Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch plane makes first flight
The giant aircraft built by Stratolaunch to serve as an air-launch platform made its first flight April 13 amid questions about the future of the venture.
Stratolaunch abandons launch vehicle program
Stratolaunch, the company founded by the late billionaire Paul Allen, said Jan. 18 that it is ending work on a launch vehicle that would be flown on the company’s giant aircraft.
Stratolaunch airplane nears first flight
The latest taxi test of the giant aircraft being developed by Stratolaunch for its air-launch system is a sign the plane’s first flight may take place soon.
Stratolaunch tests key engine component
Stratolaunch has performed the first test-firing of a key component of a rocket engine it is developing as the company presses ahead despite the death of its founder and principal funder.
Stratolaunch founder Paul Allen dies
Paul Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft who backed the winning entry in a suborbital spaceflight competition and later funded development of a massive air-launch system, passed away Oct. 15.
Stratolaunch releases new details about rocket engine work
Stratolaunch revealed new details Sept. 27 about a rocket engine it is developing for use on future launch vehicles that will fly from a giant aircraft approaching its first flight.
Stratolaunch confirms launch vehicle development plans
Stratolaunch announced Aug. 20 that it is developing a family of vehicles, including a reusable spaceplane, that could launch from the giant aircraft it is developing.
Stratolaunch planning first aircraft flight this summer
Stratolaunch expects to conduct the first flight of its giant aircraft this summer as it develops a broad spectrum of launch services that will make use of it, the company said April 16.
Stratolaunch aircraft edges closer to first flight
The giant aircraft being developed by Stratolaunch as part of an air-launch system is one step closer to its first flight after a new series of taxi tests.
NASA agreement sign of Stratolaunch engine development program
An agreement to do engine testing at a NASA center is the latest sign that Stratolaunch is considering developing its own launch vehicle for its giant aircraft.
Engine test latest step for Stratolaunch’s giant aircraft
Stratolaunch announced Sept. 19 that the company has achieved another milestone in the development of a unique giant aircraft that will serve as a launch platform.
Smallsats promoted as “insurance” for national security space systems
Advocates of small satellites argue that such systems could offer a much-need “layer of resiliency” for national security space applications for as little as one percent of current spending on such programs.
Stratolaunch rolls out giant aircraft
Stratolaunch, the company backed by billionaire Paul Allen to develop air-launch systems, rolled out its giant carrier aircraft for the first time May 31 in advance of ground and flight tests.
Ex-Stratolaunch boss joins satellite startup setting up shop on college campus
A startup that aims to build 200 satellites a year is opening an automated manufacturing facility on a college campus and adding a former Paul Allen hire to its board of director.
Stratolaunch to launch Pegasus rockets
Stratolaunch Systems will use the giant aircraft the company is currently developing to launch Pegasus rockets from Orbital ATK as part of a “multi-year” partnership, the two companies announced Oct. 6.
Stratolaunch seeks launch partners as aircraft nears completion
As work on its giant aircraft nears completion, Stratolaunch Systems is still working to line up partners to provide launch vehicles to serve the growing small satellite market.
