SpaceLoft XL

Infobox rocket
name = SpaceLoft XL
function = Sounding rocket
country-origin = United States
manufacturer = UP Aerospace
height = 20 ft (6 m)
diameter = 10.45 in (26.5 cm)
mass = unknown
stages = 1
payload-location = Sub-orbital
140 miles (225 km)apogee
payload = 110 lb (50 kg)
status = Active
sites = Spaceport America
first = 25 September 2006
launches = 2
success = 1
fail = 1
stage1engines = 1 solid
stage1thrust = 8240 lbf (36.6kN)
stage1time = 12 seconds [ [http://www.cesaroni.net/news.php http://www.cesaroni.net/news.php] ]
stage1fuel =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). [ [http://www.upaerospace.com/index-1.html http://www.upaerospace.com/index-1.html] ] . 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). [cite web | url = http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/4757743.html | title = Star Trek's Scotty's ashes fly to space | publisher = AP] UP Aerospace president Jerry Larson had said the rocket was assembled and had been on the launch rail since Tuesday (24 April). [cite web | url = http://www.koat.com/news/13184035/detail.html | title = Preparations Under Way For Second Rocket Launch | publisher = KOAT] The primary payload, "Celestis Legacy", consisted of cremated human remains including those of astronaut Gordon Cooper and Star Trek actor James Doohan, whose ashes were also onboard the ill-fated Falcon 1 when it malfunctioned in August 2008.

ee also

*Sounding rocket
*Black Brant rocket
*Skylark (rocket)

References