LauncherOne was a two-stage orbital launch vehicle developed and flown by Virgin Orbit, in development from 2007 to 2020 with operational flights from 2021 to 2023. It was an air-launched rocket designed to carry small satellite payloads of up to 300 kg into Sun-synchronous orbit. A modified Boeing 747-400 named Cosmic Girl carried it to high altitude and released it over the ocean. The first successful flight on 17 January 2021 delivered ten CubeSats to low Earth orbit, and three further launches reached orbit, while the first test in May 2020 and the final flight in January 2023 failed. It was the first all liquid-fuelled air-launched orbital rocket, and Virgin Orbit ended operations after its 2023 bankruptcy.
Facts
Engine Class EngineNewton Four (second stage) 2 EngineNewton Three (first stage) 2 Connections
Exemplifies
Source Space.com: Virgin Orbit: The Private Space Company That Aims to Launch Small Satellites
Long-Form Articles
Of Make
Source Space.com: Virgin Orbit: The Private Space Company That Aims to Launch Small Satellites
In the Other Atlases
Manufactured By
Also in Business Atlas: the manufacturer of this subject.
Source LauncherOne (Wikipedia)Source page, maker
Originated In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject originated.
Source Space.com: Virgin Orbit: The Private Space Company That Aims to Launch Small SatellitesLauncherOne manufactureQuote, LauncherOne manufacture
LauncherOne was manufactured almost entirely by Virgin Orbit in the U.S.
Sources
1. LauncherOne (Wikipedia)
Lead section
had operational flights from 2021 to 2023
Lead section, manufacturer or builder
developed and flown by Virgin Orbit
Lead sentence
LauncherOne was a two-stage orbital launch vehicle developed and flown by Virgin Orbit that had operational flights from 2021 to 2023, after being in development from 2007 to 2020.
View the Source2. Space.com: Virgin Orbit: The Private Space Company That Aims to Launch Small Satellites
Space.comFirst stage
Using a fuel of liquid oxygen and RP-1, this engine produces 73,500 lbs of vacuum thrust
Overview, engine class
LauncherOne was then released and used one Newton engine per stage to reach its desired orbit and deliver its payload.
First stage, engine
is powered by a single Newton Three engine that ignites around five seconds after the vehicle is released
Second stage, engine
is powered by a single Newton Four engine that accelerates the rocket to a maximum speed of 17,500 miles per hour
LauncherOne manufacture
LauncherOne was manufactured almost entirely by Virgin Orbit in the U.S.
Of Make: Virgin Orbit, Overview
LauncherOne was Virgin Orbit's expendable two-stage rocket that was used to deliver relatively small satellite payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO) or sun-synchronous orbit.
In Group: Orbital Launch Vehicles, Overview, orbital rocket
LauncherOne was Virgin Orbit's expendable two-stage rocket that was used to deliver relatively small satellite payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO) or sun-synchronous orbit.
Exemplifies: Space Transport, Overview, orbital launch
LauncherOne was Virgin Orbit's expendable two-stage rocket that was used to deliver relatively small satellite payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO) or sun-synchronous orbit.
View the Source 3. Space.com: Virgin Orbit shuts down after selling key assets to 3 aerospace companies
Space.comLeadQuote, Lead
said it has agreed to sell key assets worth over $35 million to three aerospace companies and will cease operations.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.