Virgin Orbit is making the final preparations for its Straight Up mission as it seeks to take on the likes of Space X and Rocket Lab for small-satellite deployment.
The launch is on track to take place at 10 p.m. The company's first night-time launch will take place on June 29th.
Straight Up will be the first mission of the new year. The company says no other system from the West Coast has reached the target orbit above the Earth.
The team is performing well as Virgin prepares for its first night time launch. The perspective we've gained from previous launches is paying off now. In the sky and on the ground, our crews are ready to help our customers get their satellites precisely where they need to go.
While other companies use a ground launch to send their rockets and equipment to space, Virgin Orbit uses an air launch. Once the aircraft is clear of the clouds at an altitude of around 30,000 feet, the pilots release the booster, which then fires up to carry the cargo to space.
Virgin Orbit says its launch system for small satellites offers key advantages over its competitors as it can be done more quickly, from more locations, and at a lower cost. There is a video below.
The company was founded by Richard Branson. The first commercial flight took place in 2011. Commercial, civil, national security, and international satellites have been delivered by missions.
There will be no live stream of the event as it is taking place at night. Virgin Orbit promises to keep its followers up to date through its social media accounts.
The launch of the moon-bound Capstone spacecraft was called off by Rocket Lab to give it more time to finish its work.
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