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These launchers are still in the "design study" phase and the first was to debut in 2022. The company had already tested an essential component of its hydrogen and oxygen rocket engine, named after its founder – he's calling PGA for Paul G. Allen – but it looks like the project will not be over.
A spokesman said in a statement sent to the publication:
"Stratolaunch ends the development of its family of launchers and rocket engines, streamlining operations by focusing on aircraft and our ability to support a demonstration launch of the Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL jet thrower.We are extremely proud of this we have accomplished and are looking forward to taking our first flight in 2019. "
Stratolaunch would have left 50 employees leaving and would only retain 20 to continue working on his giant plane and prepare him for the first test flight this year. The huge double-body aircraft, which weighs 500,000 pounds and has a wingspan of 385 feet, was designed to carry smaller launchers and their payloads like flat-lying satellites. It is supposed to be a reusable launcher, stealing its payload high enough then releasing it in full flight.
Unfortunately, the spokesman did not explain why the company was reducing its activities, but the costs of its operation could be the cause. As GeekWire It should be noted that the founders of other companies in the aerospace sector use their own money to finance their dreams of space. Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, for example, each invested about $ 1 billion in Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, respectively.
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