Start Me Up
LauncherOne
Virgin Orbit
Mission
Start Me Up
- Type: Earth Science
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $12,000,000
7 payloads for government and private customers. This mission is the first launch from the United Kingdom.
2nd stage engine failure at ~17000 km/h after 2nd stage fuel filter within the fuel feedline was dislodged from its normal position, causing lower than usual fuel flow and subsequent rise in engine combustion chamber temperature.
Location
Spaceport Cornwall
Air launch to orbit
Spaceport Cornwall has witnessed the launch of 1 rockets, including 1 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 LauncherOne launch scheduled?
The Virgin Orbit LauncherOne launch carrying the Start Me Up mission was scheduled for:
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Where did the LauncherOne launch from?
The Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rocket launched from Spaceport Cornwall at Air launch to orbit.
What rocket was used for the Start Me Up mission?
The Start Me Up 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 this launch?
The LauncherOne 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 launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official live streams for the most immediate range updates.
