Test flight yields 'treasure trove' of data from LauncherOne rocket
Virgin Orbit has a ‘treasure trove’ of data following the company’s launch – and subsequent termination – of its LauncherOne rocket, which has been designed to launch small satellites.
LauncherOne is a 70-foot long carbon-fibre two-stage rocket mated to ‘Cosmic Girl’, a customised 747-400 former passenger aircraft that serves as the company’s 'flying launch pad.'
Funding confirmed for Virgin Orbit’s Cornwall spaceport
The flight took place on May 25 over the Pacific Ocean just off the California coast.
In a statement, the California-based satellite launch company said it ‘successfully completed all of its pre-launch procedures, the captive carry flight out to the drop site, clean telemetry lock from multiple dishes, a smooth pass through the racetrack, terminal count, and a clean release.’
After being released from Cosmic Girl’, the LauncherOne rocket successfully executed in-air ignition of its booster engine before an anomaly occurred early in first stage flight, leading the mission’s termination.
The crew of Cosmic Girl landed safely at Mojave Air and Space Port, concluding the mission.
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