News Stratolaunch

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Parabolic Arc: Stratolaunch Accepts First 747 for New Launch Aircraft:

HUNTSVILLE, AL, February 15, 2012 (Stratolaunch PR) - Today Stratolaunch systems closed on purchase of the first of two Boeing 747-400 aircraft that are being purchased from United Airlines.

Stratolaunch contractor Scaled Composites of Mojave California with support from their subcontractor BAE Systems has developed a complete plan for how the engines, landing gear, hydraulics and other subsystem components of these aircraft will be disassembled and reintegrated into a custom composite aircraft to be built by Scaled Composites in Stratolaunch’s new integration facility being built at the Mojave Air and Space Port.

Tail number N196UA made its final journey on its way to becoming part of a revolutionary new aircraft last Friday and after final receiving inspection we have accepted the aircraft from United.

“The arrival of the first 747 aircraft in Mojave is extremely exciting for our team. This demonstrates Mr. Allen’s commitment to press forward with establishing a space transportation system that will change the way we currently perform space launch,” said Gary Wentz, CEO and President of Stratolaunch. A second aircraft will arrive in Mojave in late February to provide most of the remaining 747-400 components needed to assemble Stratolaunch’s new mother ship.

Editor’s Note: The aircraft had been sitting outside the Scaled Composites hangar in Mojave for almost three weeks. It was towed down the flight line on Thursday and now sits in front of the large BAE Systems hangar.

A retired United Airlines 747 in front of the Scaled Composites hangar in Mojave. (Credit: Stratolaunch Systems)​

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Parabolic Arc: Exclusive Photos: Stratolaunch Hangar Under Construction

First Stratolaunch hangar under construction in late April 2012. (Credit: Douglas Messier)

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[jonmatifa]

To me, this is an exciting development, not because this technique will revolutionize space travel or even make it cheaper or more accessible, but because we are getting back to the "don't tell me what I can't do" mindset of exploration and experimentation of the days of the X-15, Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. If this is where commercial space endeavors are taking us, then retiring the Space Shuttle is the best thing that could have happened for long term progress.

In an era where the White Houses's and NASA's collective ambitions are at an all time low, the idea of capable individuals creating industries around ideas of mining asteroids and air launching orbital vehicles IS innovation, which is exactly what we need right now if we ever hope to progress space exploration.

To be fair, the Space Shuttle and ISS collectively, standing on the shoulders of the achievements before them is undoubtedly one of the greatest, if not the greatest feat of engineering to date.

 

[MaverickSawyer]

:blink: Dang. That's fast work! They broke ground only a few months ago...

 

[Rareth]

I was wondering why they didn't design this around a pair of B-52s instead of the 747s they went with.

 

[Hlynkacg]

Because 747s are easier to come by and structurally suited to the task.

A more a more appropriate question would be why b52s?

 

[Rareth]

Because 747s are easier to come by and structurally suited to the task.

A more a more appropriate question would be why b52s?

how is a bomber not structurally suited to carrying a heavy load?

as for why.. they can carry more and have a higher flight ceiling.

 

[Capt_hensley]

I was wondering why they didn't design this around a pair of B-52s instead of the 747s they went with.

the 747's used are very young, when compared to the most recent B-52 that was built.

 

[T.Neo]

747s might also be preferable due to the fact that they're a civillian, rather than military aircraft.

 

[Codz]

I was wondering why they didn't design this around a pair of B-52s instead of the 747s they went with.

B-52's would be hard to procure for a non-governmental entity.

 

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Parabolic Arc: Stratolaunch Progress Report in Photos

A Boeing 747-422 is being stripped for parts for the Stratolaunch project. (Credit: Douglas Messier)

An engine has been removed from the 747 for use in the Stratolaunch aircraft, which will have six engines. (Credit: Douglas Messier)

The first Stratolaunch hangar nearing completion on May 17, 2012. (Credit: Douglas Messier)​

 

[NovaSilisko]

Nice to see that the project is going along!

 

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Parabolic Arc: Exclusive Photos: Birdzilla’s Nest Takes Shape in the Mojave

The large Stratolaunch hangar under construction on Aug. 23, 2012. (Credit: Douglas Messier)

As walls are attached to part of Stratolaunch’s hangar, a frame is being put up for the other section of the structure. (Credit: Douglas Messier)

Stratolaunch’s two hangars at the Mojave Air and Space Port on Aug. 23, 2012. (Credit: Douglas Messier)​

 

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Parabolic Arc: Space Goose’s Nest Grows in the Mojave

Photo Credit: Doug Messier​

 

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Parabolic Arc: Stratolaunch Opens Production Facility in Mojave

 

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Parabolic Arc: A Birdzilla’s Eye View of the Stratolaunch Hangar Under Construction

A bird’s eye view of the Stratolauch hangar at the Mojave Air and Space Port. (Credit: Google Maps)

The Stratolaunch production facility (left) and its hangar. (Credit: Google Maps)​

 

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Space News: Stratolaunch Turns to Orbital as SpaceX Drops Out

Parabolic Arc: SpaceX Out, Orbital In on Stratolaunch Project

Flightglobal: Stratolaunch and SpaceX part ways:

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"Stratolaunch and SpaceX have amicably agreed to end our contractual relationship because the current launch vehicle design has departed significantly from the Falcon derivative vehicle envisioned by SpaceX and does not fit well with their long-term strategic business model," says Gary Wentz, Stratolaunch CEO, in a 27 November email.

"Moving forward, Stratolaunch has engaged Orbital Sciences Corporation to evaluate and develop alternative solutions with the objective of arriving at a design decision in the early spring timeframe. The other segment contractors will continue to proceed forward in accordance with existing plans since their interfaces have been defined," he adds.

Despite the close relations, Stratolaunch's updated designs required "significant structural mods to incorporate a fin/chine configuration," according to Wentz. Initial concepts did not include a chine, which is a structural extension of the wing root along the sides of the vehicle, useful for providing lift at high speeds.


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[RGClark]

Space News: Stratolaunch Turns to Orbital as SpaceX Drops Out
Parabolic Arc: SpaceX Out, Orbital In on Stratolaunch Project
Flightglobal: Stratolaunch and SpaceX part ways:

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This looks like it could also be used to provide a reusable upper stage that would use a winged glide back return. SpaceX would not be enamored with this since it is committed to powered, vertical descent.

Bob Clark

 

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Parabolic Arc: Stratolaunch Eyes Operations From Kennedy Space Center

Florida Today: Despite shift, KSC's in Stratolaunch's sight for 2017

 

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Parabolic Arc: Stratolaunch Systems Opens Hangar in Mojave