Virgin Orbit conducts the first space rocket launch test

Virgin Orbit, a satellite launch company founded by Virgin Group, conducted its first rocket air launch test on May 25 (local time), but it ended in failure. The launch test ended in an unnatural form the moment the LauncherOne rocket was separated from the Boeing 747 modified matrix.

The rocket launch test, originally scheduled for May 24th, was postponed to the 25th due to the discovery of a sensor defect in Launcher One. Launcher One was installed on a router named Cosmic Girl, took off from the California Mojave Air Space Station and flew to the launch area off the coast of Southern California. This appearance was not broadcast live on the Internet, and Virgin Galactic updated it from time to time through social media, but as soon as the rocket was separated, the mission ended immediately in flight.

Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart said that a few hours after the launch test, the Launcher One rocket flew well for a few seconds apart, but then a problem occurred and the NewtonThree engine driving the rocket first stage booster stopped. The cause of engine shutdown is not yet known.

Before the launch test, Virgin Orbit said it was difficult for the rocket to reach orbit, and made a passive prediction that the first flight of a new type of aircraft would be less than 50%. At a media briefing held on the 23rd, the test emphasized that firing a Launcher One loaded with liquid fuel in a more horizontal position at a high altitude may be the first time that a flight may be wrong. However, it was explained that if the News3 engine is ignited, it will be a milestone. At least, as it can be said that it has progressed smoothly so far, the launch test may be said to be almost a success for Virgin Orbit.

Immediately after launch, CEO Dan Hart said that the test launch had a data collection purpose and achieved a number of set goals, but it has already undergone internal data analysis and is waiting for the next rocket launch. Virgin Orbit was founded in 2017 with the aim of launching a rocket loaded with satellites into orbit by spraying it from Virgin Galactic. Virgin Orbit originally planned to launch a rocket using the same aircraft that Virgin Galactic uses for the spaceship SpaceShipTwo, the WhiteKnightTwo, but changed the parent body to a Boeing 747 aircraft to respond to large payloads. Related information can be found here .