Virgin Orbit UK space launch – all you need to know

News
History is set to be made with the first ever space launch from the United Kingdom (UK). Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-400, N744VG, is due to take off this evening from Spaceport Cornwall carrying a rocket under its left wing which it will launch in-flight and then ascend into space carrying satellites.

The mission named Start Me Up, in honour of the Rolling Stones’ 1981 hit, is a joint effort by the United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA), Virgin Orbit, Cornwall Council and RAF. The launch will feature many firsts: including the first orbital launch from the UK, the first international launch for Virgin Orbit, and the first commercial launch from western Europe.

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Originally published in Key.Aero