Stratolaunch, a technology accelerator that enables reusable and routine hypersonic testing through world-class aerospace vehicles and in-flight test capabilities, has received approval from the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to acquire Virgin Orbit’s modified Boeing 747 and its related parts and equipment. The acquisition is expected to close by July 31, 2023. Upon closing of the acquisition, the additional aircraft will be repurposed as a launch platform for Stratolaunch’s Talon-A reusable hypersonic testbeds and is expected to be fully operational in 2024. The expansion of Stratolaunch’s fleet will increase its in-flight test capacity and ability to support government and commercial customers globally. The acquisition of the modified 747 follows Stratolaunch’s first successful Talon-A vehicle separation test on May 13. With this landmark test complete, Stratolaunch will progress toward its first hypersonic flight of the TA-1 expendable testbed in late summer 2023.
Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.