Light-Gas Launch for Hypersonic Tests
Hypersonic Launch Systems Tested to Mach 9
Green Launch uses hydrogen and oxygen light-gas propulsion to fly test vehicles and payloads at hypersonic speed from the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.
- Projectile velocities of 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9) demonstrated
- Nine free-flight scramjets launched, Mach 8 engine record
- 7-inch x 55-foot launch tube at Yuma Proving Ground
Mach 9 (2.97 km/sec) reached in testing at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
Prefer to talk? Call 619-933-6678
Request a hypersonic test quote
Tell us about your vehicle, payload and target speed. Our technical team will follow up by email.
Why teams test with a light-gas launcher
Hypersonic speed without a rocket
Our one stage light-gas combustion system has pushed projectiles to 2.97 km/sec, or Mach 9, in field testing.
Proven scramjet flight testing
Green Launch launched nine hypersonic combustion ramjets with SHARP and set the free-flight record for engine operation at Mach 8.
Zero carbon propellant
The launcher burns hydrogen and oxygen gas. The only byproduct is water vapor, so your test program stays clean.
Low-cost repeat shots
Light-gas launches are built as a low-cost alternative to conventional rocket launches, so you can run a series instead of one shot.
Instrumented range access
Testing is conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, working alongside YPG personnel.
Physics-led team
Work directly with Dr. John W. Hunter, the physicist who led the SHARP project at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
What our hypersonic launch system does
Green Launch fires a light-gas launcher that uses a combustion chamber of hydrogen and oxygen with multiple igniters to accelerate a vehicle down a long tube. Horizontal shots at Yuma Proving Ground have varied gas charge pressure, peak release pressure and vehicle weight so customers get real data across the envelope.
The same system flies vertically. On December 21, 2021 a projectile was launched into the stratosphere on the first vertical attempt, passing Mach 3. Those launches support hypersonic vehicle testing, sub-orbital payload delivery and atmospheric sampling today, and lay the groundwork for the Green Express launcher.
- Hydrogen and oxygen light-gas propulsion; water vapor is the only byproduct
- 7-inch by 55-foot launch tube used for horizontal test firing
- Projectile velocities up to 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9) achieved
- Nine scramjets launched with SHARP, including a Mach 8 engine operation record
- First vertical launch on December 21, 2021 exceeded Mach 3 into the stratosphere
- Over 91% propellant capture demonstrated, cutting muzzle flash and acoustic signature
- Precision gas injection prevents errant detonation in the combustion chamber
- Wound fiberglass vehicle bodies are light, strong in compression and transparent to RF
Test results on the record
“Green Launch is currently exploring the velocity maximum of a one stage light-gas combustion system. With a combustion chamber containing light-gas fuel, oxidizer and multiple igniters, launch projectile velocities of 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9) have been achieved.”
“Green Launch has demonstrated one of the most significant advancements in the efficiency and sustainability of launch technology. As part of a demonstration contract, Green Launch has captured over 91% of the propellant for a light-gas launcher.”
“The precision gas injection scheme pioneered by Green Launch is designed to prevent errant detonation in the combustion chamber during launch. This anomaly has limited the efficacy and practicality of legacy combustion launch systems.”
What happens after you ask
Send your mission details
Tell us the vehicle or payload, its weight, and the speed or altitude you need to reach.
We review the fit
Our technical team checks your goals against the light-gas launcher and the test setup at Yuma Proving Ground.
You get a scope and quote
We come back with a test approach, what the shots can show, and program pricing for your review.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can your hypersonic launch system go?
Horizontal test firings have reached projectile velocities of 2.97 km/sec, which is Mach 9. The first vertical launch, on December 21, 2021, exceeded Mach 3 and reached the stratosphere.
Where does the testing happen?
Launch and test operations are conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. We serve defense, government and commercial aerospace customers in the United States.
What does a test program cost?
Pricing depends on your vehicle, payload weight, target velocity and the number of shots you need, so we quote each program. Send your requirements and we will scope it.
Can you fly a scramjet or hypersonic vehicle?
Yes. Green Launch has launched a series of nine hypersonic combustion ramjets with SHARP at velocities up to Mach 9, and holds the free-flight record for engine operation at Mach 8.
Is it really a clean launch?
The propellant is hydrogen and oxygen gas, and the only byproduct is water vapor. We have also demonstrated capture of over 91% of the propellant in a light-gas launcher.
Can you put my satellite in orbit?
Orbital delivery is the Green Express launcher, which is still in development with a target of $100 per pound. Today we offer hypersonic testing, sub-orbital payload delivery and atmospheric sampling.
Put your vehicle on a Mach 9 launcher
Tell us what you need to fly and how fast. We will review the mission and come back with a test plan and a quote.
- Projectile velocities of 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9) demonstrated
- Nine free-flight scramjets launched, Mach 8 engine record
- 7-inch x 55-foot launch tube at Yuma Proving Ground
Prefer to talk? Call 619-933-6678