Beyond-Earth Enterprises, a Colorado Springs-based small payload sub-orbital launch company, announced the successful launch and recovery of the first rockets of the Gem Series of launch vehicles at the Capps Space Science Center in Frederick, OK, on Saturday, September 25th.
The Amethyst rocket reached an altitude of 9,347 feet then deployed two parachutes to bring it safely back to the recovery team in Frederick. The Sapphire rocket left the pad at mach 1.5, reaching an altitude well over 15,000 feet.
The Sapphire rocket tested a larger engine design than the one used on Amethyst. It deployed a different parachute package and was also fully recovered by the ground team in Frederick.
These flights were considered a success by the Beyond-Earth team and the people of the Capps Space Science Center. The tests showed that multiple launches can be accomplished in a single day, using the infrastructure available in Frederick.
They demonstrated that the teams from different companies and locations can work together to launch and recover the commercial payloads that Beyond-Earth will launch.
Joe Latrell, CEO of Beyond-Earth Enterprises says the company is highly motivated to encourage the average American to reach for space again.
“We’re on the Road to Space. With the great support we’re receiving from the City of Frederick, we’re now ready to pursue funding and start marketing to the public. We want [the public] to see that they can send something to space – soon.”
Both rockets of the Gem series of Launch Craft ¿Mission One (LC-MO01-03) carried a simulated payload of student contest entries, commercial test materials, and other memorabilia.
About the Road to Space series¿This series of rockets is prove over the next year that rockets can be at least as safe as airplanes, leading the way for Space Travel.
