Stardust 1.0- First Rocket to Run on Biofuel

Stardust 1.0 launch vehicle was launched from Loring Commerce Centre in Maine, US, a former military base on January 31. Stardust 1.0 became the 1st commercial space launch powered by biofuel.

Key Points

• This launch of Stardust 1.0 is historic for Maine since it has become the first commercial rocket launch for the state located in the northeastern US.
• Stardust 1.0 is a launch vehicle that is suitable for student and budget payloads.
• The rocket is 20 feet tall and has a mass of approximately 250 kg.
• Stardust 1.0 can carry a maximum payload mass of 8 kg. During its first launch, the rocket carried three payloads.
• The payloads included a metal alloy designed to lessen vibrations, a CubeSat prototype built by highschool students, and a cubesat from software company Rocket Insights.
• The rocket has been manufactured by bluShift which is an aerospace company based in Maine.
• BluShift is developing rockets powered by bio-derived fuels.
• Stardust 1.0 is being developed by bluShift since 2014.
• Stardust 1.0 will help to launch small satellites called CubeSats into space in less toxic and relatively cheaper than using traditional rocket fuel. Other rockets being developed by the company include Starless Rouge, Stardust Gen. 2, and Red Dwarf.

Many other companies are also working towards making access to space easier like Amazon’s Blue Origin.