Receives FAA/AST Launch License Determination Date In Preparation For Launch At Spaceport America

Spaceport America and Exos Aerospace Systems & Technologies have announce significant progress towards launch of their newest vehicle, the Suborbital Active Rocket with GuidancE, or SARGE.

Exos has completed the design and build of their latest platform and completed a fully integrated hot fire testing in December. Additionally Exos Aerospace is expecting the FAA/AST launch license determination by Feb 14th 2018. The testing and license progress marks major milestones achieved. The recent acceptance testing connected all systems required for flight, and in full launch operations, fired the rocket engine using steel cables to hold the rocket to the test pad.  The engine produced about 5500 lbs. of thrust. The Exos test and evaluation process validates the full integration of hardware, software and human procedural interface from one test facility.

"It is great to see such an innovative privately funded company entering these final phases of testing before launch of the Exos SARGE vehicle at Spaceport America," said Daniel Hicks, Spaceport America CEO. "This test will bring them one step closer to regular commercial launches and ultimately tenancy and planned O&M activities that can create new high tech jobs in New Mexico."

"We are excited to move two critical steps closer to launches at Spaceport America," said John Quinn, the Exos Aerospace Systems & Technology Inc COO. "We look forward to enabling space research, manufacturing, and educational opportunities for the world by providing frequent flights that provide fast and affordable access to Space. Since the 36-foot tall 20 inch diameter SARGE rocket is designed for reusability, its robust design is built to test by simulated test flying just 10-15 feet off the ground." This testing has proven key to validating the systems functionality and reliability over the last 12 months as Exos has completed three evolutionary design cycles of their engine technology.  SARGE will be using NASA's Morpheus flight code (acquired through a Space Act Agreement) that was modified by a team of scientists from Exos, Intuitive Machine, C-Squared, Helios and XISP Inc.

Exos next plans hover testing for the SARGE platform. The hover test will include a vertical takeoff at low engine power (eliminating the need for tie down straps), a hover test that includes using gimbal action to move around the pad, an Attitude Control System (ACS) to point and rotate the rocket, followed by a smooth descent back to the pad (once fully tuned). Successful completion of this testing and tuning is the final step in validation prior to launch.

(Source: Joint news release)

FMI: www.exosaero.com, spaceportamerica.com