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Updated January 29th, 2021 at 11:30 IST

Virgin Orbit launches 10 satellites; capitalising on Paul Allen’s air-launch legacy

Virgin Orbit, after its unsuccessful attempt in May, finally succeeded in launching the air-launch system to put ten satellites in orbit. Read on to know more.

Reported by: Arpa C
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After an unsuccessful attempt, Virgin Orbit finally succeeded after eight months to launch an innovative air-launch system that enabled them to put ten satellites in orbit. Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne system uses the concept that was founded 17 years ago by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. 

Also read: Virgin Orbit All Set For Launch For The Second Time After First Unsuccessful Attempt

The Virgin Orbit launch concept was the winner of SpaceShipOne and prize money of $10 million in 2004. This plays an important role for LauncherOne rocket but also for Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo system and the Stratolaunch venture that was founded in 2011 by Allen.

The modified Boeing 747 jet that has been named Cosmic Girl served as the flying launchpad for the LauncherOne Rocket. 

When the rocket launch flight test was attempted last May, the first stage NewtonThree engine of the rocket lit up just for a few seconds. A breach was found in the propellant system and this caused the shutdown of the system. However, during the rocket launch test eight months later, no such problems arose. 

Also read: Branson's Virgin Orbit Fails On First Rocket Launch Try, Days Before NASA-SpaceX Launch

The rocket began its journey from Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave and then flew over the Pacific. The rocket for engine ignition was released at 11.39 a.m. 

The rocket fired the first stage engine initially. Then it went through the process of stage separation and then lit up the second stage NewtonFour rocket engine. This helped the rocket to finally achieve orbit. 

According to a tweet by the Virgin Orbit team, everybody in the team was overjoyed at the successful launch. 

Also read: SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacesuit Impresses Netizens With Their Sleek Design

After the return of Cosmic Girl to the base, LauncherOne’s second stage was prepared for deploying ten satellites. This was part of NASA’s program- ELaNa academic launch.

These satellites were made for fulfilling a variety of research projects. This ranged from monitoring the weather in the polar region on the Earth to looking at spacecraft with an array of the spherical camera. This launch is a follow through on a contract that was awarded by NASA in 2015. 

Also read: Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic To Commence Test Flight For Space Tourism Programme

Two and a half hours after the successful launch, Virgin Orbit shared the good news about the successful deployment of the satellite with a tweet. As per a report shared on geekwire.com, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said that with the launch of this rocket, a new generation of innovators will be on their path to orbit. 

 

Also read: New York Park Paints Social Distancing Circles On Grass As Lockdown Restrictions Ease

Advantages of Cosmic Girl

This launch also has some major advantages. This jet can be used at any airport as its base of operations and can be used to prevent harsh weather situations. This versatility and quick action will be helpful for rapid response from the natural security mission teams. The only drawback is the weight of the rocket. 

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Published January 29th, 2021 at 11:30 IST

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