Stratolaunch Aircraft: First Taxi Tests on November 19, 2018

On November 19, 2018, the Stratolaunch aircraft, known as the largest aircraft by wingspan ever built, completed its first successful taxi tests at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. This aircraft was designed by Stratolaunch Systems, a company founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The primary purpose of Stratolaunch is to provide a versatile airborne launch platform for rockets, aiming to improve access to low Earth orbit.

Design and Specifications

• Wingspan: The Stratolaunch aircraft boasts an unprecedented wingspan of 385 feet (117 meters), surpassing the Hughes H-4 Hercules (also known as the Spruce Goose) and Antonov An-225 Mriya.
• Purpose: It is designed to carry and launch rockets into orbit effectively, serving as an air-launch platform. This system is meant to allow for more flexible launch schedules and potentially lower costs compared to traditional land-based space launches.
• Features: The aircraft features a twin-fuselage design powered by six Boeing 747 engines, capable of carrying payloads of up to 550,000 pounds (approximately 250,000 kg).

Taxi Test Details

During the test on November 19, 2018, the Stratolaunch aircraft reached speeds of up to 46 miles per hour (74 kilometers per hour) on the runway. These tests were crucial for evaluating the aircraft’s ground handling, steering capabilities, braking systems, and telemetry systems necessary for its upcoming flight tests.

Historical Context

• Conception: The concept for Stratolaunch was initiated in 2011, the brainchild of Paul Allen in collaboration with aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan.
• Development: The aircraft was publicly unveiled in May 2017, showcasing its potential to revolutionize how payloads are launched into orbit.

Significance and Impact

The successful taxi tests marked a significant milestone in aerospace innovation and signified the potential for air-launch systems in reducing dependency on ground-based infrastructure. Stratolaunch’s ability to launch rockets from the air offers a flexible and potentially cost-effective method of accessing space, highlighting significant advancements in the private aerospace industry.

Paul Allen’s vision for Stratolaunch as a game-changer in space exploration underscores his broader legacy of fostering cutting-edge technology and innovation. Despite his passing just a month before these tests, Allen’s impact on both technology and aerospace continues to resonate through projects like Stratolaunch.