How does Isar Aerospace fit in with other smaller rocket launchers?
I'd imagine they are well behind, say, RKLB, but how far are they from commercial launches?
Edit after some digging, some background info:
Vehicle | Height | Diameter | Payload to LEO
-----------+--------+----------+----------------
Electron | 18 m | 1.8 m | 300 kg
Isar | 28 m | 2.0 m | 1000 kg
Neutron * | 43 m | 7.0 m | 13000 kg
Falcon 9 | 70 m | 3.7 m | 23000 kg
* in the works
To Rocket Lab's defense, they do quite a bit more than just launching Electrons and chipping at the Neutron.
Now: please make it rapidly reusable and at least 10x larger. Europe desperately needs sovereign launch capabilities in that class. Today, you were the first to cross the starting line. AWESOME. Have a drink, get some rest, and get back to work. Everyone will be rooting for you!
EU isn't a single identity. Usually overt displays of nationalism is frowned upon in Europe, especially in Germany. Moreover I have a strong guess that if there would be a flag, it would be the Bavarian one for a company called "Isar".
How does Isar Aerospace fit in with other smaller rocket launchers?
I'd imagine they are well behind, say, RKLB, but how far are they from commercial launches?
Edit after some digging, some background info:
To Rocket Lab's defense, they do quite a bit more than just launching Electrons and chipping at the Neutron.
This second launch included some payloads - cube sats.
As a person involved in the operations side of this campaign. HOLY SHIT we did it!
With a pretty good sized rocket as well. 4x Rocket Lab’s Electron payload and 4x to 9x smaller than Falcon 9.
We made history man. Such a good feeling
Congratulations to all involved!
FANTASTIC accomplishment, congratulations!!!!
Now: please make it rapidly reusable and at least 10x larger. Europe desperately needs sovereign launch capabilities in that class. Today, you were the first to cross the starting line. AWESOME. Have a drink, get some rest, and get back to work. Everyone will be rooting for you!
Well done!
Congrats! Do you have an EU flag on the wall like the US space companies have an US flag?
EU isn't a single identity. Usually overt displays of nationalism is frowned upon in Europe, especially in Germany. Moreover I have a strong guess that if there would be a flag, it would be the Bavarian one for a company called "Isar".
1 reply →
What an odd question to ask.
5 replies →
Some more discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49580369