Virgin Plan Launch for the 14th

[Ross365]

The BBC reports that Virgin's 747 will drop off its first orbital rocket on 14th December (sadly, at night). Am I getting things confused, the map seesms to suggest the rocket will head in a South West direction https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63836495

 

[voipio]

The article mentions a southward trajectory after the rocket is released, so possibly polar orbiting satellites.

 

[Ross365]

Yes, maybe it does turn a bit to be "direct" south (will the spin of the Earth/atmosphere have that effect?). Polar orbits have been traditionally associated with the early "spy satellites", but these days you can get good images from very modest craft. I noted that the guy they interviewed from Airbus UK was from their Military division.

 

[Ross365]

I see the launch is postponed, supposedly due to not having all the paperwork in place with the CAA.

I am not a fan of Mr Virgin but I am totally in love with his modified 747 "Cosmic Girl". I always think that the 747 is one of the top two most wonderful looking planes of all time (Concorde) and the livery they have on Cosmic Girl is just icing on the cake.