Astraius (launch startup)

[insert_name]

There is a startup that plans to air launch a small-sat launcher from the back of a C-17 based out of Glasgow.  Details are sparse but they say they plan to use a Northrup Grumman Orion (family of motors that fly on the Pegasus rocket) first and second stage and an in house third stage. The wording suggests it is solid fueled.

https://www.astraius.com/2022/07/farnborough-announcement/

https://simpleflying.com/astraius-preswtick-airport-c-17-rocket-launch-update/

curious to see how they plan to get around the cost issue Pegasus has, wonder how much is related to running a unique aircraft and will they be able to rent any C-17  or have to specially modify it?

[Shpaget]

1 hour ago, insert_name said:

will they be able to rent any C-17  or have to specially modify it?

Their website says: 

Quote

Northrop Grumman’s Orion solid rocket motors will boost the Astraius launch vehicle after its extraction from the unmodified C-17 carrier aircraft.

So at least first stage is solid.

It also says:

Quote

Our launch vehicle is built upon a system successfully used by the US Government for over 30 complex missions and is capable of launching payloads up to 800kg.

So about double that of Pegasus. I do wonder about the statement that it can be launched from an unmodified C-17. If we extrapolate from Pegasus (which is about 20 tons for 400 kg payload), we get about 40 tons total for this rocket. The only way I can think of this being carried by C-17 is in the main cargo hold, which means the rocket has to be chucked out the back, and clear the plane before firing. It would make me nervous to be on that plane during the launch.

[Scotius]

Just after Virgin Orbit folded? And other small sat companies are not doing too well?

Risky business.