June 21, 2013: UP Aerospace successfully launches SpaceLoft 7 for NASA

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The SpaceLoft rocket lifted off at 7:57 a.m. (MT), on a suborbital mission carrying seven payloads for NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program. The seven payloads represent experiments to develop and advance future technologies. Additionally, New Mexico Space Grant Consortium flew educational experiments representing students from high school through Universities. Also on board were Celestis Memorial Spaceflight Capsules, launching a symbolic portion of cremated remains of 36 individuals on a final mission into space. The execution of this mission is part of the contract awarded to UP Aerospace by NASA in 2011, to provide low cost commercial launch services to NASA. This mission marks the first fully manifested space flight for NASA's Flight Opportunities Program. During the post flight press conference, Jerry Larson, President of UP Aerospace stated, “This mission was a complete success where all systems performed perfectly.” He also commended NASA for paving the way for NASA’s use of commercial launch services. Jerry Larson announced that, “UP Aerospace is looking forward to the launch of SpaceLoft 8 for NASA this fall.” The SpaceLoft 8 launch is scheduled for October 9, 2013. Jerry Larson said, UP Aerospace is already working the payload integration for this mission.