Virgin Orbit Shows off its "Launcher One", a Rocket Carried by an Airplane

Virgin Orbit Shows off its
  • Cosmic Girl takes off from a conventional runway and carries the rocket up to an altitude of about 35,000 feet.

  • Once it's reached altitude, Cosmic Girl pitches up to about 25 degrees, and releases the rocket.

  • The rocket fires its single main-stage engine, a 73,500 lb./f. rocket engine called Newton Three. Newton Three fires for about 3 minutes, then separates.

  • The single upper-stage 5,000 lb./f. rocket engine called Newton Four fires multiple times—for up to 6 minutes total burn time—to place the satellite(s) in orbit.

  • Both rocket stages are safely de-orbited, and Cosmic Girl returns to a pre-determined airport.

  • Sources:

  • Richard Branson's Blog Post: Virgin Orbit's Launcher One Meets Cosmic Girl 747

  • Virgin Orbit website

  • Evan Gough

    Evan Gough

    Evan Gough is a science-loving guy with no formal education who loves Earth, forests, hiking, and heavy music. He's guided by Carl Sagan's quote: "Understanding is a kind of ecstasy."