Aurora Project

General Aviation Space Group (GASG) has designed and will launch a single stage rocket to be known as Aurora. It will reach an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet. The Aurora Rocket will be recovered and analyzed in preparation for the launch of a three-stage rocket carrying a satellite to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

The Aurora Phase is phase one of the Astra Project. Just as the Wright Brothers launched the original Wright Flyer on a rail, the Aurora Rocket will be launched on a rail. The Aurora Rocket will be essentially a propulsion test to show what can be accomplished by general aviation.

General aviation is defined as all facets of aviation distinct from commercial and military flying or government flight operations.

GASG plans to prove that a group of enthusiasts and professionals in general aviation can launch a satellite (known as Astra ), to be carried into orbit atop the Blue Max rocket powered by an Aurora Engine, all of which are designed and built by members of the organization. The St. Louis-based General Aviation Space Group plans to prove that a group of enthusiasts and professionals in general aviation can launch a satellite into space on the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing on July 20, 1969, by Apollo 11.

The organization will show that the future of space travel and indeed colonization on other celestial bodies will be possible and affordable. GASG will show that there is room in space for everyone. Just because Clyde Cessa found out that Bill Piper was also building airplanes, he didn't say, "Oh, never mind." Different concepts, different missions--there is room for everyone.

In 1953, a group of people gathered together to aid and assist amateur aircraft builders. The Experimental Aircraft Association has expanded its mission to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, ultralights, helicopters, and contemporary manufactured aircraft. Spacecraft is the next logical step. GASG envisions a fu Gary and Diane with Aurora and Cub ture when the EAA will be the EASA--Experimental Aircraft and Spacecraft Association.

The Aurora launch will take place on Oct 4 2008 to commemorate the anniversary of the launch of Sputnik. The Prosteshyy Sputnik kick started the space race. GASG's Aurora launch will kick start general aviaiton in space. The Aurora launch will take place in the geographical center of the United States in a location that has historical local aviation ties.

This event will be open to members of GASG and invited media guests only. This is a perfect time to join GASG and take advantage of this membership benefit.