An Air Force C-17, flying at 32,000 feet, air dropped a 65-foot, 72,000-pound simulated Falcon Small Launch Vehicle, marking the longest and heaviest single object to be dropped from a C-17, breaking the record set in June during the second FSLV test. This was the final test in a three-test series to explore whether it would be feasible—and less expensive—to use the big airlifter to safely deliver a full-weight rocket for the program and could spawn a spacelift role for the new strategic airlifter.
While the Space Force is still making long-term plans to establish high-fidelity live and virtual test and training ranges in the coming years, officials say they're also working with operators to identify near-term gaps and quickly field capabilities to address them.
