MEET THE WORLD’S LARGEST PLANE

Paul Allen’s giant plane takes shape in the desert, but its market is unclear.

HOW IT IS LAUNCHED:

The Stratolaunch plane is the largest in the world. But it takes off and lands from a runway just like any other aircraft. Once it reaches a cruising altitude of 35,000 ft (10,668 m), one or more launch vehicles are released, allowing for rapid constellation deployment to different inclinations. As the launch vehicles ascend into orbit, the Stratolaunch plane heads back to the runway to reload for its next mission.

THE STRATOLAUNCH DIFFERENCE

As satellites get smaller and easier to build, the number of organizations that can take advantage of space is growing exponentially. The problem is: advancements in launch capabilities haven’t kept up — and satellites are stuck on the ground as a result.

Stratolaunch is ushering in a brand-new way to reach space. What was once the final frontier will now be as accessible as a commercial flight thanks to the versatile air-launch capabilities and the revolutionary aircraft and launch vehicle designs.

By taking off from a runway, we can circumvent bad weather, air traffic and other variables that cause delays with traditional ground launches. So it is able launch more quickly and more often. The innovative twin fuselage carrier aircraft was engineered to enable deployments of a range of launch vehicle shapes and mass-classes.

Ease of use, frequency and flexibility are what set Stratolaunch apart.

LAUNCH VEHICLES

IN DEVELOPMENT

1.PEGASUS:

With its strong track record of over 35 successful launches, Pegasus provides dependable access to orbit.

CAPABILITY:

370 kg payload*
2020 first flight
Single or triple configuration

STATUS:

Flight proven
Integration and testing ongoing

2.MEDIUM LAUNCH VEHICLE:

A new medium-class air-launch vehicle optimized for short satellite integration timelines and flexible launch profiles.

CAPABILITY:

3,400 kg payload*
2022 first flight

STATUS:

In development

UNDER STUDY

3.MEDIUM LAUNCH VEHICLE – HEAVY:

A three-core MLV variant with capability to deploy heavier payloads to orbit.

CAPABILITY:

6,000 kg payload*

STATUS:

Early development

4.SPACE PLANE:

A fully reusable space plane that enables advanced in-orbit capabilities and cargo return. Initial designs optimized for cargo launch, with a follow-on variant capable of transporting crew.

CAPABILITY:

Medium-class payload or crew

STATUS:

Design study