Virgin Orbit successfully reaches orbit with Launcher One!

Virgin Orbit successfully reached low Earth orbit with its air to launch liquid fueled orbital rocket which is launched from a plane. Their successful rocket launch took place on Sunday, January 17, 2021 and successfully deployed 10 cubesats into orbit. How does it work and why doesn't every rocket work like this? Let's dive in and explore it today!

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[OLHZN]

Do you think we'll see Virgin Orbit start to increase the frequency of launches now that they've made it?!

[smallstars]

I think Virgin Orbit needs 3 to 5 more of these successes before I feel confident putting my satellite on it 😉. Great video Tory!

[GillesOfEarth]

Very informative video explaining the differences in engine bell sizes!

[graem]

I want to say they are contracted for like 7 missions so far, including some for the Air Force. So will they launch as frequently as Rocket lab? I think so. Will be interesting to see these two compete.

[framryk]

Excellent video! Would love to see them fly out of the UK, if they can get approval for Cornwall or Scotland. And here’s hoping they make the launch stream public next time, the telemetry and camera views look awesome. 🤩👍

[garbon]

Main advantage: It can be launched to basicly any inclination

[sebgiannini]

This is a old concept air launched rocket system was actually pioneered by the US airforce to test the feasibility of a air launched icbm witch in fact did work, but with the development of the air launched cruise missle I guess they figured silo based icbm made more sense.

[Sill]

Would love to do a more deeper dive in these video's! Thanks for the vid, enjoyed it!

[mathiaslist]

you never can tell! I think "orbital infrastructure" like refilling and repairing in orbit could be a game changer ... refilling in orbit could solve the heat shield problem as fuel can be used for braking and probably full reuseability is a thing --- the other thing is if "bad weather delays are really a thing or just a minor issue"

[jaydeister]

"Yeah, it looks great! Still a long way from the Thunderbirds."

[MrHichammohsen]

There is no more competitor to the delta IV heavy since its discontinued and has a couple of launches left. And also the advantage VO has is that they can probably fly to the equator and launch from there and save around 300 dv.

[marktroxel]

For the nay sayers, you could call it T-minus Tuesdays. Then you could set a countdown clock for any short period of time you want. Go 3 mins one day and 4 the next etc...

[JohnDoe-ttbh]

Technically the biggest plane (in service by wing span) was bolted together by Stratolaunch to deliver larger payloads to space, though the second stage vehicle contracts remain in limbo currently along with it's future... seemingly.

[jeremycox]

I really think they will.
With added competition brings innovations it’s no different than the rivalry between SpaceX and UNITED Launch Alliance.

[nooneyouneedtoknow]

4:48 What is the achievment doing there??

[wongweihao]

Saw your cool Starship 3d model! Where to get it? 1:52

[ArcoHollestelle]

You pointed out that Rocketlab is cheaper than Virgin, but virgin can launch 100kg more than Rocketlab. And a major upside of virgin's launch system is that they can launch from pretty much anywhere at any time to any orbit. They could theoretically launch quicker after you sign a contract. also the weather will be less of an issue since they go above most weather. I think Virgin is solid competition for the other launch providers out there.

[randywelt]

Nicely done. Next, let's discuss Maglev Tech. HyperLoop as rocket launch system on the Moon or Pluto?

[tudormuntean]

When did you have time to make and edit this video?

[ejcorreia]

Thanks for the video! Since Virgin already had a fleet of jets, wouldn't it be fair to say that the expense of purchase, maintenance, crew and support staff was minimized? And I think Virgin will remain in the business as long as there's a profit potential.