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Going live at 9pm. Any idea what launch time is likely to be? There is usually a fair gap between going live and launch isn't there?
Think launch time is about 22:15, but not sure if that's takeoff for the aircraft from Newquay or launch of the rocket. It'll take a while to reach the launch position out in the Atlantic.
Think launch time is about 22:15, but not sure if that's takeoff for the aircraft from Newquay or launch of the rocket. It'll take a while to reach the launch position out in the Atlantic.
It's Virgin, so yeah, it won't be on time. Is Branson wearing a dress again?
Don't believe a word I say. I'm only kidding. Or am I?
Think launch time is about 22:15, but not sure if that's takeoff for the aircraft from Newquay or launch of the rocket. It'll take a while to reach the launch position out in the Atlantic.
It’s about 23:00 for the actual rocket separation.
Cosmic Girl is about 8000ft right now heading west
Was down in Newquay in September. We were hoping to see Cosmic Girl arrive, was originally supposed to around then, but got delayed a few months.
I'm new to this - is the Virgin 747 a mobile launcher - you give us an airport and the necessary ground tech and we'll turn up and facilitate the launch?
I'm new to this - is the Virgin 747 a mobile launcher - you give us an airport and the necessary ground tech and we'll turn up and facilitate the launch?
Not even much of the ground tech - they bring it with them in a transport plane. Provided the runway is long enough and they can handle large commercial jets, launches can happen pretty much anywhere. Tho presumably a deserted area (like open ocean) is also needed to launch over, in case it goes wrong.
Not even much of the ground tech - they bring it with them in a transport plane. Provided the runway is long enough and they can handle large commercial jets, launches can happen pretty much anywhere. Tho presumably a deserted area (like open ocean) is also needed to launch over, in case it goes wrong.
Is this Virgin's first such launch?
The UK PR seems a bit OTT for simply having a long enough runway out near the Atlantic ...
Not that I don't enjoy a bit of space launch porn ...
The UK PR seems a bit OTT for simply having a long enough runway out near the Atlantic ...
Not that I don't enjoy a bit of space launch porn ...
No, Virgin have done three in USA. This is not only the first satellite launch from the UK, but also the first starting in Western Europe. Fairly big deal for Britain - who is also a major satellite manufacturer.
The UK PR seems a bit OTT for simply having a long enough runway out near the Atlantic ...
Not that I don't enjoy a bit of space launch porn ...
no they had a test flight from Mojave, I thought it was last year but I keep forgetting its 2023 now, so it was back in 2021, that was successful, and theyd had an attempt prior to that which hadnt worked so well.
its not as exciting to watch as youd think, or at least it wasnt for that Mojave test flight as they dont have the camera coverage, so you might see the launcher on the weapons pod and drop & fire and thats kind of it.
the pr is well its Branson isnt it.
plus it is a big thing first space launch from UK soil, I mean you could stay up for another 5 hours and watch some more UK satellites launch via Falcon 9 which will be impressive to watch, or just watch on catch up later
No, Virgin have done three in USA. This is not only the first satellite launch from the UK, but also the first starting in Western Europe. Fairly big deal for Britain - who is also a major satellite manufacturer.
Doesn't seem to be any planes up there to film to launch.
Wouldn't see a lot, it being dark! Expect there'll be footage from the plane when it actually launches the rocket. Plus possibly on-board stuff from the rocket itself.
Would hope so, anyway. Usually get that with other launch providers, even the small ones.
no they had a test flight from Mojave, I thought it was last year but I keep forgetting its 2023 now, so it was back in 2021, that was successful, and theyd had an attempt prior to that which hadnt worked so well.
its not as exciting to watch as youd think, or at least it wasnt for that Mojave test flight as they dont have the camera coverage, so you might see the launcher on the weapons pod and drop & fire and thats kind of it.
the pr is well its Branson isnt it.
plus it is a big thing first space launch from UK soil, I mean you could stay up for another 5 hours and watch some more UK satellites launch via Falcon 9 which will be impressive to watch, or just watch on catch up later
They had some onboard footage from one of the previous launches I saw. Tho that was daytime.
No, Virgin have done three in USA. This is not only the first satellite launch from the UK, but also the first starting in Western Europe. Fairly big deal for Britain - who is also a major satellite manufacturer.
yeah but theres a big reason (well about 747million little ones actually) for why Western Europe doesnt tend to launch rockets to space from Western Europe, and picks places like New Guinea instead for ESA launches, and couldnt ever launch this Virgin plane arrangement.
yeah but theres a big reason (well about 747million little ones actually) for why Western Europe doesnt tend to launch rockets to space from Western Europe, and picks places like New Guinea instead for ESA launches, and couldnt ever launch this Virgin plane arrangement.
The French could head out ove Biscay and do similar. But yes, generally limited, especially with most launches being eastbound.
Eastbound preferable due to the spin of the Earth?
Yes, you get a small boost towards orbital velocity (more the closer to the equator you are). But doesn't work for polar orbits - as this one seems to be.
Yes, you get a small boost towards orbital velocity (more the closer to the equator you are). But doesn't work for polar orbits - as this one seems to be.
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