LauncherOne
Virgin Orbit eyes growth in military ‘responsive’ launch
Virgin Orbit is looking to grow its military business by proving that rockets launched from airplanes in flight can be instruments of national security.
Virgin Orbit launches cubesats on second operational mission
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne successfully launched seven cubesats June 30 in the second operational mission of the air-launch system.
Virgin Orbit looks to increase launch rates in 2022
On the eve of its second revenue-generating launch, Virgin Orbit is looking to 2022 to ramp up its launch activity and operate from several airports in the United States and Great Britain.
Virgin Orbit schedules next LauncherOne mission for June
Virgin Orbit has scheduled its next LauncherOne mission for June, carrying a mix of defense and commercial cubesats.
Virgin Orbit reaches orbit on second LauncherOne mission
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket reached orbit on its second flight Jan. 17, demonstrating the performance of the air-launch system.
Virgin Orbit, Rocket Lab schedule first launches of 2021
Virgin Orbit has rescheduled its second orbital launch attempt for Jan. 10 as another small launch vehicle company, Rocket Lab, announces plans for its first launch of 2021.
Virgin Orbit planning second LauncherOne mission for December
Virgin Orbit is preparing to perform a second flight of its LauncherOne small launch vehicle in the second half of December, carrying a set of NASA-sponsored cubesats.
The small launch industry’s inflection point
From launch failures and financial setbacks to a pandemic and pitiless competition, an industry long buoyed by optimism is learning how unforgiving spaceflight can be.
Virgin Orbit identifies cause of engine shutdown on first LauncherOne flight
The first flight of Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket failed to reach orbit in May when a propellant line broke seconds after the ignition of the rocket’s first stage engine, the company’s chief executive said July 22.
Virgin Orbit first launch attempt fails
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne failed to reach orbit in its first launch attempt May 25, with the mission “terminated” moments after the rocket’s release from its aircraft.
VOX Space signs deal to fly LauncherOne from Andersen Air Force base in Guam
VOX says launching from Guam allows LauncherOne to serve all orbital inclinations.
Virgin Orbit completes final major test before first LauncherOne flight
Virgin Orbit completed a captive carry test flight of its LauncherOne system April 12, the final major milestone before the company performs its first orbital launch attempt.
VOX Space adds retired Air Force major general Mashiko to board of directors
Susan Mashiko is a retired Air Force major general and former deputy director of the NRO.
Virgin Orbit to add extra rocket stage to LauncherOne for interplanetary missions
Virgin Orbit, while preparing for the first flight of its LauncherOne smallsat rocket, is in the process of choosing an engine for a three-stage variant that would be capable of sending payloads to other planets.
OneWeb disputes Virgin Orbit lawsuit, says LauncherOne is too expensive
Megaconstellation startup OneWeb asked a court to dismiss a June lawsuit by Virgin Orbit, claiming that it doesn’t accurately portray a 2015 launch contract.
Virgin Orbit carries out successful LauncherOne drop test
Virgin Orbit performed a key test of its LauncherOne air launch system July 10, dropping an inert vehicle from its carrier aircraft in one of the last milestones before the vehicle’s first orbital launch attempt.
Virgin Orbit performs first captive carry flight
Virgin Orbit performed the first captive carry flight of its LauncherOne air-launch system Nov. 18, a key testing milestone as the company moves closer to a first flight.
Virgin Orbit performs LauncherOne aircraft flight tests
The carrier aircraft for Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne system has performed a series of test flights in preparation for upcoming flights with the rocket attached.
Virgin Orbit wins FAA license for first LauncherOne mission
Virgin Orbit has received a license from the Federal Aviation Administration for the first launch of its LauncherOne vehicle, which the company hopes to perform later this summer.
Virgin Orbit aims to offer responsive launch and constellation maintenance services
Virgin Orbit plans to offer customers a variety of services including responsive launch, maintenance of large satellite constellations and potentially debris removal.
