Connect with us

News

Stratolaunch sold to mystery buyer, raising hopes that world’s largest plane will fly again

Stratolaunch's Roc took flight for the first time ever on April 13th, 2019, and it's looking likely that the aircraft may finally have the opportunity to fly again. (Stratolaunch)

Published

6 years ago

on

Stratolaunch Systems Corp. – a space launch venture created by the late Microsoft co-founder billionaire Paul Allen – debuted the world’s largest plane (nicknamed Roc) in April 2019, completing one flawless flight before reports of its indefinite grounding arose.

In June, parent holding company Vulcan Inc. – led by Allen’s sister after his death – planned to cease Stratolaunch’s operations in anticipation of a total liquidation – including the aircraft, intellectual property, and facilities – worth up to $400 million. However, the Roc may live to fly once again after an official October 11th announcement, in which Stratolaunch indicated that the company has “transitioned ownership and is continuing regular operations.”

Prior to the announcement, NASASpaceflight.com photographer Jack Beyer posted photos to twitter appearing to show new activity at Stratolaunch’s Mojave Air and Space Port hangar. The post garnered a response from Nicola Pecile – test pilot with Virgin Galactic – who stated that operations seem likely to resume “in a few weeks” citing that hiring notices were recently sent to members of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP).

Initially, Allen developed the company to launch air-to-orbit rockets from a carrier aircraft mid-flight. To say that Stratolaunch has experienced turbulence during development may be an understatement. Since its inception, conceptualization redesigns and failed partnerships with various rocket launch vehicle companies have plagued operational efforts.

In 2011 Stratolaunch partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to develop a multi-stage launch vehicle named the Falcon 9 Air that would be dropped from a carrier aircraft. The Falcon 9 Air would have been capable of delivering payloads up to 6,100kg (13, 400lbs) to low Earth orbit (LEO) from flight altitudes of 30,000ft with the assist of 4 Merlin 1D engines – the same engines that now propel SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy boosters.

Advertisement

In 2012 SpaceX and Stratolaunch amicably parted ways with SpaceX citing design alterations that no longer worked with their envisioned Falcon 9 Air launch vehicle.

A panorama of Roc prior to its inaugural flight on April 13th, 2019. (Stratolaunch)

Following the dissolution of the partnership with SpaceX, Stratolaunch partnered with Orbital Sciences Corp (Orbital ATK) – now a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman – to develop the Pegasus II which was ultimately shelved to pursue in-house developed launch vehicles. Following the death of Paul Allen in 2018 that plan was also abandoned as Allen’s sister, Jody Allen, set an exit plan for the company in early 2019 according to Reuters.

However, the recent buy out by a mystery purchaser has seemingly breathed new life into Stratolaunch as the Twitter announcement also mentioned that the company will now “bring the carrier aircraft test and operations program fully in-house.” What this means for the future of the Roc and any air-to-orbit launches remains unclear.

The Roc itself is comprised of twin fuselages connected by a reinforced center wing and features an incredible wingspan of 117m (385ft), 28 landing gear wheels, and six Pratt & Whitney PW4056 engines – as well as many other components – salvaged from donor Boeing 747-400s. It is both the largest and heaviest aircraft (excluding payload) to have ever flown.

With a nickname derived from a mythical bird so large it could carry an elephant in flight, it would have been a tragedy if the one-of-a-kind aircraft were to be scrapped, mothballed, or placed in a museum after just a single flight. With Hope Stratolaunch’s October 11th announcement, the future of the massive plane has thankfully stabilized in spite of significant uncertainty, and hope remains that Roc’s new owner(s) will find a way to continue flying the aircraft.

Check out Teslarati’s newsletters for prompt updates, on-the-ground perspectives, and unique glimpses of SpaceX’s rocket launch and recovery processes.

Advertisement
Related Topics:

Space Reporter.

Advertisement
Comments

Elon Musk

Tesla Supercharger Diner food menu gets a sneak peek as construction closes out

What are you ordering at the Tesla Diner?

Published

6 hours ago

on

July 18, 2025

By

Credit: BradGoldbergMD | X

The Tesla Supercharger Diner in Los Angeles is nearing completion as construction appears to be winding down significantly. However, the more minor details, such as what the company will serve at its 50s-style diner for food, are starting to be revealed.

Tesla’s Supercharger Diner is set to open soon, seven years after CEO Elon Musk first drafted the idea in a post on X in 2018. Musk has largely come through on most of what he envisioned for the project: the diner, the massive movie screens, and the intended vibe are all present, thanks to the aerial and ground footage shared on social media.

We already know the Diner will be open 24/7, based on decals placed on the front door of the restaurant that were shared earlier this week. We assume that Tesla Optimus will come into play for these long and uninterrupted hours.

The Tesla Diner is basically finished—here’s what it looks like

As far as the food, Tesla does have an email also printed on the front door of the Diner, but we did not receive any response back (yet) about what cuisine it will be offering. We figured it would be nothing fancy and it would be typical diner staples: burgers, fries, wings, milkshakes, etc.

According to pictures taken by @Tesla_lighting_, which were shared by Not a Tesla App, the food will be just that: quick and affordable meals that diners do well. It’s nothing crazy, just typical staples you’d find at any diner, just with a Tesla twist:

As the food menu is finalized, we will be sure to share any details Tesla provides, including a full list of what will be served and its prices.

Additionally, the entire property appears to be nearing its final construction stages, and it seems it may even be nearing completion. The movie screens are already up and showing videos of things like SpaceX launches.

There are many cars already using the Superchargers at the restaurant, and employees inside the facility look to be putting the finishing touches on the interior.

It’s almost reminiscent of a Tesla version of a Buc-ee’s, a southern staple convenience store that offers much more than a traditional gas station. Of course, Tesla’s version is futuristic and more catered to the company’s image, but the idea is the same.

It’s a one-stop shop for anything you’d need to recharge as a Tesla owner. Los Angeles building permits have not yet revealed the date for the restaurant’s initial operation, but Tesla may have its eye on a target date that will likely be announced during next week’s Earnings Call.

Continue Reading

News

Tesla’s longer Model Y did not scale back requests for this vehicle type from fans

Tesla fans are happy with the new Model Y, but they’re still vocal about the need for something else.

Published

1 day ago

on

July 17, 2025

By

Credit: AlwinArt/Twitter

Tesla launched a slightly longer version of the Model Y all-electric crossover in China, and with it being extremely likely that the vehicle will make its way to other markets, including the United States, fans are still looking for something more.

The new Model Y L in China boasts a slightly larger wheelbase than its original version, giving slightly more interior room with a sixth seat, thanks to a third row.

Tesla exec hints at useful and potentially killer Model Y L feature

Tesla has said throughout the past year that it would focus on developing its affordable, compact models, which were set to begin production in the first half of the year. The company has not indicated whether it met that timeline or not, but many are hoping to see unveilings of those designs potentially during the Q3 earnings call.

However, the modifications to the Model Y, which have not yet been officially announced for any markets outside of China, still don’t seem to be what owners and fans are looking forward to. Instead, they are hoping for something larger.

A few months ago, I reported on the overall consensus within the Tesla community that the company needs a full-size SUV, minivan, or even a cargo van that would be ideal for camping or business use.

Tesla is missing one type of vehicle in its lineup and fans want it fast

That mentality still seems very present amongst fans and owners, who state that a full-size SUV with enough seating for a larger family, more capability in terms of cargo space for camping or business operation, and something to compete with gas cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, or electric ones like the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ.

We asked the question on X, and Tesla fans were nearly unanimously in support of a larger SUV or minivan-type vehicle for the company’s lineup:

Here’s what some of the respondents said:

Tesla is certainly aware that many of its owners would like the company to develop something larger that competes with the large SUVs on the market.

However, it has not stated that anything like that is in the current plans for future vehicles, as it has made a concerted effort to develop Robotaxi alongside the affordable, compact models that it claims are in development.

It has already unveiled the Robovan, a people-mover that can seat up to 20 passengers in a lounge-like interior.

The Robovan will be completely driverless, so it’s unlikely we will see it before the release of a fully autonomous Full Self-Driving suite from Tesla.

Continue Reading

Energy

Tesla launches first Virtual Power Plant in UK – get paid to use solar

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom.

Published

1 day ago

on

July 17, 2025

By

Credit: Tesla Energy | X

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom. This feature enables users of solar panels and energy storage systems to sell their excess energy back to the grid.

Tesla is utilizing Octopus Energy, a British renewable energy company that operates in multiple markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, as the provider for the VPP launch in the region.

The company states that those who enroll in the program can earn up to £300 per month.

Tesla has operated several VPP programs worldwide, most notably in California, Texas, Connecticut, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. This is not the first time Tesla has operated a VPP outside the United States, as there are programs in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

This is its first in the UK:

Tesla is not the only company that is working with Octopus Energy in the UK for the VPP, as it joins SolarEdge, GivEnergy, and Enphase as other companies that utilize the Octopus platform for their project operations.

It has been six years since Tesla launched its first VPP, as it started its first in Australia back in 2019. In 2024, Tesla paid out over $10 million to those participating in the program.

Tesla VPP program in California hits new capacity milestone

Participating in the VPP program that Tesla offers not only provides enrolled individuals with the opportunity to earn money, but it also contributes to grid stabilization by supporting local energy grids.

Continue Reading

Trending