Virgin Orbit Achieves First Successful Orbital Launch With Air-Dropped Rocket
Virgin Orbit successfully reaches orbit for the first time using its unique air-launched rocket system, delivering NASA satellites to low-Earth orbit.
Virgin Orbit successfully reaches orbit for the first time today, delivering a cluster of NASA satellites to low-Earth orbit. This historic demonstration mission proves that the company's unique air-launched rocket system works as intended, paving the way for upcoming commercial operations.
The mission sees a modified Boeing 747 named "Cosmic Girl" carry the LauncherOne rocket to a high altitude before releasing it over the Pacific Ocean. After a clean separation, the rocket ignites its engines, surpasses maximum aerodynamic pressure, crosses the Kármán line into space, and successfully deploys its payload into the target orbit.
This milestone marks a major comeback for the company after a failed first attempt in late May resulted in an automatic engine shutdown. By leveraging traditional runways for takeoff and landing, Virgin Orbit offers a highly flexible approach to small satellite launches that allows for responsive and geographically versatile orbital deliveries.