Virgin Orbit
Missile Defense Agency confirms deployment of cubesats launched by Virgin Orbit
Two Missile Defense Agency cubesats launched June 30 on Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne successfully began communicating with ground stations last week, the agency announced July 12.
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.
Governments ally for federated quantum encryption satellite network
The United States and five other countries are banding together with the United Kingdom to develop a satellite-based quantum technology encryption network.
Arqit raising $400 million with a SPAC to launch quantum encryption satellites in 2023
British quantum technology encryption startup Arqit is raising $400 million in the space industry’s latest SPAC deal, supporting the launch and construction of two satellites in 2023 to protect against growing hacking threats.
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.
SpaceX bid on launch of NASA cubesat mission
A NASA competition to launch a cluster of cubesats attracted a bid from SpaceX, who appeared to offer a vehicle other than its current Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy.
Virgin Orbit considering moves into adjacent markets
With its first successful launch in the books, Virgin Orbit is considering ways it can expand into adjacent markets, including supporting ventures developing satellite systems.
Strong interest for SpaceX smallsat rideshare launch services
SpaceX is seeing strong demand for its dedicated smallsat rideshare missions, a program that is putting pricing pressure on small launch vehicle developers.
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.
Three companies win NASA small launch contracts
Three small launch vehicle developers won a combined $16.7 million in NASA contracts as part of an effort to support the development of new launch vehicles.
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.
Virgin Orbit CEO Hart: Smallsat launchers need governments as anchor customers
Small satellite launch providers need governments to invest in a diversity of companies and to avoid creating monopolies, Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart said.
Virgin Orbit to take stake in Sky and Space Global
Virgin Orbit plans to invest in Sky and Space Global (SAS), the financially troubled satellite constellation company, and partner with it on launch and satellite services.
