Los Alamos National Laboratory Launches SpaceLoft-XL 18 Rocket at Spaceport America
SPACE ECONOMY
Los Alamos National Laboratory successfully launched the SpaceLoft-XL 18 rocket on November 19 at Spaceport America, in collaboration with UP Aerospace. The mission tested a new deployable heat shield developed with Redwire Space and NASA Ames Research Center, reaching an altitude of approximately 72 miles before safely recovering the vehicle with minimal damage. This launch marks the sixth in a series since 2021, facilitating rapid testing of sensors and experiments every six months.
Jan 20, 2026, 6:12 AM
