SpinLaunch successfully flung a rocket into the sky from Spaceport America last month, according to Spaceport America. The startup, which is based in the Los Angeles area, has developed technology designed to spin rockets so fast that they can be launched with the energy produced.
With its successful Oct. 22 test flight, SpinLaunch says it has now validated the technology.
The company is developing two types of platforms. One is for suborbital launches, which is what was tested at the Spaceport. It is "comprised of the key components" of the orbital system and serves as a "critical stepping stone" on its journey to orbit, according to SpinLaunch's website.
Moving forward, the suborbital launch system will conduct regular test flights using a variety of launch vehicles and launch velocities, according to SpinLaunch.
SpinLaunch was founded in 2014 by Jonathan Yaney and has raised $110 million to date, CNBC reported on Nov. 9. Financial backers include Airbus Ventures, GV and Kleiner Perkins, a release from Kleiner Perkins says.
The startup is also one of four tenants at Spaceport America, which sits at the center of the state's ongoing efforts to position New Mexico as a leader in the commercial space industry. Virgin Galactic, UP Aerospace and AeroVironment are also tenants at the near $220 million development near Truth or Consequences.
