Virgin Orbit, a subsidiary of the Virgin Group, ventured into the commercial space industry with a unique approach: air-launching rockets. This method, involving launching rockets from a carrier aircraft in midair, promised greater flexibility and responsiveness compared to traditional ground-launched rockets. The concept aimed to revolutionise satellite deployment, particularly for small satellites, by offering a more cost-effective and versatile launch solution.
The design and production of LauncherOne, under the aegis of Virgin Orbit, took place in their Long Beach, California facility. This centre of innovation was crucial for marrying the traditional aspects of rocket engineering with the unconventional approach of air-launch technology. The centrepiece of this project was the integration with Cosmic Girl, a modified Boeing 747-400, epitomising the venture's ingenuity. Virgin Orbit's commitment here was not just to develop a new rocket but to redefine the parameters of satellite launch systems, making them more accessible and adaptable for smaller payloads.
Development of LauncherOne
LauncherOne was developed as a two-stage orbital launch vehicle. Designed to be carried aloft by a modified Boeing 747-400, named Cosmic Girl, it represented a novel approach in the small satellite market. The rocket was capable of carrying payloads up to 500 kilograms into a Sun-synchronous orbit, targeting a niche market of small satellites. Throughout its development, LauncherOne underwent various design iterations and improvements, reflecting the evolving needs of the satellite industry.
LauncherOne Development Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Initial Design | First concept of LauncherOne announced |
| 2017 | Design Revision | Updated design to increase payload capacity |
| 2019 | Test Flights | Conducted successful test flights with Cosmic Girl |
| 2021 | First Commercial Launch | Achieved first successful commercial |
| satellite deployment |
Design and Specifications
Comparison of Launch Methods
| Feature | Air-Launched (LauncherOne) | Ground-Launched |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Flexibility | High (can launch from various locations) | Limited (fixed launch sites) |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 500 kg | Varies, generally higher |
| Launch Conditions | Less dependent on ground weather | Highly dependent on ground weather |
Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Virgin Orbit |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Project cost | US$700 million |
| Cost per launch | US$12 million |
| Size | |
| Height | Approx. 21.3 m (70 ft) |
| Mass | Approx. 30 tons |
| Stages | 2 |
| Capacity | |
| Payload to 500 km SSO | |
| Mass | 300 kg (660 lb) |
| Payload to 230 km LEO | |
| Mass | 500 kg (1,100 lb) |
| Associated rockets | |
| Family | Air launch to orbit |
| Comparable | Electron, Vector-H, Falcon 1, Pegasus |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launch sites | Mojave Air and Space Port, California |
| Newquay Airport, United Kingdom | |
| Total launches | 6 |
| Success(es) | 4 |
| Failure(s) | 2 |
| First flight | 25 May 2020 |
| Last flight | 9 January 2023 |
| First stage | |
| Diameter | 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Powered by | NewtonThree (N3) |
| Maximum thrust | Vacuum: 326.8 kN (73,500 lbf) |
| Burn time | Approx. 180 seconds |
| Propellant | RP-1/LOX |
| Second stage | |
| Diameter | 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) |
| Powered by | NewtonFour (N4) |
| Maximum thrust | Vacuum: 22.2 kN (5,000 lbf) |
| Burn time | Approx. 360 seconds |
| Propellant | RP-1/LOX |
| Launch Platform | Boeing 747-400 (Cosmic Girl) |
| Flight Altitude for Launch | Approximately 10,000 meters |
Launches and Missions
LauncherOne's journey was marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Its initial tests and launches showcased the potential of air-launched systems, but also revealed challenges unique to this method. The most notable launches included a successful demonstration mission, followed by a series of launches with varying degrees of success. The final launch, which ended in failure, was a critical blow to the company.
Launch Summary
| Date | Outcome | Notable Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 25 May 2020 19:50 | Failure | "inert test payload" and INTERNSAT |
| 17 January 2021 19:38:51 | Success | 10 NASA CubeSats |
| 30 June 2021 14:47 | Success | 4 military CubeSats, 2 CNCE sats |
| 13 January 2022 22:51:39 | Success | 4 DoD satellites |
| 2 July 2022 06:53 | Success | 7 Space Force sats, ELaNa CubeSats |
| 9 January 2023 23:08:49 | Failure |
Challenges and Solutions
Throughout its operation, LauncherOne faced numerous challenges, including technical difficulties with the rocket's propulsion system, integration complexities with the carrier aircraft, and market competition. The company's responses to these challenges showcased innovative problem-solving but also highlighted the inherent risks of pioneering new technologies in the space sector.
Challenges and Responses
| Challenge | Solution Attempted | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Propulsion System Issues | Redesign of engine components | Partially successful; improved reliability |
| Aircraft Integration | Enhanced structural modifications to Cosmic Girl | Successful; improved launch efficiency |
| Market Competition | Marketing and business strategy adjustment | Limited impact due to market dynamics |
Conclusion and Legacy
Despite its ultimate downfall, LauncherOne's story is a tale of ambition and innovation in the new space era. Its approach to launching small satellites demonstrated a bold step in space exploration, challenging traditional methodologies. The legacy of LauncherOne lies in its attempt to democratise space access for smaller payloads, inspiring future endeavours in the industry.
LauncherOne's Impact
| Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Technological Innovation | Pioneered air-launch technology for small satellites |
| Market Impact | Expanded the small satellite launch market |
| Industry Lessons | Highlighted the challenges and potential of air-launch systems |