Virgin Orbit satellite launch

A rocket released from a converted Boeing 747 jetliner offers a flexible and low-cost route to orbit


1 Jetliner “Cosmic Girl” takes off from Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay

2 LauncherOne rocket: Sits under aircraft wing, carrying payload of small satellites

3 Horizontal launch: Once aircraft reaches around 10,700m, 21.3m rocket is released

4 Propellant: After 4-second freefall, mix of kerosene and liquid oxygen powers first stage to 12,875km/h


First stage: NewtonThree (N3) engine with thrust of 326.8kN

Second stage: NewtonFour (N4) engine with thrust of 22.2kN

Payload: Nine satellites to low Earth orbit

1 2 3 4


Ireland
Cork
UK
London
Spaceport Cornwall 
400km 250 miles


Sources: Reuters, Virgin Orbit 
Picture: Virgin Orbit Media Centre
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