Stratolaunch has announced plans to launch its reusable Talon-A hypersonic testbed aircraft from the Spirit of Mojave, a modified Boeing 747, under a new $24.7 million agreement with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). 

A “nimble” alternative to Roc 

Stratolaunch’s Roc, the world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, has been the company’s flagship for hypersonic testing, but the Spirit of Mojave provides an alternative with enhanced maneuverability and operational flexibility.  

The modified Boeing 747, formerly known as Cosmic Girl, was part of Virgin Orbit’s fleet, acting as a mothership for rockets that delivered small satellites into space. 

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