High-tech rocket co. eyes Loring for testing
The Sanford-based Applied Thermal Science is seeking development funds and eyeing space at the former Loring Air Force Base to test a propulsion system that could reduce the cost of launching small satellites into orbit.
The Aroostook Republican & News reported Karl Hoose, president of Applied Thermal Science, said the company plans to do in-flight testing of its propulsion system within the next year, which he hopes to do at a flight and launch range research center at the former air base. The company is now in discussions with Loring Development Authority, but Hoose told the paper that additional development funding would be needed before it could move forward with such an expansion.
The paper reported the company’s rocket system replaces the oxidizer units of traditional rockets, which he said can be between two to eight times the weight of a rocket’s fuel, with air breathers that use oxygen in the air to propel a rocket for most of its journey into space. Now, Hoose said a satellite launch would cost at least $50 million. With his company’s system, Hoose said he hopes to push the cost of launching 50 pounds into orbit down to about $1 million.
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