Tue, Oct 09, 2012
Low-Profile Test Took Place At Spaceport America In New Mexico
New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) officials announced Saturday that Armadillo Aerospace had launched a STIG-B rocket designed and built by the Rockwall, TX, company. This launch was the first licensed FAA launch to take place from Spaceport America's vertical launch complex at the spaceport, and the second research and development test flight this year at Spaceport America conducted by Armadillo Aerospace.
The successful launch was a non-public, unpublished event at the request of Armadillo Aerospace, as the company is testing proprietary advanced launch technologies. Armadillo Aerospace is a leading developer of reusable rocket-powered vehicles and plans to provide a platform for civilian access to suborbital space.
Saturday's flight was the spaceport’s first FAA-licensed launch, the 6th Armadillo Aerospace vehicle, and the 16th vertical launch from Spaceport America since 2006.
The blog Parabolic Arc reports that, according to Tweets from Armadillo founder John Carmack, the launch had to be aborted, and it was not known if the vehicle reached it's planned 100 kilometer altitude. "Armadillo flight at Spaceport America hit an abort limit, but the recovery system functioned properly, so the vehicle is safe," he posted on Twitter, adding "Need to analyze data and fix a couple things, will fly again in a couple weeks."
Space News reported in July that the FAA had granted a license to Armadillo for the STIG-B (Suborbital Transport with Inertial Guidance) rocket. They were scheduled to fly in August with payloads from Purdue University and Germany's Vega Space.
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]