Virgin Orbit has obtained authorization to carry out space flights from British soil.

A first.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has given the go-ahead for sending satellites from an airplane.

In January 2023, Virgin Orbit planned to launch nine nanosatellites using a LauncherOne rocket attached to the wing of a Boeing 747, reports Engadget.

This system makes it possible to reduce the size of the rocket, to use less fuel and to do without a vertical launch pad.

The plane called "Cosmic Girl" will depart from Newquay Airport, in Cornwall, in the south of England.

It will fly at an altitude of 35,000 feet, or just over 10 km, before launching the rocket which will be responsible for putting the satellites into orbit.


Licensed and ready to launch!

🪪



We can't wait for our #StartMeUp mission – the first space launch from the UK.

So, what's next?



Read the details in our latest update: https://t.co/UANBX4jN84 pic.twitter.com/7jaoIO45y0

— Virgin Orbit (@VirginOrbit) December 22, 2022

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A successful flight in January 2021 for NASA

Richard Branson's former company, which sold its shares in 2021, has wanted to carry out such a mission for four years.

In 2020, when the billionaire went into space, the American Federation of Aviation (FAA) decided to open an investigation which revealed several violations during the entire flight procedure.

A test flight already took place in January 2021 on behalf of NASA, recalls Presse-Citron.

Virgin Orbit then successfully sent 10 nanosatellites belonging to the American company into orbit.

These missions remain extremely expensive.

Virgin Orbit has not communicated any prices for customers wishing to place their satellites in the launcher.

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  • Space

  • Satellite

  • Science

  • Rocket

  • Space conquest