Generation Orbit X-60 Explained

The Generation Orbit X-60 (GOLauncher 1 or GO1) was an air-launched single stage suborbital rocket vehicle produced by Generation Orbit.

Design and development

The first two segments of the GOLauncher 1 Inert Test Article (GO1-ITA) underwent a series of structural ground tests at Mercer University's Engineering Research Center (MERC) in December 2013.^[1]

In July 2014, GO was awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQ) for development of GOLauncher 1. The nine-month effort, worth $150,000, focused on requirements definition, configuration trade studies, and trajectory design.^{[2] [3] [4] [5]} In October 2018, the designation X-60A was assigned to the GO1 vehicle.^[6]

Applications of the X-60A include access to high altitudes for microgravity, astrophysics, hypersonics testing and research of avionics. On July 20, 2014, GO flew its first captive carry test platform using a Learjet 35.^{[7] [8]}

Notes and References

1. News: Mercer Engineering Research Center . Structural Test Success With Generation Orbit . 2014-02-14.
2. News: SBIR/STRR . Air Launch Testbed for Endoatmospheric Hypersonic Trajectories .
3. News: Generation Orbit Press Release . Generation Orbit Awarded Phase I SBIR with AFRL for GOLauncher 1 Hypersonic Testbed . 2014-07-09 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141005140619/http://www.generationorbit.com/blog/generation-orbit-awarded-phase-i-sbir-grant-with-afrl-for-golauncher-1-hypersonic-testbed/ . 2014-10-05 .
4. News: Parabolic Arc . Generation Orbit Awarded SBIR Grant for GOLauncher 1 Hypersonic Testbed . 2014-07-09.
5. News: SpaceRef Business . Generation Orbit Awarded Phase I SBIR Grant . 2014-07-09.
6. Web site: U.S. Air Force Designates GO1 Hypersonic Flight Research Vehicle as X-60A. www.wpafb.af.mil. 4 October 2018 .
7. News: . Nate Monroe . Spaceport test flight is a giant leap for launch facility in Jacksonville . 2014-07-30.
8. News: . Guest column: Cecil Airport is poised to become a player in space industry . 2014-09-11.