09 December, 2023
Virgin Orbit's Boeing 747 now flies for Stratolaunch.
09 May, 2023
Is Virgin Orbit's future secured after 30 indications of interest received?
21 April, 2023
Dislodged filter caused Virgin Orbit's failed UK launch
Virgin Orbit Completes Key Failure Investigation Test, Confirms Cornwall Failure Root Cause
05 April, 2023
Virgin Orbit files for bankruptcy......
Virgin Orbit Holdings and its U.S. subsidiaries have filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code following its recent failed launch from Cornwall.
16 February, 2023
Virgin Orbit Update on UK Mission Anomaly
Virgin Orbit Update on UK Mission Anomaly
13 January, 2023
Virgin Orbit - start me up mission mishap.
Preliminary analysis of data from the Start Me Up mission has begun to shed light on the outcome of the January 9th flight and next steps to follow.
Mission terminated after reaching space but prior to achieving orbit as a result of premature shutdown of first burn of second stagePrior to Start Me Up mission, every customer satellite launched by Virgin Orbit had reached its desired orbitVirgin Orbit has begun an internal investigation into root causesPending satisfactory conclusion of failure investigation and completion of corrective actions and mission assurance processes, Virgin Orbit plans its next launch from MojaveDiscussions have begun for anticipated future return to Spaceport Cornwall
Mission Recap
Update on the Investigation and Next Steps
12 January, 2023
Historic UK mission reaches space but falls short of orbit
After successfully taking off from the runway at Spaceport Cornwall – which just a few weeks ago was transformed from a mere slab of empty cement at a commercial airport to the world’s newest space launch operations center – and travelling to the designated drop zone, Cosmic Girl, the customized 747 that serves as the LauncherOne system’s carrier aircraft, successfully released the rocket.
21 December, 2022
UK space regulator issues Virgin Orbit licences ahead of UK launch
- UK Civil Aviation Authority issues launch and range licences to Virgin Orbit to undertake launch activities from the UK
- public safety, the environment and international obligations were among the statutory tests Virgin Orbit had to satisfy to secure licences
- licences issued in 15 months, putting the UK framework on a competitive footing with international space regulators and follows first spaceport licence issued to Spaceport Cornwall
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued the final remaining licences to Virgin Orbit ahead of a planned UK launch after requirements were met within 15 months.
The licences were issued following consent from Transport Secretary Mark Harper for Virgin Orbit’s launch and range licence, meaning he is in agreement with the licensing decisions made by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Virgin Orbit met the licensing requirements having demonstrated to the UK Civil Aviation Authority it has taken all reasonable steps to ensure safety risks arising from launch activities are as low as reasonably practicable. Virgin Orbit also met other appropriate security and environmental aspects required for launch.
Virgin Orbit also received its range control licence from the space regulator, which enables the company to issue warning notices to keep people out of hazardous areas and monitor the progress of the rocket.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted the licences within 15 months, well within the expected timescales for these types of licences, putting the UK’s regulatory framework on a competitive footing with other international space regulators.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper, said:
Today we are one step closer to opening the UK’s galactic gateway, with Virgin Orbit receiving a historic first licence to allow the UK’s first ever spaceflight launch.
The planned launch reinforces our position as a leading space nation as we look to the future of spaceflight, which can spur growth and innovation across the sector, as well as creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.
Dan Hart, Chief Executive of Virgin Orbit, said:
Receiving Virgin Orbit’s range and launch licences takes us one step closer to the first satellite launch take-off from UK soil. This is a major milestone for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and represents the successful completion of an enormous effort, which has included the construction of new regulations, new processes and new teams.
With our partners at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Spaceport Cornwall, UK Space Agency and our payload customers, together we are progressing towards the first launch from Cornwall – keeping a strong focus on a safe and successful mission for all.
21 November, 2022
UK's Spaceport launch coming soon.....
Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is bringing investment and jobs into Cornwall and other communities across the UK.
The UK’s first orbital space launch moved one step closer to take-off as Spaceport Cornwall received the UK’s first-ever spaceport licence and the first launch coming soon.
Historic moment as UK Civil Aviation Authority issues first-ever UK spaceport licence
Spaceport Cornwall has demonstrated it meets the statutory requirements on safety, security, environment and other aspects to operate a UK spaceport
Nearly 150 satellite licences issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, supporting the growing space sector which is creating thousands of jobs
Cosmic Girl Photo Crown Copyright. Spaceport Cornwall |
LauncherOne arrives.. Photo Spaceport Cornwall |
Later this year, LauncherOne will carry seven payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the Start Me Up mission. This will include the first-ever satellite launched by the Sultanate of Oman focused on Earth Observation; future-facing return satellite tech aboard Wales’ first satellite, built by Space Forge; a Maritime monitoring payload built by Horizon Technologies and the Satellite Applications Catapult; as well satellites from the MOD, DSTL and US National Reconnaissance Office.
20 November, 2022
Spaceport Cornwall receives first-ever UK spaceport licence as Virgin Orbit's 747 and rocket launcher arrives.....
Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is bringing investment and jobs into Cornwall and other communities across the UK.
The UK’s first orbital space launch moved one step closer to take-off as Spaceport Cornwall received the UK’s first-ever spaceport licence.
Historic moment as UK Civil Aviation Authority issues first-ever UK spaceport licence
Spaceport Cornwall has demonstrated it meets the statutory requirements on safety, security, environment and other aspects to operate a UK spaceport
Nearly 150 satellite licences issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, supporting the growing space sector which is creating thousands of jobs
Cosmic Girl Photo Crown Copyright. Spaceport Cornwall |
LauncherOne arrives.. Photo Spaceport Cornwall |
Later this year, LauncherOne will carry seven payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the Start Me Up mission. This will include the first-ever satellite launched by the Sultanate of Oman focused on Earth Observation; future-facing return satellite tech aboard Wales’ first satellite, built by Space Forge; a Maritime monitoring payload built by Horizon Technologies and the Satellite Applications Catapult; as well satellites from the MOD, DSTL and US National Reconnaissance Office.
18 October, 2022
Virgin Orbit and Luxembourg Ministery of Defence sign agreement on allied responsive space capabilities across Europe
Photo Virgin Orbit |
This agreement paves way for direct collaboration between the Luxembourg Directorate of Defence and Virgin Orbit on developing responsive space capabilities that would benefit NATO and other Allies.
This agreement paves way for direct collaboration between the Luxembourg Directorate of Defence and Virgin Orbit on developing responsive space capabilities that would benefit NATO and other Allies.
14 October, 2022
Virgin Orbit & Spire Global Sign Multilaunch Agreement
Photo Spire Spire Global has committed to purchase multiple launches from Virgin Orbit, starting in 2023.
The launches will support Spire’s growing Space Services business as well as upgrades and enhancements to the company’s fully deployed satellite constellation.
The launches are part of Virgin Orbit’s growing launch backlog as it heads towards its first international launch later this year from the United Kingdom.
Exemplary of the growing demand for the small satellite market, the launches will support the growth of Spire Space Services, a platform which offers customers fast and scalable access to space through a subscription model, and continual upgrades and enhancements to the company’s fully deployed satellite constellation. Spire will make full use of LauncherOne’s demonstrated flexibility by launching to a variety of orbits – from mid-inclination to polar – all out of Virgin Orbit’s first spaceport in Mojave, California.
11 October, 2022
Countdown to first UK satellite launch
Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl 747 in flight. Photo: Virgin Orbit/Greg Robinson.
Made possible by funding from the UK Space Agency, the mission, which is on track for a November launch from Spaceport Cornwall, has been named Start Me Up in tribute to the iconic British band, the Rolling Stones.
Start Me Up will mark the first orbital launch from the UK, meeting a key ambition of the Government’s National Space Strategy, as well as the first commercial launch from Europe and the first international launch from Virgin Orbit.
Spaceport Cornwall is at the heart of a growing aerospace and space cluster and expects to create 150 jobs in the local area.
Science Minister Nusrat Ghani said: "As we move ever closer to the first satellite launch from UK soil, it’s excellent to see the progress being made by Virgin Orbit, Spaceport Cornwall and those across government in delivering this historic mission, the first of its kind in Europe.
With 47,000 jobs across the UK, our growing space industry is a vital part of the economy and has an important role to play in catalysing investment, generating growth and prosperity. I’m looking forward to working with this innovative sector and delivering on our National Space Strategy."
The flight manifest includes payloads from seven customers, based in the UK and internationally, with companies from England, Scotland and Wales involved in their development and manufacture.
These satellites will demonstrate advanced technologies, with applications ranging from in-space manufacturing of specialist materials, space weather research and satellite positioning, to the prevention of illegal trafficking and smuggling.
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said: "Seeing Virgin Orbit’s aircraft take-off is an exciting reminder that we are close to the first launch from UK soil and the first launch of a satellite from Europe. This will be an iconic moment in the history of UK space endeavours, so it is fitting that the mission has been named after a song from the Rolling Stones, one of the UK’s most iconic bands.
Developing new launch capabilities will build on the strengths of our space sector and attract companies from around the world to benefit from these commercial opportunities. This will catalyse investment, bring new jobs to communities and organisations right across the UK, as well as inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers."
The UK Government’s National Space Strategy sets out how the UK will become the first country in Europe to launch satellites into orbit in 2022 and build a sustainable, commercial launch market. Spaceport Cornwall is one of seven spaceport sites being developed across the UK which will help unleash a wave of innovation and create hundreds of new jobs across the country.
Dan Hart, CEO of Virgin Orbit, said: "What an incredible honour it is for us to be part of something as monumental as bringing Britain into the business of launch. Working with our partners across the UK government, we’re starting up a new capability that will serve the people, the economy, and the security of the UK."
Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall: "It’s time to Start Us Up! This is a huge moment for us all in Cornwall as the journey to UK space launch has officially begun. The mission name and patch reflect and embrace the incredible partnerships between our two countries and teams."
The first launch from Spaceport Cornwall is just the beginning, with vertical launch spaceports in Scotland expected to come online in 2023. All UK launches are subject to receiving a licence from the Civil Aviation Authority.
06 October, 2022
Virgin Orbit’s Next Rocket Ready for Cornwall
Photo Virgin Orbit |