WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- AFRL supported a successful full-scale stage separation test of the QuickReach™ small launch vehicle developed by AirLaunch, LLC, aiding the joint Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/Air Force Falcon program in completing milestone 2 of its Phase 2B contract. The test demonstrated an acceptable clearance between the separated stage and the nozzle during the separation event. Test results also prove AirLaunch's innovative gas pneumatic stage separation technique to be practical and safe.

Under the Falcon Phase 2B contract, AirLaunch and its team of subcontractors are continuing development of the QuickReach small satellite booster. The Falcon program goal is to develop a vehicle that can launch 1,000 lbs into orbit for less than $5 million and with only 24 hours notice. AirLaunch's design achieves this goal, carrying its QuickReach booster to altitude inside the cargo bay of an unmodified C-17A or other large cargo aircraft.