Virgin Orbit explains why its “Start Me Up” mission failed to reach orbit

Everything was great, until it didn’t. in the skies over Cornwall, UK on Monday. Virgin Orbit was the space launch arm of Sir Richard Branson’s commercial empire. They were about to mark a major milestone: the first European orbital launch. Cosmic Girl, the carrier aircraft, took off successfully from Spaceport Cornwall. LauncherOne had separated from the modified 747, and correctly ignited its first stage rocket. This sent it and its payload, which included satellites, into space. Something went wrong before the rocket’s second-stage could push them into their correct orbits. Virgin Orbit leaders offered a preliminary explanation Thursday of what had happened.

“The upper stage suffered an anomaly at an altitude of about 180 km. Engadget was informed via email by the company that this anomaly delayed the first burn of its upper stage. “This event ended mission with rocket components, payload and payload falling back on Earth within the approved safety corridor. It did not achieve orbit.

Virgin Orbit announced a formal investigation into the cause of the anomaly. The investigation will be led both by Jim Sponnick, the creator of the Atlas and Delta launch system, and Chad Foerster who is Virgin Orbit’s Chief Engineering Officer. The company has been in touch with UK officials to discuss rescheduling the launch for late 2023 despite the setback.