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Advanced / Transformational Technology

Stratolaunch To Support Missile Defense Agency With Hypersonic Testing

By Cal Biesecker

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

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Stratolaunch To Support Missile Defense Agency With Hypersonic Testing

Stratolaunch's Talon-A flight test vehicle in foreground. Behind it is the company's 747 Spirit of Mojave launch platform. Photo: Stratolaunch

Stratolaunch on Thursday said it received a competitive $24.7 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to expand the locations for flying its reusable Talon-A flight-test vehicle in support of hypersonic missions. Stratolaunch said the contract will expand the flight capabilities of Talon-A beyond the U.S. West Coast to other global locations capable of accommodating a 747 aircraft, with a test campaign planned for the fourth quarter of 2025 to “demonstrate critical capabilities for testing advanced missile defense systems…

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