Stratolaunch gets ready for takeoff with 136 mph taxi test

Comment:

Could someone do what Musk did with reusable boosters, and get the Dream Chaser in orbit with this platform?

Looking at the specs would seem to be doubtful.  Therefore, you may need a different rocket.

A methane fueled booster might do it, since it has higher ISP, and therefore would need less fuel.  But you need to shave about 1/3 of the mass of the thing to get under the weight limit.

Guess the better question is how much mass can the Stratolaunch system boost into orbit.  Depends on the rocket, but the Stratolaunch itself can hold 500k pounds.  The Atlas V can boost 46k pounds to orbit on a rocket that masses out at just less than 750k pounds.

You wouldn't need as big a rocket since it would already be airborne, but it is still a big rocket.  Maybe too big.

Stratolaunch gets world’s biggest airplane ready for takeoff with 136 mph taxi test https://t.co/0sN2Ita9zF via @GeekWire

— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) January 10, 2019