Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne completes test flight with Cosmic Girl

   
Yesterday a new sight appeared over Southern California skies: a specially modified 747-400 carrying a 70-foot-long rocket under its wing soared through the air as part of a successful test flight for Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne.

Sir Richard Branson’s small satellite launch company completed a flawless test flight, proving that its carbon-fiber two-stage rocket works perfectly as a pair with Cosmic Girl, the customised former passenger aircraft that serves as the company’s 'flying launch pad'. The successful test puts more air under the wings - and fins - of the company’s plans to reach orbit in early 2019.

This flight is the latest in a string of major steps forward for Sir Richard Branson’s satellite launch provider. The rocket was first mated to the rocket in late October and high-speed taxi tests were conducted only a week prior to this test flight.

On the strength its steady progress, the company projects its first space shot to be completed in early 2019.