Partnership Aims to Advance High-Altitude Image-Capture Technology
Virgin Galactic Collaborating with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
A new collaboration has been announced between Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Virgin Galactic that will assess potential for utilizing LLNL sensor systems aboard Virgin Galactic launch vehicles in the future. The goal is the ability to gather critical data and accelerate the development of next-generation image-capture capabilities aboard high-altitude, long-endurance, heavy-lift (“HALE-Heavy”) aircraft.
“This feasibility study with Lawrence Livermore National Lab is an important step in determining how our vehicle can advance breakthrough technology development in the future.”
Michael Colglazier, Virgin Galactic
“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. “This feasibility study with Lawrence Livermore National Lab is an important step in determining how our vehicle can advance breakthrough technology development in the future.”
Ben Bahney, LLNL’s program leader for space, 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.”
The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) for the collaboration was facilitated by LLNL’s Innovation and Partnerships Office (IPO). IPO is the Laboratory’s focal point for industry engagement and facilitates partnerships to deliver mission-driven solutions that support national security and grow the U.S. economy.