Light-Gas Launch Services
Suborbital Launch Vehicle Services for Payloads and Research
Green Launch uses a hydrogen/oxygen light-gas launcher to send payloads to the stratosphere and beyond. Testing runs at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
- Payloads to the stratosphere on a vertical light-gas launch
- Projectile speeds up to Mach 9 (2.97 km/sec) demonstrated
- Clean propellant: hydrogen and oxygen, byproduct is water vapor
First vertical launch to the stratosphere on December 21, 2021, exceeding Mach 3.
Prefer to talk? Call 619-933-6678
Tell Us About Your Payload
Share your mission and our team will get back to you about a suborbital launch.
Why Teams Choose Green Launch
Low-cost access to altitude
Light-gas propulsion is built as a cost-effective alternative to conventional rocket launches, so you can fly more often.
Zero-carbon propellant
The launcher runs on hydrogen and oxygen gas. The only byproduct is water vapor.
Proven high velocity
Projectile launch velocities of 2.97 km/sec (Mach 9) have been achieved with a one-stage light-gas combustion system.
Real test range operations
Launch and test operations are conducted at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
Vehicle bodies built for data
Wound fiberglass bodies are light, strong in compression, and transparent to RF so the antenna stays protected inside.
Deep propulsion experience
Led by physicist Dr. John W. Hunter, who led the SHARP project at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
What a Suborbital Light-Gas Launch Looks Like
Green Launch uses a light-gas launcher instead of a chemical rocket. A combustion chamber of hydrogen and oxygen gas drives your payload up a long launch tube. On December 21, 2021, the team launched a projectile into the stratosphere on the first vertical attempt, with the 54-foot launch tube accelerating the payload past Mach 3.
These low-cost suborbital launches also lay the groundwork for the Green Express launcher, which is being developed to deliver satellites and supplies to Low Earth Orbit.
- Suborbital payload delivery to the stratosphere and beyond
- Atmospheric sampling of the mesosphere and ionosphere for research
- Hypersonic vehicle and scramjet flight testing up to Mach 9
- Horizontal test firing with a 7-inch by 55-foot launch tube
- Vertical launch tube 54 feet long, demonstrated above Mach 3
- Over 91% propellant capture demonstrated, cutting muzzle flash and acoustic signature
- Precision gas injection scheme prevents errant detonation in the combustion chamber
- RF-transparent wound fiberglass vehicle bodies protect internal antennas
Tested, Fired, Documented
“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 Next
Send your mission details
Tell us your payload, target altitude, and what data you need from the flight.
Talk with our technical team
We review whether a light-gas suborbital launch fits your payload and test goals.
Get a program plan
We outline the launch approach at Yuma Proving Ground and the contract scope for your program.
Frequently asked questions
What does a suborbital launch cost?
Launches are sold on a contract or program basis, so pricing depends on your payload, altitude and test plan. Send us your mission details and we will scope it. For orbital delivery, the Green Express launcher targets $100 per pound.
How high can you launch a payload?
Green Launch delivers suborbital payloads to the stratosphere and beyond, including the mesosphere and ionosphere for atmospheric sampling. The first vertical launch in December 2021 exceeded Mach 3.
Where do launches take place?
All launch and test operations are conducted at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Green Launch serves customers in the United States.
Can you carry a hypersonic test article?
Yes. Green Launch has launched a series of nine hypersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets) with SHARP at velocities up to Mach 9, and holds the record for high Mach number engine operation in a free flying scramjet at Mach 8.
How is this different from a rocket?
There is no chemical rocket stage. A light-gas (hydrogen/oxygen) launcher accelerates the vehicle up a launch tube. The only propellant byproduct is water vapor, so launches are zero carbon.
Who do you work with?
Defense, aerospace, satellite and research organizations. The National Science Foundation was a near term customer in 2022 for atmospheric sampling of the mesosphere.
Ready to Plan Your Suborbital Launch?
Tell us about your payload and altitude goals. Our team will review the mission and follow up with next steps.
- Payloads to the stratosphere on a vertical light-gas launch
- Projectile speeds up to Mach 9 (2.97 km/sec) demonstrated
- Clean propellant: hydrogen and oxygen, byproduct is water vapor
Prefer to talk? Call 619-933-6678