Tag: outer space
Virgin Orbit’s first orbital test flight cut short after rocket released from carrier aircraft
On Monday, Virgin Orbit attempted the first full flight of its orbital payload launch system, which includes a modified Boeing 747 called ‘Cosmic Girl’ that acts as a carrier aircraft for its air-launched rocket LauncherOne. While Virgin Orbit has flown Cosmic Girl and LauncherOne previously for different tests and demonstrations,…
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Max Q: Huge week ahead for SpaceX and Virgin Orbit
This week could be the biggest week to date for private spaceflight, with landmark launch attempts coming from both Virgin Orbit and SpaceX . Virgin Orbit is looking to join the elite club of private launch companies that have actually made it to space, with a full flight test of…
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China set to launch Mars probe and rover mission in July
China’s space program will launch a Mars mission in July, according to its current plans. This will include deploying an orbital probe to study the red planet, and a robotic, remotely-controlled rover for surface exploration. The U.S. has also been planning another robotic rover mission for Mars, and it’s set…
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Here’s what Virgin Orbit hopes to achieve with their first full orbital test launch on Sunday
Virgin Orbit held a press briefing on Saturday hosted by CEO Dan Hart and VP of Special Projects Will Pomerantz. The company aims to fly its first ever orbital test launch on Sunday, at roughly 9:30 AM PT (12:30 PM ET), though there’s flexibility for that to move depending on…
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SpaceX’s first crewed spacecraft launch is officially cleared to proceed on May 27
SpaceX has received approval on its mission to launch NASA astronauts for the first time ever on May 27, having passed the final Flight Readiness Review (FRR) conduced by the agency to ensure everything is go for launch. This final check, conducted over the past few days after the Crew…
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Virgin Orbit sets first orbital launch for May 24
Virgin Orbit has been preparing for this moment for years, but it’s now officially ready to launch its small satellite delivery vehicle to orbit for the first time. This key demonstration mission, taking off from Mojave Air and Space Port in California, will replicate the actual operational launch experience that…
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