Stratolaunch announced the completion of its second captive carry flight with the Talon-A separation test vehicle, TA-0. It was the ninth flight for the company's launch platform, Roc.
The flight set a new duration record lasting a total of six hours and reached a maximum altitude of 22,500 feet, representing another important step forward in the company's near-term goal of completing separation testing with TA-0. Primary test objectives included flight outside of the local Mojave area for the first time and evaluation of the separation environment. Roc and TA-0's onboard data systems provide critical information on the aerodynamic loads and moments prior to release of TA-0, helping to ensure safe separation of the vehicle from Roc. The flight team also practiced chase formation and communication sequencing for the upcoming separation test.
A flight data review will determine the next steps on the test timeline. Stratolaunch continues to progress toward separation test and its first hypersonic flight of TA-1 within the first half of 2023.
