Industry Stratolaunch Completes First Low-Speed Taxi Test

Stratolaunch was able to travel down the runway under own power for the first time. The aim was, to check the aircraft´s abilities to steer and stop. According to Stratolaunch, systems like steering, braking, anti-skid and telemetry were working well. The aircraft taxied down Runway 30 at Mojave Airport with 25 knots (28 miles per hour).

George Bugg, aircraft program manager, Stratolaunch Systems Corp said: “This was another exciting milestone for our team and the program. Our crew was able to demonstrate ground directional control with nose gear steering, and our brake systems were exercised successfully on the runway. Our first low speed taxi test is a very important step toward first flight. We are all proud and excited.”

In September 2017, Stratolaunch began to perform first engine runs at the new Stratolaunch Mission Control Center (MCC), which is located at Mojave Air & Space Port in California. The airport will eventually be the home airport for the aircraft and of launch operations.

Stratolaunch has announced, after further successfull low-speed taxi tests, to proceed to the new phase, which includes increased taxi speeds.

The company Stratolaunch Systems Corp. was founded in 2011 by Paul G. Allen. The aim of the project is, to develop and normalize an air-launch platform to access low Earth orbit. The Stratolaunch aircraft features six engines, has a wingspan of 385 feet (117 meters) and is able to carry a capacity of 549,290 pounds (249,153 kilograms). These attributes will allow the aircraft to launch up to three Pegasus rockets during the flight. The rockets will be attached under the wing.