SpaceLoft XL
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| SpaceLoft XL | |
| Fact sheet | |
|---|---|
| Function | Sounding rocket |
| Manufacturer | UP Aerospace |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Size | |
| Height | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Diameter | 10.45 in (26.5 cm) |
| Mass | unknown |
| Stages | 1 |
| Capacity | |
| Payload to Sub-orbital 140 miles (225 km)apogee |
110 lb (50 kg) |
| Launch History | |
| Status | Active |
| Launch sites | Spaceport America |
| Total launches | 2 |
| Successes | 1 |
| Failures | 1 |
| Maiden flight | 25 September 2006 |
| First Stage | |
| Engines | 1 solid |
| Thrust | 8240 lbf (36.6kN) |
| Burn time | 12 seconds[1] |
| Fuel | solid |
The SpaceLoft XL is a sounding rocket developed by UP Aerospace. The rocket has a diameter of 10 inches (25 cm), and is 20 feet (6 m) long. It is capable of lofting a 110 lb (50 kg) payload to a sub-orbital trajectory with an apogee of 140 miles (225 km).[2]. It takes only 90 seconds to cross the Kármán line (the "Edge of space").
The first launch was made at 2:14 p.m. local time (20:14 UTC) on September 25, 2006, from Spaceport America, in Upham, New Mexico. During its maiden flight, it experienced an "unexpected aerodynamic effect" and crashed in the New Mexico desert after reaching only 40,000 feet (12 km).
The second launch, originally scheduled for October 21, 2006, was successfully carried out on April 28, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. local time (14:56 UTC).[3] UP Aerospace president Jerry Larson had said the rocket was assembled and had been on the launch rail since Tuesday (24 April).[4] The primary payload, Celestis Legacy, consisted of cremated human remains including those of astronaut Gordon Cooper and Star Trek actor James Doohan, whose ashes are also scheduled to be flown aboard a Falcon 1 rocket some time in 2008.
