Stratolaunch, the world's largest aircraft is an engineering marvel. 🧐 engineering
. The goal for the Carrier is to provide an alternative launch platform for satellites, other than rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 or SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket—which had its first successful test flight back in 2019.Advertisement
The Stratolaunch's controls include 12 cable-driven ailerons powered by hydraulic actuators, split rudders, and horizontal stabilizers on twin tail units. The aircraft's unique wing has 14 electrically signaled, hydraulically actuated trailing-edge split flaps that also act as speed brakes.
Prospective clients will, once the aircraft is fully operational, be able to choose a date of launch from those available for a particular year. Clients will either be able to have exclusive use of the"Roc" or choose to"rideshare". Our air-launch system allows us to avoid hazards like bad weather and conflicting fixed-range launch schedules . Rain or shine, Stratolaunch gets your payload launched on time," explains Stratolaunch.To date, Stratolaunch plans to run 12 missions a year but will require booking several months in advance. This gives them enough time to prepare the payload but will allow institutions come as close as they can to"booking a seat on a flight," as for jetliners.