X-Bow Systems confirmed the successful second launch of its Bolt Rocket at White Sands Missile Range. This effort was done under the Responsive Development Experiment (ReDX) program for the Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The ReDX program enables LANL to leverage the revolution in commercial space flight and provide scientists and engineers with rapid and cost-effective access to experimental flight test data.

The mission, named XL-2B, continues building the collaboration between the two organizations with the mutual goal of bringing cost-effective, high-cadence access to orbital, sub-orbital, and tactically responsive launch. The Bolt is the first vehicle in X-Bow's new suite of modular boost rockets. With the success of this launch, the X-Bow team continues to usher new technologies, capabilities, and competition into the solid rocket motor (SRM) Industrial Base. 

"XL-2B showcased X-Bow's modular launch vehicle and motor designs in a rapid follow-on launch demonstration. We appreciate the support of our partners at LANL in helping validate the X-Bow concept for responsive, low-cost, launch service," said Joe Gooding, XL-2B Chief Engineer.  

This launch follows last June's successful first launch of the Bolt Rocket and its 32" diameter Ballesta Solid Rocket Motor. The Ballesta motor and the Bolt Rocket were both built and assembled in tactical field conditions with minimal tools and handling gear. At full production, X-Bow will launch monthly, or more frequently, from various sub-orbital ranges across the US and its territories. 

LANL's program manager Steve Judd added, "The future of flight testing is clearly commercial, and New Mexico is an ideal place for flight testing. Our partnerships with companies like X-Bow allow us to move much faster at much lower cost, and each flight gives us greater confidence in our teams, our technologies, and our ability to be responsive in a rapidly changing world."

Click here to learn more about X-Bow Systems Launch Capabilities and Propellant Technology.