Thanks for the link. "We were promised jetpacks and flying cars, and all we got was this lousy chart," freaking love it. I was very fascinated about the Stratolaunch article even though many of the "marvels" aren't as original as implied. The marvelous wingspan greater than the Wright Flight was enjoyed by the B-29.
Premier Space Systems has been quietly launching satellites into space using a MiG-21UM since 2011 with plans to expand to an F-15 Eagle, just south of the Evergreen State at KHIO Hillsboro, not far from where The Spruce Goose rests. Considering Mr Beames mentioned LEO (low Earth Orbit) exactly the target for PSS, and
“Paul’s thing is to nourish the mavericks,” he said. “They’re the ones fueling the future.” Beames said there was a “detailed strategy” approved by Allen that was based on sound business practices. A “revolution” in technology that is making once-massive satellites tiny, some no bigger than a shoebox, would fuel demand, he said.
One might think a MiG, or surely an F-15 would be sufficient to launch a shoebox into LEO and would go a long way toward fueling demand before Stratobehemoth's scaffolding permit even got approved, as far as nourishing mavericks goes. Well we got the "detailed strategy" part, just not the rest. I am saying that Stratolaunch does not appear to be designed - comparatively - to propel cameras and sensors into LEO. People perhaps, but Beames is not saying that.
I also believe Stratolaunch may have hit a brick wall and that is why Paul Allen decided to reveal it. Hints about lost partnerships might be leads, or they might be dead ends fielded to cover an intentional boondoggle. The whole, "hidden until 76% complete and suddenly reporters are invited" agenda convinces me the entire event - rocket scientists and their careers included - is orchestrated for an unspoken concerto of which "flying to space" is only the rhythm section. The facts are that he already did it once with Space Ship One.
I wouldn't start modeling Stratolaunch just yet.
