LauncherOne

Deutsch: LauncherOne / Español: LauncherOne / Português: LauncherOne / Français: LauncherOne / Italiano: LauncherOne

LauncherOne in the space industry refers to a small satellite launch vehicle developed and operated by Virgin Orbit, a subsidiary of Virgin Group. LauncherOne is an air-launched rocket, meaning it is carried by a modified aircraft, known as Cosmic Girl, to a high altitude before being released to ignite and launch payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO). The system is designed to deliver small satellites into space, offering a flexible and cost-effective option for commercial, government, and research clients.

Description

LauncherOne is a two-stage, expendable rocket that is capable of delivering payloads of up to 300-500 kg (660-1,100 lbs) to low Earth orbit. Its unique air-launch system gives it several advantages over traditional ground-launched rockets. The rocket is carried by Cosmic Girl, a modified Boeing 747, to an altitude of approximately 35,000 feet (10,670 meters), where it is released. Shortly after release, LauncherOne’s rocket engines ignite, propelling it into orbit.

Key features and aspects of LauncherOne include:

• Air-Launch Flexibility: One of the main advantages of LauncherOne is its air-launch capability. Since the rocket is launched from an aircraft, it does not require fixed launch facilities like traditional rockets. This allows Virgin Orbit to operate from various runways around the world, making it more flexible in terms of launch locations and trajectories. It also allows the rocket to avoid adverse weather or air traffic, which can delay ground launches.

• Small Satellite Deployment: LauncherOne is designed specifically for the growing demand in the small satellite market. As space becomes more commercialized, many companies and governments are launching small satellites, often for Earth observation, communication, or research purposes. LauncherOne caters to these needs, providing a dedicated launch service for small payloads that might otherwise have to "ride share" on larger rockets, waiting for available space.

• Modular and Scalable: LauncherOne offers a relatively scalable and modular solution for launching multiple small satellites. Customers can choose to launch a single payload or multiple payloads, which can be released at different times and orbits if necessary. This modularity is ideal for small satellite constellations or technology demonstration missions.

• Cosmic Girl (Launch Platform): The Boeing 747 aircraft used to carry and launch LauncherOne, named Cosmic Girl, plays an essential role in the system’s flexibility. By flying to a higher altitude before releasing the rocket, Cosmic Girl effectively reduces the amount of fuel and thrust required to reach space. This air-launch method also allows LauncherOne to reach different orbital inclinations by simply changing the aircraft’s flight path.

Development and History

LauncherOne was developed by Virgin Orbit as part of Richard Branson's broader Virgin Group, with the goal of entering the small satellite launch market, which has been expanding rapidly in recent years. Virgin Orbit was spun off from Virgin Galactic, which primarily focuses on human spaceflight, to address the specific needs of the satellite launch market.

Development began in the early 2010s, with the first successful launch occurring in January 2021, when LauncherOne successfully delivered 10 small satellites for NASA into orbit. Prior to this, the rocket experienced several test flights and an initial failure in 2020, where a malfunction in the rocket’s first stage led to an unsuccessful mission.

Despite early challenges, LauncherOne has emerged as a key player in the growing small satellite launch industry, competing with other launch providers like Rocket Lab’s Electron, SpaceX’s rideshare missions, and the emerging Firefly Aerospace Alpha.

Application Areas

• Commercial Satellites: LauncherOne is widely used by private companies seeking to deploy small satellites for telecommunications, internet services, and Earth observation. It provides a tailored solution for businesses that need dedicated launches for their small payloads.

• Government and Military Missions: Governments and defense agencies use LauncherOne to deploy small satellites for reconnaissance, intelligence, communication, and scientific purposes. The U.S. Department of Defense has expressed interest in using air-launch platforms like LauncherOne for rapid, flexible deployment of space assets.

• Research and Educational Satellites: Universities and research institutions use LauncherOne to deploy CubeSats and other small satellites for scientific experiments, space technology testing, and education. The air-launch system’s flexibility allows researchers to choose specific orbits and launch windows that suit their mission needs.

• Constellation Deployment: Small satellite constellations, like those used for global communication networks or Earth observation, are often launched in batches. LauncherOne’s ability to deploy multiple satellites in a single launch makes it well-suited for building such constellations.

Summary

LauncherOne is a versatile, air-launched rocket system developed by Virgin Orbit, designed to deploy small satellites into low Earth orbit. Its air-launch method using Cosmic Girl offers flexibility in launch locations and orbits, making it an attractive option for commercial, government, and research clients looking to deploy small satellites or constellations. Since its first successful flight in 2021, LauncherOne has positioned itself as a key player in the growing small satellite launch market.

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