This Startup Wants to Launch Satellites from Balloons

The autonomous balloon platform is designed to launch 33-foot rockets into orbit.

Rockoon

Los Angeles startup Leo Aerospace is developing a system that could allow spacecraft to launch after being dropped from massive hot-air balloons at 60,000 feet, Space.com reports.

The high altitude balloon platform, called Regulus, features multiple thrusters to maintain its orientation. A special rail system attached underneath allows rockets up to 33-feet in length to be launched, saving the fuel required to get to the balloons' elevation.

Rocklets

The relatively small rockets have a maximum payload of just 126 pounds.

The entire Regulus system, including the balloon and a rocket, can fit inside a 40 foot shipping container and be placed on semi-trucks, ships, and even airplanes, according to the company's website.

The company gave a brief presentation of their concept during the U.S. Air Force's first Space Pitch Day earlier this month. The company received $750,000 from the Air Force at the event.

Thin Air

Individual launches will be pretty expensive, at least to start — about one to three times as much as "ride-share" rockets from the likes of SpaceX charge, according to Space.com.

The company claims to start testing its high-altitude platform in mid 2020. Even without rockets to launch, the balloon could help test technology for future missions to Mars, as the thin air at high altitudes can provide a good Mars analogue, according to Space.com.

READ MORE: Space Startup Aims to Launch Cubesats on Balloon-Lofted Rockets [Space.com]

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