Launch 1 - "Pathfinder"
SARGE
EXOS Aerospace
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
Pathfinder
- Type: Suborbital
- Orbit: Suborbital
First test launch of the SARGE reusable sounding rocket.
Location
Vertical Launch Area
Spaceport America, NM, USA
Vertical Launch Area has witnessed the launch of 4 rockets, including 0 orbital launch attempts. While Spaceport America, NM, USA, has been the site for 4 rocket launches.
Spaceport America is an FAA-licensed spaceport located in the Jornada del Muerto desert basin north of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and southeast of Truth or Consequences. With Virgin Galactic's launch of the VSS Unity, with three people aboard, on May 22, 2021, New Mexico became the third US state to launch humans into space after California and Florida.
Rocket
EXOS Aerospace SARGE
The SARGE vehicle is based on the STIG B platform developed as part of Armadillo Aerospace's lunar lander program.
The SARGE vehicle employs a LOX-ethanol propulsion module based on the LE23000FC series engines, producing approximately 5500 lbs of thrust.
The airframe is a reusable sounding rocket with a 20 inches (51 cm) diameter, and is 36 feet (11 m) tall.
Helium pressurant cold gas thrusters provide attitude control for pitch-roll-yaw and pointing capability.
Payload must fit inside a 20 inches (51 cm) diameter cylinder, be no more than 36 inches (91 cm) tall (in its standard configuration) and weigh no more than 50 kilograms (110 lb).
Landing
Core SARGE 1
Sarge 1 successfully landed back on Earth. Booster SARGE 1 last launched 10/26/2019 and has seen 3 successful launches and landings. Sarge 1 is the first SARGE reusable sounding rocket.
Spaceport America - SA
FAA-licensed spaceport in New Mexico.
Parachute Landing - PCL
Unpowered landing using parachute(s).