Commercial Rocket Lifts Off, Then Falters
- Share via
From Times Wire Reports
The first rocket launched from a commercial spaceport in Upham failed to reach suborbital altitude, wobbling and dropping back to Earth barely a tenth of the way into its intended journey.
The unmanned, 20-foot SpaceLoft XL rocket was carrying experiments and other payloads for its planned journey 70 miles above Earth.
The launch was considered a success because the rocket went airborne, said launch logistical coordinator Tracey Larson.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
