Virgin Orbit, the satellite launch arm of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, is ready for lift-off from Cornwall Airport Newquay this evening (January 9). This is the second time that the space company will attempt the launch after an attempt before Christmas was stood down in order for more tests to be carried out.
The historic mission will see a repurposed 747 release a rocket over the Atlantic Ocean to take nine satellites above Earth. The satellites include commercial and government payloads from several nations and a collaborative US-UK mission.
According to Virgin Orbit, the satellites span a wide range of activities aimed at improving life on Earth. They include “reducing the environmental impact of production; preventing illegal trafficking, smuggling and terrorism; and a host of national security functions”.
"After ensuring that every technical aspect is sound and every regulation and code has been satisfied, it is gratifying to see this historic endeavour on the verge of coming to fruition," said Dan Hart, the CEO of Virgin Orbit. "This launch represents the opening of a new era in the British space industry and new partnerships across industry, government, and allies."
What is Virgin Orbit?
Virgin Orbit is the satellite launch arm of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. Based out of Long Beach, California, its rockets are responsible for taking satellites into orbit.
What is the Virgin Orbit UK launch?
Virgin Orbit’s Start Me Up mission will see a repurposed 747, nicknamed Cosmic Girl, carry the LauncherOne system over the Atlantic Ocean. At an altitude of around 35,000ft, Cosmic Girl will release Launcher One, allowing it to begin its climb to orbit.
Where will Virgin Orbit’s Start Me Up launch from?
The Start Me Up mission will launch from Spaceport Cornwall at Newquay Cornwall Airport. It was originally due to launch on December 14 but was delayed after the team encountered technical and regulatory challenges.
Rockets have been sent to space from the UK before, but not to put satellites in orbit. Those earlier efforts were part of military exercises or research.
What time is the Virgin Orbit launch?
Cosmic Girl, the repurposed 747 which will carry the rocket containing the satellites, is expected to take off between 21:45 and 22:45. The rocket, LauncherOne, will then be released off the coast of Ireland between 22:54 and 23:54 and Cosmic Girl will return to the spaceport between midnight and 01:00 on January 10.
Can we see the Virgin Orbit launch?
Spaceport Cornwall and Virgin Orbit have confirmed that the launch will be live-streamed on the Virgin Orbit YouTube channel from 9pm on January 9. Lift-off is expected around 10:16pm and you can access the livestream on YouTube here.
Tickets for the event, which include a big screen, refreshments and silent disco, have completely sold out. For those lucky ticket holders, there will be free park and ride services operating from 6pm.
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