[eDave]

Originally Posted by DaFace

In some kind of cool non-SpaceX news, Virgin Orbit is testing their launch system this weekend. It's not as exciting as all of the manned stuff, but it'll be interesting to see if they can make satellite launches from beneath a 747 work.

The first orbital test flight of Virgin Orbit’s privately-developed air-launched rocket is scheduled as soon as Sunday off the coast of Southern California.

The liquid-fueled LauncherOne rocket is designed to loft small satellites into orbit.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/uKeZAluKQd pic.twitter.com/Y1wujIUzNj

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) May 21, 2020

Branson’s Virgin Orbit Fails in Attempted Rocket Launch From 747

Billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit said a crucial test of its two-stage, orbital rocket system, designed to rival that of Elon Musk’s SpaceX for satellite launches, ended the mission shortly after releasing the rocket from the plane.

“We’ve confirmed a clean release from the aircraft. However, the mission terminated shortly into the flight,” the company tweeted Monday. “Cosmic Girl and our flight crew are safe and returning to base.”