Stratolaunch’s Boeing 747-400 Spirit of Mojave has been photographed carrying a previously unseen rocket-like object beneath its left wing near Mojave, California. The configuration, observed during a landing at Mojave Air & Space Port, appears consistent with a captive-carry test, although the payload’s identity and intended purpose remain undisclosed. The sighting could broaden the aircraft’s role beyond Talon-A hypersonic flight testing.
Aviation photographer Brennan O’Neill captured the images on 9 October while the 747 was accompanied by a Cessna Citation business jet, apparently operating as a chase or safety aircraft. The object was attached to a custom pylon in the position historically used by the 747’s optional fifth pod, which could carry a spare engine.
Aerodynamic tufts were visible on the pylon and on the underside of the wing behind the object. Another rocket booster or rocket-like component appeared to be mounted at the rear of the aircraft. The arrangement may have been intended to assess handling, structural loads or airflow around the article without releasing it.
The available imagery does not establish whether the payload is a launch vehicle, propulsion test article, hypersonic-system component or another experimental design. No mission objective, release activity or test results have been disclosed.
The activity comes as Stratolaunch expands its carrier-aircraft fleet. The company acquired a Boeing 777-200ER in September, with modifications for Talon-A air-launch operations expected to be completed in 2027. The aircraft will join Spirit of Mojave and the Roc carrier, increasing the company’s capacity for hypersonic flight-test missions.