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Virgin Orbit’s subsequent satellite tv for pc launch will happen from the UK, following the success of the “Straight Up” mission, which lifted off from Mojave in California earlier right this moment.
Science Minister George Freeman and the UK Area Company welcomed the information that Virgin Orbit has efficiently accomplished its fourth mission from California, and its first night time launch.
With this mission full, Virgin Orbit is on monitor for launch from Spaceport Cornwall later this yr. The UK Area Company and Cornwall Council are supporting the launch, with Spaceport Cornwall set to create 150 jobs within the native space.
Science Minister George Freeman mentioned: “Congratulations to Virgin Orbit on one other profitable US mission, which demonstrates the flexibility of its progressive launch platform to place satellites into orbit day or night time. With the countdown on to the primary satellite tv for pc launch from UK soil, it’s unbelievable to see Cosmic Lady and LauncherOne in motion earlier than they head to Spaceport Cornwall.
“We’re in a robust place to capitalise on the rising international demand for small satellite tv for pc launch and to take action in a manner that can maintain area and our planet sustainable for future generations.”
Matthew Archer, Director of Industrial Spaceflight on the UK Area Company, who joined the Virgin Orbit crew for the launch from the Mojave Air and Area Port, mentioned: “The success of the Straight Up mission is one other thrilling milestone on our approach to seeing the primary satellite tv for pc launch from UK soil. We’re working intently with Virgin Orbit and it was a privilege to be alongside our companions to witness one other profitable launch for the crew.
“The UK is dwelling to among the world’s main satellite tv for pc producers, which at present ship their merchandise abroad for launch. We’re supporting them by fostering a brand new home launch market, with spaceports and launch operators offering companies throughout the UK and catalysing funding from everywhere in the world.”
In the present day’s Virgin Orbit mission launched seven satellites on behalf of the U.S. Area Power that can experiment in space-based communications, in-space navigation and local weather change.
Numerous nationwide and worldwide satellites have additionally been confirmed for the primary UK launch later this yr, with clients together with Area Forge, Satellite tv for pc Purposes Catapult and Horizon Applied sciences, the MOD, DSTL and US Nationwide Reconnaissance Workplace, and the Sultanate of Oman.
In contrast to many rockets, Virgin Orbit’s Launcher One takes off horizontally, carried aloft by a modified Boeing 747 plane, named Cosmic Lady.
This was Virgin Orbit’s fourth business flight. In January 2021 the corporate put its first satellites into area, after launching from California’s Mojave Air and Area Port.
Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, mentioned: “The success of this final launch in California is extraordinarily rewarding for Spaceport Cornwall and the UK area sector. It was wonderful to see each the crew from Virgin Orbit and our crew working collectively to reflect the US operations in real-time – making certain we’re mission-ready for the Summer season. This gave us a style of what’s to return and our crew couldn’t be extra excited.”
The UK Authorities’s Nationwide Area Technique units out how the UK will develop into the primary nation in Europe to launch satellites into orbit in 2022. Spaceport Cornwall is certainly one of seven potential spaceport websites throughout the UK which is able to assist to cement the UK’s function as a science superpower and assist unleash a wave of innovation throughout the nation.
The launch identify, “Straight Up,” is impressed by American singer Paula Abdul’s track of that title, from her album Eternally Your Lady.
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