AirLaunch

AirLaunch LLC, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, developed the QuickReach small launch vehicle designed to be carried by and released from an existing military cargo aircraft such as a C-17A. The company participated in the DARPA and U.S. Air Force Falcon Small Launch Vehicle program, which sought to achieve small satellite launches to orbit for no more than $5 million per launch at a rate of 20 flights per year. AirLaunch completed Phase 2A of the program, demonstrating the safe release of a dummy booster from a C-17A, and was selected for contract continuance into Phase 2B with an option for a flight demonstration in Phase 2C.