Syllabus section: science and technology

 

Why in News?

Virgin Orbit recently launched its Launcher One rocket to orbit.

About:

• LauncherOne is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle.

• It is an air-launched rocket.

• It is capable of carrying small satellite payloads up to 300 kilograms. The LauncherOne rocket is carried to the upper atmosphere on Boeing 747 called “Cosmic Girl”. During the first attempt in, LauncherOne failed to reach the space.

• During the recent second launch, the LauncherOne delivered ten CubeSats to the Low Earth Orbit.

• LauncherOne is the first all liquid-fuelled air-launched orbital rocket.

• LauncherOne places the satellites in Sun Synchronous Orbit.

Source: space.com