Monday, June 27, 2022

Virgin Orbit Eyes New Launch On June 29th

Long Beach-based space launch systems developer Virgin Orbit says it is targeting a launch on June 29th from Mojave Air and Space Port, to send a payload into space for the US Department of Defense. According to Virgin Orbit, the new launch is for tghe United States Space Force's STP-S28A mission and will carry payloads for the Department of Defense (DOD) Space Test Program (STP). According to the company, the target orbit for the launch is approximately 500 km above the Earth’s surface at a 45-degree inclination. Virgin Orbit launches its aircraft from Mojave, but has been launching its rockets from above the Pacific just south of Channel Islands National Park, off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura.