rocket propulsion engines, aims to provide off-the-shelf solutions for launch customers. With plans for larger engines like Ripley in development, the successful flight of the Hadley engine marks a significant milestone for the company. This collaboration with Stratolaunch signifies a step forward in the advancement of aerospace technology and rocket propulsion.
