Launch Demo
LauncherOne
Virgin Orbit
Mission
Launch Demo
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $12,000,000
Payload-free test flight of the LauncherOne vehicle.
Shortly after release from the carrier plane and several seconds after first stage engine startup, the high-pressure LOX feeding line broke. This resulted in engine shutdown and subsequent flight termination.
Location
Mojave Air and Space Port
Air launch to orbit
Mojave Air and Space Port has witnessed the launch of 5 rockets, including 5 orbital launch attempts. While Air launch to orbit, has been the site for 51 rocket launches.
Rocket
Virgin Orbit LauncherOne
LauncherOne is a two stage orbital launch vehicle developed by Virgin Orbit since 2007. It is an air launch to orbit rocket, designed to launch "smallsat" payloads of 300 kilograms (660 lb) into a Sun-synchronous orbit, following air launch from a carrier aircraft at high altitude.
Agency
Virgin Orbit
Virgin Orbit is a company within the Virgin Group which plans to provide launch services for small satellites. The company was formed in 2017 to develop the air-launched LauncherOne rocket, launched from Cosmic Girl, which had previously been a project of Virgin Galactic. Based in Long Beach, California, Virgin Orbit has more than 300 employees led by president Dan Hart, a former vice president of government satellite systems at Boeing.
Virgin Orbit focuses on small satellite launch, which is one of three capabilities being focused on by Virgin Galactic. These capabilities are: human spaceflight operations, small satellite launch, and advanced aerospace design, manufacturing, and test
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Virgin Orbit LauncherOne Launch Demo launch scheduled?
The Virgin Orbit LauncherOne Launch Demo launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Virgin Orbit LauncherOne Launch Demo mission launch from?
The Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rocket launched from Mojave Air and Space Port at Air launch to orbit.
What rocket was used for the Launch Demo mission?
The Launch Demo mission launched aboard a Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rocket. LauncherOne is a two stage orbital launch vehicle developed by Virgin Orbit since 2007. It is an air launch to orbit rocket, designed to launch "smallsat" payloads of 300 kilograms (660 lb) into a Sun-synchronous orbit, following air launch from a carrier aircraft at high altitude. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Virgin Orbit LauncherOne Launch Demo launch?
The Virgin Orbit LauncherOne Launch Demo launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Virgin Orbit LauncherOne Launch Demo launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Virgin Orbit LauncherOne launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Launch Demo mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Virgin Orbit live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.