When a rocket goes into space, it usually happens from a remote launch site such as Cape Canaveral (United States), Baikonur (Kazakhstan) or Kourou (French Guiana). But today / Monday, for the first time, satellites from Western Europe will be launched into Earth orbit. The launch will take place south of Ireland, over the Atlantic Ocean. Its glow can also be seen from Belgium, by looking to the west.
The mission is being carried out by Virgin Orbit, an aerospace company owned by well-known British businessman Richard Branson (72). With his other company, Virgin Galactic, the billionaire is currently trying to sell space tourism.
Pay from Boeing 747
These tourist trips happen as follows: passengers are in a spaceship suspended under an airplane. The two planes take off together, and in the air the plane drops the spacecraft. Then the platform’s rocket engines are turned on and the launch begins.
This is how the first satellite launches should take place today. A Boeing 747 called Cosmic Girl is scheduled to take off in the southwest of England around 11:16pm (Belgian time). Over the Atlantic Ocean, Boeing is to launch a LauncherOne rocket. It might happen in the middle of the night. Then the missile heads south towards Spain and Portugal.
“start me”
LauncherOne contains nine satellites of seven clients. This payload must be delivered to Earth orbit. The mission is called “Start me up,” after a Rolling Stones song. It is no coincidence that this famous band has released albums in the past on Virgin Records, the record company founded by Richard Branson.
West Flanders
West Flanders residents should be the first to see the launch tonight. About five minutes into the mission, the missile should appear over the horizon there. In the next few minutes, the rest of the country should also be able to get a view of the launch, as long as clouds and tall buildings don’t get in the way.
a look. Last year, Richard Branson made history with Virgin Galactic with the first regular passenger spaceflight. Then the businessman personally accompanied the successful test flight
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