London: Virgin Orbit’s attempt to launch satellites into space using a rocket from an airplane has failed. The rocket was launched over the Atlantic Ocean in Cornwall, southwest England, using a modified Boeing 747 aircraft. The launch from the first stage was successful, but the second stage was unable to put the satellites into orbit due to a malfunction in the rocket.
Virgin Orbit said initial data indicated the first stage performed as expected.
The rocket reached space altitude. The combustion of the rocket’s upper stage also took place. About 180 km from the target, the malfunction occurred. Rocket components and satellites were destroyed. The company has launched an investigation into the cause of the failure. It is also said to be in talks with UK officials for another launch later this year.
Virgin Orbit, founded in 2017 by British billionaire Richard Branson, began commercial launch services in 2021. Four similar launches from California had previously been successfully completed.