Virgin Orbit, specialized in small satellite launch services, has made the first drop test of its LauncherOne rocket. A successful mission that foreshadows the launch of their business in the coming months.
While the general public may have heard of Virgin Galactic, whose goal is to sell sub-orbital flights to individuals, the scientists are focusing their attention on another subsidiary of the Virgin Group, named Virgin Orbit. His specialty? Manage the launch of rockets into space, which then put small satellites in orbit, but by air.
Multiple benefits
Thus, the idea is not to take off from the ground a rocket equipped with thrusters, both expensive energy, and money, but to fix it to an aircraft from which it will take off. A way to save dollars and time. Still, in the testing phase, the projects of Richard Branson's teams took an extra step on Tuesday, July 10, 2019, as TechCrunch notes, and as the company welcomes Twitter.
Now THAT’s what I call a drop test! Video from today’s very successful drop test of our #LauncherOne small satellite launch vehicle. More photos and videos coming soon.
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The LauncherOne rocket drop test was indeed a huge success. In other words, LauncherOne has been properly freed from the Boeing 747 - nicknamed Cosmic Girl - used for the mission ... Before it makes a free fall to crash into the Mojave Desert, located in Southern California Indeed, no reactor has been activated. This is the whole principle of a drop test: make sure everything works in the air, without making the famous launch.
2019, the beginning of commercial activity?
The next step is expected to mark a new milestone in the company's soon-to-be listed history: according to CNBC chairman and CEO Dan Hart, the first official flight could be organized before the end of the summer. At least that's what they hope for. For, why not, start the beginning of their commercial activity by the end of the year.
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