Virgin Orbit California rocket launch paves way for UK lift-off

The third successful commercial launch was conducted using a rocket strapped to the left wing of a modified jumbo jet. The flight took off from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. The launch site is 50 miles south of California's Channel Islands. The rocket weighs about 26 tonnes.

The rocket was released from the wing once the aircraft, named Cosmic Girl, was in position. It climbed out of the Earth's atmosphere five seconds later. About 55 minutes later, the seven small satellites in its nose cone were deployed into the sky and headed to the equator.

Experimental satellites are used to test new communication, navigation and propulsion techniques, detect space debris, and monitor agriculture on the Earth. The US military has a space test program. The others are from commercial enterprises. In light of this success, Virgin Orbit plans five more launches this year, including two in the summer that will take off from Newquay airport in Cornwall, England.

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