01/01/2023
BREAKING NEWS
GTRAD RETURNS TO THE INDUSTRY ACHERON FIRES ITS SEVEN ENGINES FOR THE FIRST TIME WILL OSIRIS EVER FLY AGAIN? MONTHS OF HARDWARE AND MANAGEMENT CHANGES MAKE THE VEHICLE'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN WHAT HAPPENED TO KARMAN AEROSPACE? TOTAL SILENCE FROM THE COMPANY CONFUSES THE INDUSTRY
GTRAD Space Sector Comes Back to Life After Long Period of Silence
3 April, 2025
John Doe
This article is classed as
ACCURACY
GSAR 1211 on its pad at the Rock Ridge launch site. Image: GTRAD
GTRAD, a veteran group in the RoSpace community, has recently broken a prolonged silence regarding its space sector.
Before their latest mission, the last public launch from GTRAD occurred in August, carrying the GOLS I-II habitat module. An unannounced and non streamed launch occurred on the 22nd of February. Since then, they remained quiet, leading many to speculate about the status of their launch programs.
However, on the 25th of March, GTRAD ended its silence by announcing the launch of the GSAR 1211. The launch took place the 30th following a minor delay, successfully delivering its payload into orbit.
Following this success, the group made another announcement. They introduced the new GSAR Block 9. The vehicle has several upgrades over previous versions. "9 KBX-2 engines, more reliable, better performance, overall a better vehicle A beast for the new era"
The announcement was accompanied by a photo showcasing 17 GSAR core stages, eight of which appeared configured as side boosters. Also visible in the image were nine second stages, suggesting that these vehicles are intended for a total of nine upcoming flights.
This sudden burst of activity was definitely a surprise to supporters, as the space sector of GTRAD seemed to be overlooked. The showcasing of the GSAR Block 9 and the apparent preparation for multiple upcoming missions is a strong reassurance of GTRAD's ongoing work in the community. It seems they plan to not just return to operations, but are making an effort aimed at re-establishing GTRAD as a significant player in the community, and we are all here for it.
Aerial view of vehicle storage yard. Image: GTRAD
"Seeing them re-enter the industry is definitely a great thing to see, especially from a group like GTRAD. Their history in the community speaks for itself." Kwingo said, the CEO of Celestial Space, and a major figure in the RoSpace community.
We came to Chris, the CEO of GTRAD with multiple questions.
How has GTRAD evolved since its last active period? are there any major changes in its vision?
"GTRAD has evolved model wise, a more realistic approach to future and work in progress things. No real change in vision, just trying to be unique"
Can you share any details about upcoming projects or launches?
"Hoping we will get astronauts in lunar orbit, GOLS has been pretty desolate. Aswell as a constant rotation of crew on EERS. And more mars landers. GSAR-Roamer has begun prototyping but won’t speak much on that."
What role do you see GTRAD playing in the community moving forward?
"GTRAD will remain a powerhouse in the production sense. We have the ability to produce vehicles at a rate we have more than we could launch in a year, not including the surplus of recovered boosters being upgraded to block 9"
Are there specific groups you see as your main competitors today?
"This is Roblox, I don’t think competition is real especially because I don’t charge people to launch payloads."