A converted Boeing 747 called Cosmic Girl successfully launched a LauncherOne rocket, which failed to reach its target.
Converted Boeing 747 called CosmicGirl flew out of Cornwall on a historic mission. During the flight, he successfully launched the LauncherOne rocket. She carried a payload of nine satellites, which were supposed to be above the Earth at an altitude of 480 km or more.
However, the rocket did not reach its target orbit and“lost” along with the satellites, Virgin Orbit said in a statement. The UK space agency mentioned that they were supposed to burn out or break up over the North Atlantic. Meanwhile, the Boeing 747 returned to Cornwall.
“It looks like we have an anomaly that prevented us from reaching orbit. We are evaluating the information," Virgin Orbit said in a statement.
Matt Archer, Launch Program Directorthe UK space agency, told the media that there was a problem at the top of the rocket. “The second stage engine had a technical anomaly and did not reach the required orbit,” he said. Now the situation is being investigated by Virgin Orbit employees and several government departments.
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Cover photo: NASA