Aquila is our next-generation launch vehicle, utilizing the most advanced technology known to rocketry, and building off of the lessons learned from Phoenix, Hyperion, and Aurora. It will be our new Flagship and workhorse launch vehicle, and our first partially reusable rocket. The launch vehicle will utilize a large, stainless steel construction Methalox reusable core stage, with 7 full-flow staged Voltus engines. The boosters, 0-8 GEM-70 Solid Rocket Boosters, will provide more thrust and the adaptability of Aquila. For IFT-1, we will fly with the 2 SRB variant. The upper stage will be the most advanced and efficient upper stage ever developed, exceeding that of ULA’s decades old Centaur technology. The upper stage will be a carbon composite construction Hydrolox-fueled stage powered by twin RL-60B expander cycle engines. It will utilize advanced and never-before-seen thermal regulation systems, allowing for ultra-long duration missions in space, potentially up to 6 months in orbit. The fairing will be enormous 6m diameter carbon composite halves, designed for reuse as well, though we will not reuse them on IFT-1. The same goes for the first stage, which will utilize propulsive landing techniques for landing on a pad or a ocean-based drone ship. For this first mission, to truly test Aquila, we want a payload. Eagle Aerospace is turning to the community to provide a payload for this incredible launch vehicle. We want your best satellites, landers, or creations for this mission. Put a little bit of you onboard your payload submission. After the submission window closes at the end of February, we will review all of the payload submissions, and determine the best and most creative craft to send to space onboard our Flagship launch vehicle. The craft must be able to to fit inside the 7m wide and 26m tall payload fairing, and must fit inside the 30 metric tons weight limit. The lucky Craft will be selected for flight after the submission window closes, and will be integrated shortly after. Launch will occur in early March. In the further post of Aquila, the winner of the payload submissions will have their craft in the images of Aquila’s launch, and they will be mentioned as well. This contest is open to all players.
