![]() This brings huge benefits to all of us earthbound humans. ![]() The innovators and entrepreneurs using these new methods to launch small satellites in a quick, affordable and reliable way are the new space pioneers. The 747 can be deployed to sites around the world, opening access to space for countless more customers, and cutting out many of the frustrations of traditional, less mobile launch platforms. The advantages of this system are that the smaller satellites, up to 400kg and the size of a washing machine, can be deployed more quickly into their dedicated orbits than larger rockets that launch from the ground. But to make it work you need a large, stable aircraft, one that can fly high and fast. The principle is nothing new NASA were launching X1 rocket aircraft from underneath B50 bombers in the 1950s. Virgin Orbit, specialise in launching satellites into low earth orbit using a technique called air launch. Here at Virgin Atlantic, we’re thrilled to see one of our aircraft get this new lease of life and perform such an unusual and important role. Her new job? An airborne launch platform, using a rocket called LauncherOne slung under her wing to deliver small satellites into orbit. She was acquired by Virgin Orbit, the sister company to Virgin Galactic, and she’s now centre stage of their space launch operations. On 29 October 2015, G-VWOW flew to San Antonio to start a new and very different life. ![]() What makes this aircraft so special is what happened after she delivered her last customer to their destination and left the Virgin Atlantic fleet. That’s impressive, but let’s be honest, nothing particularly unexpected. During her 14-year career with us – stats geeks, this is for you – G-VWOW flew 8,265 flights, was in the air for 66,430 hours, carried 2,506,175 customers, (315,582 in Upper, 338,756 in Premium and 1,851,837 in Economy) and flew from Heathrow to New York 1045 times. Yet the clue was there, written on her side – Cosmic Girl.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |