The Nation : Experimental Rocket Planned for B-52

The Pentagon plans to build an experimental rocket that would be dropped from a B-52 bomber and used to launch military satellites into space, the New York Times reported. The three-stage, winged rocket would be dropped about 7 miles above the earth and then blast into space, placing payloads of up to 600 pounds into orbit, the paper reported, quoting government and industry experts. Officials have said they hope a prototype will fly next year. The Pentagon wants to test the rocket for a program designed to develop lightweight satellites and launchers for various military uses, including spy and communication satellites. The Lightsat program, which includes the rocket, is part of a five-year, $240-million effort.