The Venture's Last Days
Engine development ceased in 2000, reportedly two weeks before a full scale test was due. The vehicle failed to secure launch contracts and Rotary Rocket closed its doors in 2001.
The timing of the venture was unfortunate: the Iridium Communications venture was nearing bankruptcy, and the space industry in general was experiencing financial stress. Ultimately, the company did not attract sufficient funding –even though numerous individuals provided a total of $33 million of support, including writer Tom Clancy).
Some of the engineers that worked there have since set up other rocketry ventures, notably XCOR Aerospace, t/Space and Space Launch.
The Atmospheric Test Vehicle was to be displayed at Classic Rotors Museum, a helicopter museum near San Diego, California, but an attempt to move it there on May 9, 2003 via a short-line sling-load under an Army Reserve CH-47 Chinook failed when the Roton began to oscillate at airspeeds above 35 knots (65 km/h). Instead, the Mojave Airport administration worked to keep this historic vehicle at Mojave, and on November 10, 2006, the Roton was moved to its permanent display location at the intersection of Airport Blvd and Sabovich Road. To many, the Roton represents the program that launched Mojave into the Space Age, and this theme was echoed during the dedication ceremony that took place during the Veterans' Day celebration on November 11, at which Brian Binnie was the keynote speaker.
The Rotary Rocket hangars are now occupied by the National Test Pilot School.
Read more about this topic: Rotary Rocket
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