Hospital_Rocket
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For Immediate Release
UP Aerospace says rocket "needed just three more seconds" to have reached space;
homing-in on anomaly cause
HARTFORD, Conn.--October 6, 2006 -- UP Aerospace, Inc., www.upaerospace.com the
world's premier supplier of low-cost space access, has announced its preliminary
analysis of its September 25th launch at Spaceport America.
According to Jerry Larson, President of UP Aerospace, "We're homing-in on the
cause of our flight anomaly. As we suspected early on, we have not seen any
major issues. The entire vehicle -- from nosecone to airframe to motor to fins
-- remained structurally sound throughout the entire flight. Everything was fine
from launch, through apogee, back through the atmosphere, to landing. There were
no premature flight events. All of the key systems were operating as
anticipated."
Larson continued, "All of our analysis and radar data confirms that the rocket
was traveling on a perfect trajectory towards space. If it continued to fly on
the same trajectory for just another three seconds, and thus exiting the densest
portion of the atmosphere, it would have continued on its way into space. All of
the velocity and trajectory requirements were right on the mark for a fully
successful space flight."
Larson added, "The subtlety of the anomaly is what is making the analysis a
little more time-consuming. But that, in itself, is good news. A major anomaly
would be quickly apparent. We've thus been able to rule out many things that
would be serious issues."
Larson continued, "To assist in the investigation, the Spaceport created an
Anomaly Investigation Board. In tandem with the Board and Spaceport personnel,
we're combing through mounds of radar data collected by our partners at the
White Sands Missile Range. In a very short time, we'll zero-in on the root
cause, inform our Launch Partners and the media, and start preparing for our
next flights. I think people will be surprised at how fast we return to flight
operations."
Larson further added, "We have a very full launch calendar for this year, and
through 2007, 2008, and beyond. We just want to make sure everything is 100%
perfect before proceeding."
Larson concluded, "Our next two rockets -- SL-2 and SL-3 -- are already built,
checked out, and ready to fly. The staff at Spaceport America has been great in
helping us get back on track for our next launch, which is planned to take place
before the end of this year. We're looking forward to getting into a nice launch
rhythm at Spaceport America -- with up to two space-launches occurring there per
month."
UP Aerospace's SpaceLoft XL vehicle can launch up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms)
of scientific, educational, and entrepreneurial payloads into space, with an
altitude capability of up to 140 miles (225 kilometers). The company is
scheduling up to 30 space launches per year from New Mexico's Spaceport America.
For more information on UP Aerospace, Inc., and its uniquely affordable
space-launch capabilities, visit www.upaerospace.com
UP Aerospace says rocket "needed just three more seconds" to have reached space;
homing-in on anomaly cause
HARTFORD, Conn.--October 6, 2006 -- UP Aerospace, Inc., www.upaerospace.com the
world's premier supplier of low-cost space access, has announced its preliminary
analysis of its September 25th launch at Spaceport America.
According to Jerry Larson, President of UP Aerospace, "We're homing-in on the
cause of our flight anomaly. As we suspected early on, we have not seen any
major issues. The entire vehicle -- from nosecone to airframe to motor to fins
-- remained structurally sound throughout the entire flight. Everything was fine
from launch, through apogee, back through the atmosphere, to landing. There were
no premature flight events. All of the key systems were operating as
anticipated."
Larson continued, "All of our analysis and radar data confirms that the rocket
was traveling on a perfect trajectory towards space. If it continued to fly on
the same trajectory for just another three seconds, and thus exiting the densest
portion of the atmosphere, it would have continued on its way into space. All of
the velocity and trajectory requirements were right on the mark for a fully
successful space flight."
Larson added, "The subtlety of the anomaly is what is making the analysis a
little more time-consuming. But that, in itself, is good news. A major anomaly
would be quickly apparent. We've thus been able to rule out many things that
would be serious issues."
Larson continued, "To assist in the investigation, the Spaceport created an
Anomaly Investigation Board. In tandem with the Board and Spaceport personnel,
we're combing through mounds of radar data collected by our partners at the
White Sands Missile Range. In a very short time, we'll zero-in on the root
cause, inform our Launch Partners and the media, and start preparing for our
next flights. I think people will be surprised at how fast we return to flight
operations."
Larson further added, "We have a very full launch calendar for this year, and
through 2007, 2008, and beyond. We just want to make sure everything is 100%
perfect before proceeding."
Larson concluded, "Our next two rockets -- SL-2 and SL-3 -- are already built,
checked out, and ready to fly. The staff at Spaceport America has been great in
helping us get back on track for our next launch, which is planned to take place
before the end of this year. We're looking forward to getting into a nice launch
rhythm at Spaceport America -- with up to two space-launches occurring there per
month."
UP Aerospace's SpaceLoft XL vehicle can launch up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms)
of scientific, educational, and entrepreneurial payloads into space, with an
altitude capability of up to 140 miles (225 kilometers). The company is
scheduling up to 30 space launches per year from New Mexico's Spaceport America.
For more information on UP Aerospace, Inc., and its uniquely affordable
space-launch capabilities, visit www.upaerospace.com
