"But we were absolutely determined to find the vehicle and provide the payloads and experiments back to our launch partners. We've spoken to our launch partners this morning, and they're ecstatic over the news of the recovery."

Knight continued, "Hats off to the fine radar data provided by White Sands Missile Range and the non-stop efforts of our recovery teams and those of Spaceport America. The partnership and coordination of all of the entities involved is nothing short of superb."

During yesterday's press briefing, Knight commented, "Our launch was successful on many, many fronts. We proved that a private company can team up with multiple entities -- in this case, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, the FAA, and regional and government land owners -- and successfully conduct a space launch. We're even more excited about the future than we were before the launch. We will correct the issue with the rocket and be back on the launch pad, counting down for another space launch, very soon."

Jerry Larson, President of UP Aerospace, said during yesterday's press briefing, "We're certainly anxious to characterize the anomaly that occurred. Our SpaceLoft XL vehicle was performing precisely as planned, heading on its exact trajectory to space. All systems were fine until nine seconds into the flight."

Larson continued, "White Sands Missile Range did a phenomenal job the entire day. They stood by through the morning's countdown hold, giving our team the time to diagnose and correct the transponder issue. They then provided immediate and excellent radar-track data during the flight."

Larson continued, "We're sifting through data from three radar sites, piecing together valuable information and performing the needed flight analysis. Once all of the air and ground data are assembled and processed, we'll know exactly what happened -- and make whatever corrections are necessary for the next flight."

Larson further added, "Until all facts are assembled, all possibilities remain on the table. However, from what we've seen so far, and how well the vehicle was performing until the anomaly, we would be extremely surprised if we discover a major issue. We're looking forward to identifying the anomaly, correcting it, and proceeding with the space-flight missions on our launch calendar."

UP Aerospace is scheduling up to 30 space launches per year from New Mexico's "Spaceport America". The company'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).

Related Links
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