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IRocket

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

iRocket (Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc) is a startup based in New York, founded in 2018, which develops rocket engines and a small reusable launch vehicle named Shockwave.[1][2] In 2021 iRocket signed a Space Act Agreement With NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center to accelerate the development of its reusable rocket engine.[3][4] The company received in 2023 a $1.8 million TACFI contract from the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) to develop the rocket engine.[5][6] The company also signed in 2023 a four-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Air Force to test its engine technology at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) High Thrust Research Facility.[2]

Shockwave will be a fully reusable rocket, 125 feet tall, 9 feet in diameter, designed to transport 1.500 kg to low earth orbit (LEO).[3][7]All stages will be reusable.[8] First launch is planned for 2027.[7] The methalox engine is manufactured via 3D printing and will be 100% reusable.[4][7]

References

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  1. ^ Erwin, Sandra (June 28, 2023). "Startup iRocket wins Space Force contract to demonstrate rocket engine".
  2. ^ a b Biesecker, Cal (August 2, 2023). "iRocket To Use Air Force Facility To Test High Thrust Technology For Reusable Rockets". Defense Daily.
  3. ^ a b "iRocket Signs Space Act Agreement With NASA To Start Building Autonomous, Reusable Rockets For Smallsats – SatNews". news.satnews.com.
  4. ^ a b "iRocket scores agreement with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center". Yahoo News. July 26, 2021.
  5. ^ Cowing, Keith (June 28, 2023). "iRocket Contracts with U.S. Space Force to Transform Launch Vehicles".
  6. ^ "iRocket Receives AFWERX Funding for Innovative Reusable Rocket Engine Development". Evincism. July 1, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Kuhr, Jack (August 2, 2023). "iRocket Partners with the AFRL on its Reusable Launch Vehicle". Payload.
  8. ^ Jewett, Rachel (July 16, 2024). "iRocket Plans to Establish a Presence in the UK With New Board Member". Via Satellite.
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