Project Pilot (US Navy)
The Project Pilot is a non-reusable, inactive launch vehicle manufactured by US Navy (established in 1963). It undertook its inaugural launch on 07/04/1958.
The NOTS-EV-1 Pilot, also known as NOTSNIK was an expendable launch system and anti-satellite weapon developed by the United States Navy's United States Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS).
Project Pilot Specifications
| Length | 4.4 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 0.76 m |
| Stages | 5 |
| Takeoff Thrust | 125 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 1 kg |
Project Pilot Launch Record
| Total Launches | 6 |
|---|---|
| Failed Launches | 6 |
Manufacturer
US Navy (USN)
The Navy was competed with the Army to put the first American satellite into orbit. Their first two Vanguard missions failed, with the second being a highly publicized failure, as it exploded on the launchpad. They went on to put 3 satellites into orbit but did not beat the Army to be the first. Their work in space continues today largely on military satellites.