May 31, 2023
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  • [ May 31, 2023 ] Private astronauts splash down to close out 9-day commercial research mission Mission Reports
  • [ May 30, 2023 ] Live coverage: SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites from California Falcon 9
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Mission Reports

Virgin’s satellite launcher reaches orbit for first time

January 18, 2021 Stephen Clark

An air-launched rocket built by Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit reached orbit Sunday for the first time, delivering 10 experimental CubeSats for NASA and positioning the company for the start of commercial operations.

Mission Reports

NASA takes a chance on Virgin Orbit with company’s second test launch

January 16, 2021 Stephen Clark

On its second launch attempt after a propulsion problem prevented its light-class air-dropped rocket from reaching space last year, Virgin Orbit will try to deliver 10 experimental CubeSats into orbit as soon as Sunday on a mission booked by NASA five years ago for $4.7 million.

Mission Reports

Virgin Orbit’s air-launched rocket fails on first test flight

May 25, 2020 Stephen Clark

Making its first flight, a privately-funded air-launched rocket developed and built by Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit failed to reach space Monday after release from the company’s modified 747 carrier airplane over the Pacific Ocean.

Mission Reports

Virgin Orbit eager for data from first flight of air-launched rocket

May 24, 2020 Stephen Clark

Virgin Orbit is setting modest expectations ahead of the company’s first attempt to reach orbit with a liquid-fueled air-launched rocket, emphasizing a hunger for flight data on the test launch, which could occur as soon as Monday off the coast of Southern California.

Mission Reports

Virgin Orbit schedules its first orbital test launch this weekend

May 21, 2020 Stephen Clark

The first orbital test flight of Virgin Orbit’s privately-developed air-launched rocket is scheduled as soon as Sunday off the coast of Southern California, the company said Wednesday.

News Headlines

  • Private astronauts splash down to close out 9-day commercial research mission
    May 31, 2023
  • Live coverage: SpaceX launches more Starlink satellites from California
    May 30, 2023
  • Live coverage: U.S.-Saudi commercial astronaut crew returns to Earth
    May 30, 2023
  • Chinese astronaut launch breaks record for most people in orbit
    May 30, 2023
  • Live coverage: China launches three-man crew to Tiangong space station
    May 29, 2023
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