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.

Related Links
UP Aerospace
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

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