Hello All,

ISAS/JAXA have finally done it (see: http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/01/1...nch-experiment/ )—they have added a third stage to their SS-520 sounding rocket to create the world’s smallest and lightest SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle)! Yesterday’s launch of the SS-520-4 carrying the 3 kg TRICOM 1 satellite was scrubbed due to bad weather minutes before the planned liftoff time. Also:

Here are two other articles (see: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017...ricom-1-launch/ and http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/in...p?topic=40509.0 ) on the vehicle, which also include material on planned upgraded versions (they resemble the Arcon and the Skylark 7 and 12, as they have short, finless booster motors mounted below the SS-520’s four-finned first stage). I have wanted to see an orbital-capable SS-520 fly for many years, and I wish them good luck with the launch. All of these would make great flying scale models...and kits.

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Black Shire--Draft horse in human form, model rocketeer, occasional mystic, and writer, see:
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http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6122050
http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6126511
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NAR #54895 SR