Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit has reached space, eight months after the first demonstration flight of its air-launched rocket system failed, the company said. READ MORE:* Virgin Orbit conducts drop-test of rocket from Boeing 747* Virgin Galactic is weeks away from reaching space, CEO Richard Branson says* Rocket Lab to launch Nasa's small satellites this year“According to telemetry, LauncherOne has reached orbit!” Virgin Orbit tweeted later. Matt Hartman/AP Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-400 rocket launch platform is named Cosmic Girl. Virgin Orbit touts the flexibility of its capability to begin its missions by using airports around the globe. Virgin Orbit is separate from Virgin Galactic, the company founded by Branson to carry passengers on suborbital hops in which they will experience the sensations and sights of spaceflight.

Source: Stuff January 17, 2021 22:30 UTC