Los Alamos National Laboratory Launches SpaceLoft-XL 18 Rocket at Spaceport America
Los Alamos National Laboratory successfully launched the SpaceLoft-XL 18 rocket on November 19 at Spaceport America, in collaboration with UP Aerospace. The mission tested a new deployable heat shield developed with Redwire Space and NASA Ames Research Center, reaching an altitude of approximately 72 miles before safely recovering the vehicle with minimal damage. This launch marks the sixth in a series since 2021, facilitating rapid testing of sensors and experiments every six months.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) launched the SpaceLoft-XL 18 rocket on Nov. 19 at Spaceport America, New Mexico, in partnership with UP Aerospace. The launch tested a new deployable heat shield developed with Redwire Space and NASA Ames Research Center.
The rocket reached approximately 72 miles in altitude, deploying the aeroshell for payload protection during descent. This launch was the sixth in a series since 2021, allowing for rapid testing of sensors and experiments every six months. The vehicle was recovered with minimal damage, enhancing the efficiency of aerospace research in New Mexico.




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