Evolution Space, a Mojave, California-based startup, has successfully launched a sub-scale test rocket from a sea-based platform operated by The Spaceport Company. The launch, which took place on August 31 over the Gulf of Mexico, reached an altitude of 55,500 feet and demonstrated the potential for sea-based launch platforms to support hypersonic technologies.
Evolution Space successfully launched a sub-scale test rocket from a sea-based platform operated by The Spaceport Company on 31st August 2024. Image Creditt: The Spaceport Company
The NRSD-1 mission, unofficially titled "Who's Afraid of Lil Ol' Me," successfully tested The Spaceport Company's end-to-end offshore hypersonic test range services including vehicle preparation at sea, range surveillance/clearing, and tracking/telemetry support. These services are provided by a suite of marine-grade ground support equipment (GSE) containers proprietary to The Spaceport Company. The launchpad vessel is capable of conducting operations on any launch azimuth in any large body of water including the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans.
The solid propulsion test vehicle, designed to be sub-orbital, sub-hypersonic rocket, was launched from The Spaceport Company's offshore launch vessel, which was funded by a $2.5 million contract from the Defense Innovation Unit, a U.S. Department of Defense organization. The launch served to validate The Spaceport Company's sea-based launch equipment and ground support equipment, and marked the second collaboration between Evolution Space and The Spaceport Company.
The Spaceport Company's offshore launch vessel, which was funded by a $2.5 million contract from the Defense Innovation Unit, a U.S. Department of Defense organization. Credit : The Spaceport Company
"We share a mission with The Spaceport Company to provide new solutions to the Defense Department's infrastructure challenges," said Matthew Merighi, director of strategy at Evolution Space. "This successful test launch demonstrates the potential for private companies to contribute to the development of hypersonic technologies, which are critical for national security."
“We are very excited about the success of this test. It strengthens our mission of expanding launch capacity, capabilities, and cadence, and this validation of our technology is proof we not only have the vision but the technical expertise to deliver.” Stated Tom Marotta, CEO of the Spaceport Company. “We’re proud to again partner with Evolution for this second joint sea launch and look forward to future opportunities to showcase our end-to-end shared service capabilities.”
The test launch was conducted approximately 30 miles south of Mississippi in the Gulf of Mexico, and was made possible by a partnership between Evolution Space and The Spaceport Company. The companies have a shared goal of providing innovative solutions to support the development of hypersonic technologies, which require additional and larger test ranges to accommodate higher cadence testing campaigns.
Evolution Space has also signed an agreement to produce solid rocket motors at NASA's Stennis Space Center, and has secured a U.S. Air Force research contract for the development of solid propulsion hypersonic vehicles. The company has been selected by AFWERX for an SBIR Phase II contract focused on solid propulsion hypersonic boost and target solutions, demonstrating its commitment to supporting national defense through innovative technologies.
"Hypersonics research in the US needs more support, and Evolution is proud to be applying their tech and doing their duty for a core strategic interest," said Justin Karl, Ph.D., Evolution's VP of Technology.
The successful test launch demonstrates the potential for sea-based launch platforms to support hypersonic technologies, and highlights the importance of private companies in contributing to national security through innovative technologies. This success also goes beyond addressing the space launch site congestion challenge. It provides the Department of Defense with a new and unique range for hypersonic and missile testing, a development that aligns perfectly with Evolution’s mission to provide innovative and adaptable defense solutions.
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