A historic space mission launched from Cornwall early Tuesday failed to make orbit and was lost, resulting in a bitter disappointment for Britain’s attempt to become the first European nation sending satellites into space.
What happened: A converted Boeing 747 named “Cosmic Girl”, operated by Virgin Orbit Holdings Inc prep carried the rocket out of Newquay in Cornwall and crossed the Atlantic.
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The rocket fired and appeared to rise correctly, carrying a payload of nine satellites off the south coast of Ireland. However, the company later said the rocket suffered an “anomaly” and failed to reach the required altitude.
The 747 returned safely to Cornwall with the crew, but the missile and satellites were lost. However, Great Britain space agency has insisted they posed no danger and were likely to burn over the North Atlantic.
The reason for the failure is not immediately clear and will be investigated, it said. “There will be an investigation by the government and various bodies including Virgin Orbit in the coming days,” Matt ArcherCommercial Space Director at the UK Space Agency, said Reuters reported.
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That failure was another blow to Europe’s space ambitions after an Italian-built one Vega-C Missile mission failed to lift off from French Guiana in late December.
Partially owned by the British billionaire Richard BransonVirgin Orbit had planned to launch nine small satellites into low Earth orbit on its first mission away from its US base. the head of the company, Dan Harttold reporters it hopes to return to Cornwall before the end of 2023.
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