Can the military launch satellites from jet planes

www.upi.com... or=2&r=6591423421596
I think this is a great idea. It should have been used for a long time. I know there would be restrictions on the size of the satellite. But we have launched airplanes from under the wing of a B52. So this should not be that far from reality.

a reply to: Ceeker63

How about balloons?

Proposal for a Balloon Assisted Launch System

space-academy.grc.nasa.gov...

a reply to: Ceeker63

Hang tight. I'm trying to get a proper link. OK FIXED.

I saw this simulation on AirBoyds YouTube channel. To be honest. I thought it was already done. But I seem to be mistaken.
But I'll leave this link. So it's quite possible.


upload.wikimedia.org...





I think this project is out of Mojave Airport California.

a reply to: Ceeker63

Orbital

One of my threads has pictures of it on the ramp in Cali.

a reply to: Ceeker63

Yes it's possible but I'm unsure how much of an improvement in efficiency or stability it would bring.

Definitely, the Virgin SpaceShip1, SpaceShip2 system is like that.

Not only can they launch them... they can bring them down!

www.youtube.com...

a reply to: chr0naut

Quite a bit actually. It gives you a much smaller launch vehicle since the aircraft is the first stage. Saves a lot of money on fuel, and rocket costs. But it limits how large a payload you can launch.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Ceeker63

Orbital

One of my threads has pictures of it on the ramp in Cali.

Thank you. This is better than the photo I provided. This is at Mojave correct?

a reply to: Bigburgh

Yes. It sits near the aircraft storage area.

There should be a couple decent pics here..

Lol.. I remember this thread. Yes there are 2 great shots of the orbital launch aircraft.
We thought you were going to get arrested.
Tried to star and flag that thread. But it won't let me do it again.

So the capabilities are there. So why is DARPA bringing this up now. Seems odd. Aside from launching small satellites. Is there another purpose?
Or just more practical?

a reply to: Bigburgh

So why is DARPA bringing this up now.

It's phase 2.
Time for prototypes.

a reply to: Phage

Thanks Phage. Now I'm more curious as to what we'll launch.
Interesting. I thought this was a prototype as far as the Orbital launcher goes. Gonna have to keep my mouth shut, and my eyes & ears open.

a reply to: Bigburgh

Just about everyone is switching to microsats, which means you can use smaller launch platforms to put them up. An aircraft first stage makes a lot of sense now.

Yes certainly more reliable than a rocket ( that may or may not explode during lift off ). And I don't know the cost. But it would seem far less money.

what worrys me is they can use this to put up a tactical nuclear weapons
and hit a target any ware in the world in a Very short time.

the kind of thing that gives the others a itchy triger finger.

a reply to: buddha

They've had the ability to air launch, or even orbital launch them for years, and haven't yet.

a reply to: Zaphod58

from a rocket yes.
are you saying they cad do it from a jet?

a jet can fly high and close to the boarder.
witch would make a quick attack.
most are looking for rockets launches.

a reply to: buddha

www.boeing.com...

a reply to: buddha The article says they can launch from a jet. There is a weight limit but it would be very cost effective.

a reply to: buddha

Since the 60s. The AGM-28 Hound Dog cruise missile entered service in September of 1960 and carried a nuclear warhead.