Kalistan

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Sunrise over Kalistan from Spear IV Rocket



Spear IV Rocket reaches 200 Miles
Dramatic increases in Range accompany increased fuel capacity
Spencer, Duchy of Suldanor
January 10, 5569

ISCA has announced that the Spear IV rocket, launched this week from Spencer Space and Test Center in Spencer, has hit the 200 mile mark, and is on the verge of reaching the range of Terran Orbit.  "The Spear Rocket has been modified over the last 6 months to increase fuel capacity to allow for a longer burn," said Dr. Deena Alonzo, director of ISCA.  "In addition, we have able to somewhat lighten the airframe to make the fuel we can take more efficient.  The result is a rocket which has far surpassed previous distances of any ISCA designed rocket.

In addition to the distance covered by the Spear IV, Alonzo said that the rocket included the Empire's first payload, a camera completely enclosed in heat resistant insulation that was attached to a parachute.  "The camera recorded the flight and with the addition to a rudimentary guidance system, we were able to maneuver the rocket into a position where the camera was able to capture a stunning image of the Anantonese Ocean," said Alonzo.  "We were also able to remotely fire a separation switch that allowed the payload to return safely to the Anantonese Ocean where the camera was recovered in tact.  Like our other flights over the past half year, this flight was yet another giant leap forward."

Dr. Alonzo said that actually putting a Kalistani made object into orbit is still several years away.  "These rockets can barely be called guided," said the Program Chief.  "There is a gyroscope driven guidance system which is nothing like the guidance rockets that more advanced programs utilize.  We will eventually begin employing those, but for now, distance is the priority.  Our goal is to reach 350 miles.  if we are able to reach this height, we can begin working on getting the payload to speed at that average height to put a satellite into stable Terra Orbit."

Kalistani scientists are continuing to study telemetry in Lourenne, along with satellite technology which they can return to Kalistan to help ISCA build its first satellites.  "Space possesses a number of challenges that will affect durability of our satellites," said Alonzo.  "We will need to be able to withstand solar radiation, as well as dust and debris in orbit, and still be able to produce a signal that can be received on the surface.  This is no simple task, but we have our best and brightest on it, and are receiving valuable technical assistance from our partners in Thiers-sur-Noel.  They are giving us the theory, and it will be to us to put it into practice."

In addition to the fourth successful launch, the Spencer Center Visitor's museum has also opened to the public, and the first civilian observers were present on site to cheer the rocket into space.