Virgin Galactic enters high-altitude imaging collab

Virgin Galactic has begun a collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to accelerate the development of high-altitude imaging technologies.

Together they will evaluate using LLNL sensor systems aboard Virgin's launch vehicles to support high-altitude image-capture work.

The collaboration will assess potential for utilizing LLNL sensor systems aboard Virgin Galactic launch vehicles to gather critical data and accelerate development of next-generation image-capture capabilities aboard high-altitude, long-endurance, heavy-lift (“HALE-Heavy”) aircraft, the company said.

“Our launch vehicle has remarkable performance characteristics that can support a variety of high-altitude mission needs,” said Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic.

Ben Bahney, LLNL’s program leader for space, meanwhile, added.“Our collaboration with Virgin Galactic advances our ability to test and refine our systems in a real-world, high-altitude environment.

"We are excited to explore the unique combination of altitudes, endurance, and payload capacity of Virgin Galactic’s launch vehicles, which could provide unique opportunities to apply and advance LLNL’s optical sensing technologies.”

LLNL said the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) for the collaboration was facilitated by its Innovation and Partnerships Office, which it described as the laboratory’s focal point for industry engagement and for facilitating partnerships to deliver mission-driven solutions.

The Recap

• Virgin Galactic begins collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
• Study will assess LLNL sensors aboard Virgin Galactic launch vehicles.
• Study aims to gather data and advance image-capture capabilities.