autoevolution
 

Watch a Virgin Orbit Satellite Launch From a RAF Pilot’s Amazing Perspective

You don’t need to be passionate about flying in order to fully appreciate what a life-changing experience it must be to one of the main participants in a satellite launch. A Royal Air Force pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mathew 'Stanny' Stannard, will never forget the amazing feeling of launching the Virgin Orbit launch vehicle from the Cosmic Girl.
A RAF pilot was part of the flight crew onboard Cosmic Girl, for the most recent Virgin Orbit mission 6 photos
Photo: Royal Air Force
Cosmic GirlVirgin Orbit LaunchVirgin Orbit LaunchCosmic GirlVirgin Orbit Launch
Another successful Virgin Orbit satellite launch was carried out at the end of January. The RAF pilot was back on the flight crew, alongside Eric Bippert, Virgin Orbit's Chief Pilot Cosmic Girl, a modified Boeing 747-400, took off from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. Several small satellites were flown into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), including one manufactured in Scotland and operated by Spire Global, plus others operated by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Stannard talked about the incredible experience of watching the LauncherOne be deployed, after which it propels itself into LEO, in a recent video shared by the UK’s Royal Air Force. The participation of an RAF pilot in Virgin Orbit’s Above the Clouds mission is also a milestone for UK’s space strategy, which involves the country’s first-ever satellite launch, scheduled for this year.

The UK Space Agency is currently working with Virgin Orbit for this upcoming launch from Spaceport Cornwall, representing the first time in history when satellites are launched from the UK’s territory. In addition to this pioneering spaceport in England, six more are going to follow – the Snowdonia one in Wales, plus Scotland’s Shetland Isles, Sutherland, Argyll, Prestwick, and the Outer Hebrides.

The National Space Strategy set up ambitious goals for the nation’s orbital launch capability, and the domestic spaceports are meant to support the fast-growing local satellite industry.

In just a few months, the RAF Flight Lieutenant will be part of an even more exciting, unique launch in UK’s history.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
About the author: Otilia Drăgan
Otilia Drăgan profile photo

Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories