Virgin Orbit successfully launched the LauncherOne rifle in space after being launched from a Boeing 747-400.
In anticipation of the space, the vehicle deployed 12 CubeSat on its target orbit, which the company welcomed as an important step to make access to space easier and more affordable.
After being dropped off at the company's Mojave airport and spatial port on Sunday, January 17, the plane crashed into an intersection located about 43 nm (79.6 km) south of the Anglo-Norman Islands.
"After being unloaded from the plane, the two-storey rifle was inflated and orbital," the company said.
"At the end of the flight, LauncherOne fired 10 CubeSats on the team's precise orbiting target, marking a step forward for Virgin Orbit in its efforts to make the barriers that prevent abusive and reactive access to the space.
The CubeSat in 12 orbits is part of NASA's launch services program.
The company added that it was the first time a liquid fuel tanker had been fired since airs had hit the space. After having docked at the airline's airports and spacecraft on Sunday, January 17, the plane rolled into an intersection located about 43 nm (79.6 km) south of the Anglo-Norman Islands.
"After being unloaded from the plane, the two-storey rifle was inflated and orbital," the company said.
"At the end of the flight, LauncherOne fired 10 CubeSats on the team's precise orbiting target, marking a step forward for Virgin Orbit in its efforts to make the barriers that prevent abusive and reactive access to the space.
The CubeSat in 12 orbits is part of NASA's launch services program.
The company added that it was the first time a liquid fuel tanker had been fired since airs had hit the space.
This is Virgin Orbit's second attempt to launch a 747 to 400 rifle, named Cosmic Girl. The May 2020 effort led to a firefight in the Pacific Ocean after being hit.
"Virgin Orbit has accomplished something that many people think is impossible," said Virgin Group founder Richard Branson.
"It was inspired to see our specially adapted Virgin Atlantic 747, Cosmic Girl, orchestrating LauncherOne in orbit. This incredible flight is the proliferation of many years of working and will also orbit a new generation of innovators. I had to see Dan's incredible mission and the team launch to change the world for the better. "
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