CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-US" class="no-js"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /> <script>(function(html){html.className = html.className.replace(/\bno-js\b/,'js')})(document.documentElement);</script> <meta name='robots' content='index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1' /> <style>img:is([sizes="auto" i], [sizes^="auto," i]) { contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px }</style> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; </script> <script src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/assets/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <script> (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-PWTBN8G'); </script>   <title>Virgin Orbit – History, launches, and failure</title> <link rel="canonical" href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/" /> <link rel="next" href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/page/2/" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Virgin Orbit – History, launches, and failure" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Space Explored" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <script type="application/ld+json" class="yoast-schema-graph">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"CollectionPage","@id":"https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/","url":"https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/","name":"Virgin Orbit Archives - Space Explored","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spaceexplored.com/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/#primaryimage","url":"https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all","contentUrl":"https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all","width":2048,"height":1366,"caption":"Image: Virgin Orbit"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://spaceexplored.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Virgin Orbit"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://spaceexplored.com/#website","url":"https://spaceexplored.com/","name":"Space Explored","description":"Space News and Launch Views","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://spaceexplored.com/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}</script>  <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//9to5mac-com.videoplayerhub.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//cdn.parsely.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//pagead2.googlesyndication.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//stats.wp.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//use.typekit.net' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//v0.wordpress.com' /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Space Explored » Feed" href="https://spaceexplored.com/feed/" /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Space Explored » Comments Feed" href="https://spaceexplored.com/comments/feed/" /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Space Explored » Virgin Orbit Guide Feed" href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/feed/" /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Space Explored » Stories Feed" href="https://spaceexplored.com/web-stories/feed/"><link rel='stylesheet' id='all-css-0' href='https://spaceexplored.com/wp-includes/css/dist/block-library/style.min.css?m=1739294329g' type='text/css' media='all' /> <style id='wp-parsely-recommendations-style-inline-css'> .parsely-recommendations-list-title{font-size:1.2em}.parsely-recommendations-list{list-style:none;padding:unset}.parsely-recommendations-cardbody{overflow:hidden;padding:.8em;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap}.parsely-recommendations-cardmedia{padding:.8em .8em 0} </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='all-css-4' href='https://spaceexplored.com/_static/??-eJzTLy/QzcxLzilNSS3WzyrWz01NyUxMzUnNTc0rQeEU5CRWphbp5qSmJyZX6uVm5uklFxfr6OPTDpRD5sM02efaGpobWxpZmhgbGwAAROEu5A==' type='text/css' media='all' /> <style id='jetpack-sharing-buttons-style-inline-css'> .jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list{display:flex;flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0;list-style-type:none;margin:5px;padding:0}.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-small-icon-size{font-size:12px}.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-normal-icon-size{font-size:16px}.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-large-icon-size{font-size:24px}.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-huge-icon-size{font-size:36px}@media print{.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list{display:none!important}}.editor-styles-wrapper .wp-block-jetpack-sharing-buttons{gap:0;padding-inline-start:0}ul.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-background{padding:1.25em 2.375em} </style> <style id='elasticpress-facet-style-inline-css'> .widget_ep-facet input[type=search],.wp-block-elasticpress-facet input[type=search]{margin-bottom:1rem}.widget_ep-facet .searchable .inner,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .searchable .inner{max-height:20em;overflow:scroll}.widget_ep-facet .term.hide,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .term.hide{display:none}.widget_ep-facet .empty-term,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .empty-term{opacity:.5;position:relative}.widget_ep-facet .empty-term:after,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .empty-term:after{bottom:0;content:" ";display:block;left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:0;width:100%;z-index:2}.widget_ep-facet .level-1,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .level-1{padding-left:20px}.widget_ep-facet .level-2,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .level-2{padding-left:40px}.widget_ep-facet .level-3,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .level-3{padding-left:60px}.widget_ep-facet .level-4,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .level-4{padding-left:5pc}.widget_ep-facet .level-5,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .level-5{padding-left:75pt}.widget_ep-facet input[disabled],.wp-block-elasticpress-facet input[disabled]{cursor:pointer;opacity:1}.widget_ep-facet .term a,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .term a{-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-webkit-box;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;position:relative}.widget_ep-facet .term a:hover .ep-checkbox,.wp-block-elasticpress-facet .term a:hover .ep-checkbox{background-color:#ccc}.ep-checkbox{-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;-ms-flex-negative:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;align-items:center;background-color:#eee;display:-webkit-box;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;flex-shrink:0;height:1em;justify-content:center;margin-right:.25em;width:1em}.ep-checkbox:after{border:solid #fff;border-width:0 .125em .125em 0;content:"";display:none;height:.5em;-webkit-transform:rotate(45deg);transform:rotate(45deg);width:.25em}.ep-checkbox.checked{background-color:#5e5e5e}.ep-checkbox.checked:after{display:block} </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='all-css-8' href='https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/search/elasticpress/dist/css/related-posts-block-styles.min.css?m=1739821441g' type='text/css' media='all' /> <style id='global-styles-inline-css'> :root{--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--square: 1;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--4-3: 4/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-4: 3/4;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-2: 3/2;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--2-3: 2/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--16-9: 16/9;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--9-16: 9/16;--wp--preset--color--black: #000000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray: #abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white: #ffffff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink: #f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red: #cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange: #ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber: #fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan: #7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan: #00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue: #8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue: #0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple: #9b51e0;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,rgb(155,81,224) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(122,220,180) 0%,rgb(0,208,130) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,rgb(207,46,46) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(238,238,238) 0%,rgb(169,184,195) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(74,234,220) 0%,rgb(151,120,209) 20%,rgb(207,42,186) 40%,rgb(238,44,130) 60%,rgb(251,105,98) 80%,rgb(254,248,76) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,206,236) 0%,rgb(152,150,240) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(254,205,165) 0%,rgb(254,45,45) 50%,rgb(107,0,62) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,203,112) 0%,rgb(199,81,192) 50%,rgb(65,88,208) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,245,203) 0%,rgb(182,227,212) 50%,rgb(51,167,181) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(202,248,128) 0%,rgb(113,206,126) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(2,3,129) 0%,rgb(40,116,252) 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small: 13px;--wp--preset--font-size--medium: 20px;--wp--preset--font-size--large: 36px;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large: 42px;--wp--preset--spacing--20: 0.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30: 0.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40: 1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50: 1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60: 2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70: 3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80: 5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural: 6px 6px 9px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep: 12px 12px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined: 6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), 6px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);}:root { --wp--style--global--content-size: 800px;--wp--style--global--wide-size: 1000px; }:where(body) { margin: 0; }.wp-site-blocks > .alignleft { float: left; margin-right: 2em; }.wp-site-blocks > .alignright { float: right; margin-left: 2em; }.wp-site-blocks > .aligncenter { justify-content: center; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }:where(.is-layout-flex){gap: 0.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap: 0.5em;}.is-layout-flow > .alignleft{float: left;margin-inline-start: 0;margin-inline-end: 2em;}.is-layout-flow > .alignright{float: right;margin-inline-start: 2em;margin-inline-end: 0;}.is-layout-flow > .aligncenter{margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}.is-layout-constrained > .alignleft{float: left;margin-inline-start: 0;margin-inline-end: 2em;}.is-layout-constrained > .alignright{float: right;margin-inline-start: 2em;margin-inline-end: 0;}.is-layout-constrained > .aligncenter{margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}.is-layout-constrained > :where(:not(.alignleft):not(.alignright):not(.alignfull)){max-width: var(--wp--style--global--content-size);margin-left: auto !important;margin-right: auto !important;}.is-layout-constrained > .alignwide{max-width: var(--wp--style--global--wide-size);}body .is-layout-flex{display: flex;}.is-layout-flex{flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;}.is-layout-flex > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}body .is-layout-grid{display: grid;}.is-layout-grid > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}body{padding-top: 0px;padding-right: 0px;padding-bottom: 0px;padding-left: 0px;}a:where(:not(.wp-element-button)){text-decoration: underline;}:root :where(.wp-element-button, .wp-block-button__link){background-color: #32373c;border-width: 0;color: #fff;font-family: inherit;font-size: inherit;line-height: inherit;padding: calc(0.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);text-decoration: none;}.has-black-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;} :where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;} :where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;} :root :where(.wp-block-pullquote){font-size: 1.5em;line-height: 1.6;} </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='all-css-10' href='https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/client-mu-plugins/9to5-core/dist/css/frontend.css?m=1738359967g' type='text/css' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='10up-CCfonts-css' href='https://use.typekit.net/sib3lzi.css?ver=4b5fb276489e339a1c15' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='critical-css' href='https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/css/critical.css?ver=4b5fb276489e339a1c15' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='all-css-14' href='https://spaceexplored.com/_static/??-eJydjEEOwjAMBD9E6la0ohwQb2kTFwyJE8U2/T4FqRJnjrs7O7AW5zMrsoLeMaEAE6PmhV4IgUTBi8BSv0xotnCAn08yV6LdiAUeqGXyT9f1zRFSDhY3mZ9qNsEIslLB6mbjEPF/zb7uxcd0TZfu1LftMA7n8Q0qWkxz' type='text/css' media='all' /> <script type="text/javascript" src="//9to5mac-com.videoplayerhub.com/gallery.js?ver=6.7.2" id="blockthrough-js" async></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/js/darkmode.js?ver=a3cbd9336a0d16e5315f" id="darkmode-js" async></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://spaceexplored.com/_static/??-eJzTLy/QzcxLzilNSS3WzwKiwtLUokoopZebmaeXVayjj0+Rbm5melFiSSpUsX2uraG5saWRpYmxsUEWAK+aIiE=" ></script><link rel="https://api.w.org/" href="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-json/" /><link rel="alternate" title="JSON" type="application/json" href="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-json/wp/v2/ninetofive_guides/344" /> <script src="https://cdn.onesignal.com/sdks/web/v16/OneSignalSDK.page.js" defer></script> <script> window.OneSignalDeferred = window.OneSignalDeferred || []; OneSignalDeferred.push(async function(OneSignal) { await OneSignal.init({ appId: "2702cf00-3412-4ade-a7b9-767f69342ced", serviceWorkerOverrideForTypical: true, path: "https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/plugins/onesignal-free-web-push-notifications/sdk_files/", serviceWorkerParam: { scope: "/wp-content/plugins/onesignal-free-web-push-notifications/sdk_files/push/onesignal/" }, serviceWorkerPath: "OneSignalSDKWorker.js", }); }); // Unregister the legacy OneSignal service worker to prevent scope conflicts navigator.serviceWorker.getRegistrations().then((registrations) => { // Iterate through all registered service workers registrations.forEach((registration) => { // Check the script URL to identify the specific service worker if (registration.active && registration.active.scriptURL.includes('OneSignalSDKWorker.js.php')) { // Unregister the service worker registration.unregister().then((success) => { if (success) { console.log('OneSignalSW: Successfully unregistered:', registration.active.scriptURL); } else { console.log('OneSignalSW: Failed to unregister:', registration.active.scriptURL); } }); } }); }).catch((error) => { console.error('Error fetching service worker registrations:', error); }); </script> <style>img#wpstats{display:none}</style> <script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"WebPage","headline":"Virgin Orbit","url":"http:\/\/spaceexplored.com\/guides\/virgin-orbit\/"}</script> <meta name="theme-color" content="#fff"> <script> (function(d){ if ( localStorage.getItem('darkmode') === 'true' ) { d.querySelector( 'meta[name=theme-color]' ).setAttribute( 'content', '#000' ); } })(document); </script> <link rel="mask-icon" color="#000000" href="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/svg/spaceexplored.svg"> <meta name="google-adsense-platform-account" content="ca-host-pub-5506057612223327"> <script type="text/plain" data-consent-needed="marketing"> // load the apstag.js library !function(a9,a,p,s,t,A,g){if(a[a9])return;function q(c,r){a[a9]._Q.push([c,r])}a[a9]={init:function(){q("i",arguments)},fetchBids:function(){q("f",arguments)},setDisplayBids:function(){},targetingKeys:function(){return[]},_Q:[]};A=p.createElement(s);A.async=!0;A.src=t;g=p.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];g.parentNode.insertBefore(A,g)}("apstag",window,document,"script","//c.amazon-adsystem.com/aax2/apstag.js"); //initialize the apstag.js library on the page to allow bidding apstag.init({ pubID: 'fee31bcb-d8b7-4565-8a5b-b1097e207e11', adServer: 'googletag' }); </script> <script type="text/plain" data-consent-needed="marketing"> PWT.jsLoaded = function(){ // PubMatic pwt.js on load callback is used to load GPT (function() { var gads = document.createElement('script'); var useSSL = 'https:' == document.location.protocol; gads.src = (useSSL ? 'https:' : 'http:') + '//securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js'; var node = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; node.parentNode.insertBefore(gads, node); })(); }; (function() { var purl = window.location.href; var url = '//ads.pubmatic.com/AdServer/js/pwt/161751/12088'; var profileVersionId = ''; if(purl.indexOf('pwtv=')>0){ var regexp = /pwtv=(.*?)(&|$)/g; var matches = regexp.exec(purl); if(matches.length >= 2 && matches[1].length > 0){ profileVersionId = '/'+matches[1]; } } var wtads = document.createElement('script'); wtads.async = true; wtads.type = 'text/javascript'; wtads.src = url + profileVersionId + '/pwt.js'; var node = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; node.parentNode.insertBefore(wtads, node); })(); </script> <link rel="icon" href="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/cropped-spaceexplored-planet-favicon.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=32" sizes="32x32" /> <link rel="icon" href="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/cropped-spaceexplored-planet-favicon.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=192" sizes="192x192" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/cropped-spaceexplored-planet-favicon.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=180" /> <meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/cropped-spaceexplored-planet-favicon.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=270" /> <style> .nd83f1c44f { text-align: center; min-height: 120px; background: url('https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/top-leaderboard-bg.png') repeat center; } .darkmode--activated .nd83f1c44f { background-image: url('https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/top-leaderboard-bg-dark.png') } @media (min-width: 65.5625em) { .nd83f1c44f { min-height: 270px; } } .nd83f1c44f .inlinead { background-color: transparent; min-height: 1px; } .nd83f1c44f .inlinead > div { background-color: transparent; padding: 0; } .color-scheme-electrek .nd83f1c44f { background-color: #939598; } .ad { margin: 0 auto; } .ndec4d34d8 { isolation: isolate; } @media (min-width: 20em) and (max-width: 47.9375em) { .ndec4d34d8 { text-align: center; } } @media (min-width: 48em) { .ndec4d34d8 { float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; } } .nd65a86bc9 { line-height: 0; max-width: 300px; position: relative; } .nd65a86bc9 h3 { background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7); bottom: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: #fff; font-size: 1.17em; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0 0; padding: 0.25em 0.5em; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 100%; } .post-body .nd65a86bc9 h3 { font-size: 1em; } @media (min-width: 48em) { .post-body .nd65a86bc9 { float: right; margin-left: 20px; width: 300px; height: 250px; } } @media (min-width: 62.5em) { .post-body .nd65a86bc9 { margin: 0 -36px 20px 20px; } } .ndf2986801 .nd65a86bc9 { margin: 0 auto; } .ndad902920 { cursor: pointer } .nd6736474f { display: flex; justify-content: center; margin: var(--sp-large) 0; } </style> <script> var PWT = {}; // PubMatic namespace. window.googletag = window.googletag || {}; var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; </script> <style type="text/css" id="wp-custom-css"> .entry-content .wp-story-container { height: auto; } #comments.comments-area { background: #f7f7f7; } </style> </head> <body class="archive tax-ninetofive_guides term-virgin-orbit term-344 wp-embed-responsive color-scheme-spaceexplored ninetofive-spaceexplored"> <script> (function(d){ if ( localStorage.getItem('darkmode') === 'true' ) { d.body.classList.add('darkmode--activated'); } })(document); </script>  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=id=GTM-PWTBN8G" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <a href="#main" class="skip-to-content-link visually-hidden-focusable">Skip to main content</a> <header class="site-header"> <div class="site-header__inner"> <div class="header-top"> <div class="header-top__inner container"> <div class="flex"> <button class="main-menu-toggle js-button" id="js-main-menu-toggle" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header-bottom" title="Toggle main menu"> <div class="burger"></div> <span class="screen-reader-text">Toggle main menu</span> </button> <div class="header-logo flex"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/" rel="home"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 221 56" class="icon-ninetofive-spaceexplored"><path d="M124.784 47.076c-2.164.37-4.39.065-6.374-.876a61 61 0 0 0 4.063-2.749h.478l1.195-.08a6.65 6.65 0 0 0 5.498-5.975 56 56 0 0 0 3.426-3.506 10.521 10.521 0 0 1-8.286 13.226zm7.927-14.301a56 56 0 0 1-3.067 3.227l-.08-.439a6.69 6.69 0 0 0-5.144-5.363 6.694 6.694 0 0 0-8.079 5.638 6.735 6.735 0 0 0 4.778 7.374c-1.315.916-2.55 1.753-3.705 2.43a10.477 10.477 0 1 1 15.297-12.867m-89.435 4.103-7.967-8.485h6.772l5.458 6.055 5.537-6.055h6.613l-7.967 8.405 8.525 8.526h-7.011l-5.697-6.096-5.737 6.096h-6.931zM18.06 41.499v-9.282h13.704v-3.824H13v16.93h18.923V41.5z" /><path d="M21.007 35.165h9.96v3.346h-9.96zm60.235-6.135c-1.036-.558-1.913-.637-5.18-.637H63.116v16.93h5.14V32.497h7.489c2.191 0 2.709.478 2.709 2.51 0 1.593-.598 2.031-2.71 2.031h-4.58v4.144h5.378c2.948 0 4.063-.2 5.059-.797 1.394-.877 1.992-2.55 1.992-5.777 0-3.226-.638-4.74-2.35-5.577m6.931-.637h5.179V41.14h14.421v4.183h-19.6zm82.264 6.772h10v3.346h-10z" /><path d="M167.529 41.5v-9.283h13.704v-3.824H162.47v16.93h18.923V41.5zm18.804-13.107h14.62c3.585 0 5.258.398 6.414 1.553.956.917 1.354 1.992 1.513 4.143l.12 2.79c0 1.513-.12 3.266-.279 4.222-.279 2.032-1.673 3.625-3.545 3.984-.956.199-1.713.239-3.546.239h-15.297zM200.116 41.3c1.395 0 1.514 0 2.112-.2 1.235-.398 1.593-1.274 1.593-4.222 0-3.545-.637-4.263-3.585-4.263h-8.764V41.3zm-44.14-2.43c2.152-.518 2.909-1.753 2.909-4.9 0-2.27-.439-3.745-1.435-4.502-.956-.836-2.27-1.075-5.298-1.075h-14.58v16.93h5.139V32.537h8.206c1.554 0 1.992.08 2.35.518.359.318.439.796.439 1.872 0 1.673-.478 1.992-2.948 1.992h-5.139v4.143h4.979c2.311-.04 2.829.319 2.829 2.151v2.112h5.258v-2.67c.04-2.55-.597-3.465-2.709-3.784m-47.645-21.154c0 2.47-.08 3.307-.438 4.064-.678 1.474-2.032 2.15-4.661 2.31-1.036.12-3.068.12-6.454.12-4.9 0-6.454-.2-7.848-1.116-1.673-1.035-2.151-2.828-2.151-7.848 0-4.461.518-6.095 2.31-7.09 1.514-.877 3.148-1.116 7.888-1.116 6.334 0 7.689.12 9.123.836 1.394.678 2.032 2.192 2.032 4.661v.558h-4.94c-.12-1.832-.478-1.992-4.94-1.992-4.223 0-4.98.08-5.617.638-.598.557-.757 1.274-.757 4.023 0 4.064.398 4.343 5.338 4.343 3.825 0 4.382 0 5.099-.32.757-.318 1.036-.836 1.036-2.07zM75.624 7.16h-6.891L59.21 24.09h5.856l7.052-13.305 7.17 13.305h5.617zm41.869 13.107v-9.282h13.665V7.159h-18.764V24.09h18.963v-3.824z" /><path d="M120.402 13.932h9.999v3.346h-9.999zM56.263 7.797c-1.075-.518-1.912-.638-5.178-.638H38.137V24.09h5.14V11.263h7.489c2.19 0 2.709.478 2.709 2.51 0 1.593-.598 2.031-2.71 2.031h-4.58v4.143h5.378c2.908 0 4.063-.199 5.059-.797 1.394-.876 1.992-2.55 1.992-5.776s-.638-4.74-2.35-5.577M22.362 20.585c5.975 0 6.693-.16 6.693-1.594 0-.677-.32-1.155-.877-1.354q-.557-.16-3.227-.2h-4.66c-3.108 0-4.423-.199-5.498-.757C13.558 16.083 13 14.73 13 12.418c0-3.068.876-4.342 3.307-4.94C17.66 7.12 19.653 7 23.357 7c5.937 0 10.08.16 10.08.16v3.664s-5.538-.199-8.844-.199c-1.674 0-3.864.04-4.701.12-1.355.08-1.833.438-1.833 1.394 0 .717.359 1.195 1.116 1.354.319.08.398.12 2.071.12h4.82c.439 0 2.71.08 3.586.16 3.227.119 4.502 1.553 4.502 4.94 0 3.146-.917 4.5-3.387 5.058-1.274.28-3.784.439-7.489.439-6.414 0-10.198-.2-10.198-.2v-3.704s5.378.279 9.282.279" /><path fill="#811bf6" d="M121.039 37.316c0-1.394-1.315-2.709-2.709-2.709 1.394 0 2.709-1.274 2.709-2.669 0 1.395 1.275 2.67 2.669 2.67-1.394 0-2.669 1.314-2.669 2.708M119.199 39.248a.86.86 0 1 0 0-1.72.86.86 0 0 0 0 1.72M123.469 37.607a.43.43 0 1 0 0-.86.43.43 0 0 0 0 .86M122.971 31.922a.43.43 0 1 0 0-.86.43.43 0 0 0 0 .86M125.82 34.528c0-.638-.598-1.275-1.275-1.275.677 0 1.275-.598 1.275-1.275 0 .677.637 1.275 1.274 1.275-.637 0-1.274.637-1.274 1.275M72.079 24.09c0-2.27-2.111-4.342-4.382-4.342 2.27 0 4.382-2.111 4.382-4.382 0 2.27 2.071 4.382 4.342 4.382-2.27 0-4.342 2.072-4.342 4.342m56.171 15.378a.877.877 0 0 1-1.514.597l1.275-1.155c.159.16.239.358.239.558m-3.068 2.23a.44.44 0 0 1-.438.439.6.6 0 0 1-.359-.16l.678-.557c.079.08.119.199.119.278" class="purple" /><path fill="#811bf6" d="M125.461 39.786c-6.812 5.737-13.425 9.322-15.497 8.525a.9.9 0 0 1-.438-.318c-.757-.877.279-3.147 2.59-6.016-.598 1.076-.837 1.913-.638 2.47l.159.319.439.279c1.792.637 7.011-2.072 12.309-6.534 5.339-4.461 8.924-9.122 8.565-10.995 0-.199-.079-.358-.199-.478l-.239-.239c-.518-.279-1.434-.199-2.589.2 3.227-1.753 5.657-2.39 6.414-1.475.119.12.159.28.199.439.438 2.19-4.223 8.087-11.075 13.823" class="purple" /></svg> <span class="sr-txt">Go to the Space Explored home page</span> </a> <button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="js-site-switcher" id="js-button-switcher" class="js-button button-site-switcher"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-chevron-down"><path fill="currentColor" d="M15.286 23.287a2 2 0 0 1-1.415-.586L1.586 10.416a2 2 0 1 1 2.83-2.83l10.87 10.87 10.87-10.87a2 2 0 0 1 2.83 2.83L16.7 22.702c-.39.39-.902.585-1.414.585" /></svg> <span class="screen-reader-text">Switch site</span> </button>  </div> </div> <div class="site-switcher" id="js-site-switcher" aria-hidden="true"> <nav class="nav-drawer container"> <ul id="menu-site-menu" class="menu drawer-menu unstyled"> <li class='menu-item-logo menu-item-ninetofive-mac'><a class='' href='https://9to5mac.com/'><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 221 56" class="icon-ninetofive-mac"><title>9to5Mac Logo</title><path fill="#004A7C" d="m17.39 43.42 7.55-11.18a7 7 0 0 1-3.84 1c-5.78 0-10.1-5.58-10.1-11.1 0-2.85 1.2-5.74 3.1-7.77A10.45 10.45 0 0 1 21.97 11c6 0 10.8 5.14 10.8 11.05 0 4.23-1.9 6.73-4.1 10.06L21.1 43.4h-3.7Zm4.53-13.38c4.32.21 7.64-3.46 7.64-7.73 0-4.36-3.15-8.25-7.64-8.25a7.88 7.88 0 0 0-7.73 7.95c-.04 4.31 3.72 8.24 7.73 8.03M43.2 14.4h-7.33v-2.9h17.78v2.9H46.4v29h-3.2zm44 12.95c0 9.28-7.65 16.62-16.89 16.62-8.93 0-16.83-7.2-16.83-16.36A16.7 16.7 0 0 1 70.3 11c9.03 0 16.88 7.2 16.88 16.36Zm-3.2 0c0-7.38-6.35-13.3-13.64-13.3-7.6 0-13.69 6.05-13.69 13.56 0 7.38 6.43 13.3 13.69 13.3 7.5 0 13.64-6 13.64-13.56m11.9-15.83h14.42v2.89H98.5l-1.6 8.8c1.65-.94 3.5-1.5 5.4-1.5 6.05 0 10.67 5.18 10.67 11.09 0 6-4.58 11.18-10.7 11.18-6.05 0-10.54-4.7-10.97-10.58h3.2c.25 4.02 3.36 7.51 7.59 7.51 4.44 0 7.68-3.7 7.68-8.02 0-4.28-3.2-8.12-7.64-8.12-2.59 0-4.96 1.42-6.56 3.37l-2.55-.91 2.9-15.71ZM70.33 16.9v10.94zm0 12.12c.66 0 1.19-.53 1.19-1.18V16.9a1.18 1.18 0 0 0-2.37 0v10.94c0 .66.53 1.18 1.18 1.18m0-1.18h-7.55zm0 1.18a1.18 1.18 0 0 0 0-2.36h-7.55a1.18 1.18 0 0 0 0 2.36z"/><path fill="#0095FF" d="M118.32 11.5h4.93l11.66 27.17 11.61-27.16h4.92v31.9h-3.2V15.06l-12 28.37h-2.72l-12-28.37v28.37h-3.2zm63.17 31.92h-3.06v-4.45h-.09c-1.73 3.33-5.35 5.01-9.07 5.01-3.54 0-7.38-1.55-10.4-5-.87-.96-2.33-3.94-2.33-7.52 0-3.24 1.33-6.13 3.4-8.3a12.3 12.3 0 0 1 9.25-3.88c3.71 0 7.47 1.64 9.15 5.01h.09v-4.5h3.06zm-21.76-11.7c0 5.18 4.49 9.2 9.54 9.2a9.33 9.33 0 0 0 9.16-9.16 9.2 9.2 0 0 0-9.24-9.41 9.4 9.4 0 0 0-9.46 9.37m50.7 4.79a12.41 12.41 0 0 1-11.5 7.47c-7.03 0-12.9-5.18-12.9-12.4 0-6.99 5.96-12.3 12.78-12.3 5 0 9.84 2.94 11.66 7.69h-3.59a9.47 9.47 0 0 0-8.03-4.62c-5.22 0-9.63 3.88-9.63 9.2 0 5.22 4.1 9.36 9.37 9.36 3.67 0 6.22-1.5 8.3-4.4h3.53Z"/></svg><span class='sr-txt'>9to5Mac</span></a> </li> <li class='menu-item-logo menu-item-ninetofive-google'><a class='' href='https://9to5google.com/'><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 279 56" class="icon-ninetofive-google"><title>9to5Google Logo</title><path fill="#26651A" d="m17.28 41.9 7.43-11a6.9 6.9 0 0 1-3.78.98c-5.69 0-9.93-5.48-9.93-10.91 0-2.8 1.19-5.65 3.06-7.65a10.27 10.27 0 0 1 7.72-3.31c5.9 0 10.6 5.05 10.6 10.87 0 4.16-1.86 6.63-4.03 9.9L20.93 41.9zm4.46-13.16c4.24.21 7.5-3.4 7.5-7.6 0-4.3-3.1-8.12-7.5-8.12a7.75 7.75 0 0 0-7.6 7.82c-.04 4.25 3.65 8.11 7.6 7.9m20.91-15.38h-7.2v-2.84h17.47v2.84H45.8v28.55h-3.14V13.36ZM85.9 26.11c0 9.13-7.51 16.35-16.59 16.35-8.78 0-16.55-7.1-16.55-16.1 0-9.13 7.47-16.35 16.55-16.35 8.87 0 16.59 7.1 16.59 16.1m-3.14 0c0-7.27-6.24-13.09-13.4-13.09A13.35 13.35 0 0 0 55.9 26.36c0 7.26 6.32 13.08 13.45 13.08 7.39 0 13.41-5.9 13.41-13.33m11.71-15.6h14.18v2.85H97l-1.57 8.67a10.63 10.63 0 0 1 5.3-1.49c5.94 0 10.48 5.1 10.48 10.92 0 5.9-4.5 11-10.52 11-5.94 0-10.35-4.63-10.78-10.4h3.14c.26 3.94 3.31 7.38 7.47 7.38 4.37 0 7.55-3.65 7.55-7.9 0-4.2-3.14-7.98-7.5-7.98-2.55 0-4.89 1.4-6.46 3.31l-2.5-.9 2.84-15.45Zm-25.14 5.3v10.77zm0 11.93c.64 0 1.16-.52 1.16-1.16V15.81a1.16 1.16 0 1 0-2.32 0v10.77c0 .64.52 1.16 1.16 1.16m0-1.16H61.9zm0 1.16a1.16 1.16 0 0 0 0-2.32H61.9a1.16 1.16 0 0 0 0 2.32z"/><path fill="#57E53B" d="M148.38 27.42c-.6 8.62-8.15 15.04-16.6 15.04-9.04 0-16.8-7.22-16.8-16.4 0-4.16 1.9-8.37 4.83-11.26a16.7 16.7 0 0 1 11.97-4.8c3.27 0 6.5.9 9.21 2.68 2.04 1.36 4.67 3.78 5.48 6.2h-3.57c-2.2-3.7-6.75-5.86-11.12-5.86-3.35 0-6.75 1.14-9.34 3.52-2.58 2.38-4.32 6-4.32 9.56 0 7.65 6.32 13.34 13.79 13.34 5.6 0 11.12-3.7 12.69-9.17h-17.53v-2.85h21.3Zm27.75 2.72c0 6.63-5.34 12.32-12.05 12.32-6.58 0-12.18-5.35-12.18-12.02a12.2 12.2 0 0 1 12.18-12.28c6.45 0 12.05 5.52 12.05 11.98m-21.1.3c0 4.97 4.08 9 9.05 9 5.18 0 8.91-4.25 8.91-9.3a8.4 8.4 0 0 0-2.71-6.42 9.15 9.15 0 0 0-6.2-2.55 9.1 9.1 0 0 0-9.04 9.27Zm48.14-.3c0 6.63-5.35 12.32-12.06 12.32-6.58 0-12.18-5.35-12.18-12.02a12.2 12.2 0 0 1 12.18-12.28c6.45 0 12.06 5.52 12.06 11.98m-21.1.3c0 4.97 4.08 9 9.04 9 5.18 0 8.92-4.25 8.92-9.3a8.4 8.4 0 0 0-2.72-6.42 9.14 9.14 0 0 0-6.2-2.55 9.1 9.1 0 0 0-9.04 9.27m48.77 8.15c0 3.62-.13 5.83-2.72 8.63-2.25 2.46-5.86 3.78-9.17 3.78-5.09 0-10.1-3.44-11.37-8.54h3.05c1.83 3.44 4.59 5.52 8.58 5.52 2.97 0 6.07-1.36 7.6-4.03 1.01-1.83 1.01-3.32 1.01-5.36v-1.27c-1.48 3.48-5.47 5.14-9.08 5.14a12.5 12.5 0 0 1-8.36-3.4 11.6 11.6 0 0 1-3.65-8.7c0-3.28 1.36-6.25 2.2-7.19 3.06-3.87 6.33-5.01 9.64-5.01 3.7 0 7.47 1.65 9.25 5.01v-4.5h3.02zm-20.97-8.54c0 5.14 3.6 9.4 8.91 9.4 2.47 0 4.63-.81 6.37-2.64a10 10 0 0 0 2.63-6.5c0-5.23-4.12-9.14-9.3-9.14-4.83 0-8.6 4.13-8.6 8.88Zm26.31-19.54h3.14v31.4h-3.14V10.5Zm10.74 20.9c.17 4.42 4.46 8.03 8.74 8.03 3.44 0 6.92-1.9 8.32-5.1h3.27a12.32 12.32 0 0 1-11.29 8.12c-6.8 0-12.18-5.35-12.18-12.15a12.05 12.05 0 0 1 21.43-7.65c2.17 2.68 2.63 5.4 2.72 8.75zm17.87-2.84a9.25 9.25 0 0 0-8.87-7.4 9.11 9.11 0 0 0-9 7.4z"/></svg><span class='sr-txt'>9to5Google</span></a> </li> <li class='menu-item-logo menu-item-ninetofive-toys'><a class='' href='https://9to5toys.com/'><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 205 56" class="icon-ninetofive-toys"><path fill="#6B393B" d="m17.3 42.4 7.4-11c-1.2.7-2.3 1-3.8 1-5.7 0-9.9-5.5-9.9-11 0-2.8 1.2-5.7 3-7.6a10.2 10.2 0 0 1 7.8-3.3c6 0 10.7 5 10.7 10.8 0 4-1.8 6.5-4 9.8L21 42.4zm4.5-13.2c4.2.2 7.4-3.4 7.4-7.6 0-4.3-3-8.1-7.4-8.1a7.8 7.8 0 0 0-7.7 7.8c0 4.3 3.6 8.2 7.6 7.9Zm20.9-15.4h-7.2V11h17.4v2.8h-7.2v28.6h-3zm43.2 12.8C86 35.7 78.4 43 69.3 43a16.4 16.4 0 0 1-16.5-16.2c0-9.1 7.5-16.4 16.5-16.4A16.4 16.4 0 0 1 86 26.6Zm-3 0a13.4 13.4 0 0 0-13.5-13.1 13.3 13.3 0 1 0 0 26.7A13.5 13.5 0 0 0 83 26.6ZM94.5 11h14.3v2.8H97l-1.5 8.7c1.5-1 3.3-1.5 5.3-1.5 6 0 10.4 5 10.4 11 0 5.7-4.5 10.8-10.5 10.8S90.4 38.2 90 32.4h3.1c.3 4 3.4 7.4 7.5 7.4 4.4 0 7.6-3.7 7.6-7.9s-3.1-8-7.5-8a8.6 8.6 0 0 0-6.5 3.3l-2.5-.9 2.8-15.4zm-25 16V16.3zm0 1.2c.5 0 1-.5 1-1.2V16.3a1.2 1.2 0 0 0-2.3 0V27c0 .7.5 1.2 1.2 1.2ZM61.8 27h7.5H62Zm7.5 1.2a1.2 1.2 0 0 0 0-2.3H62a1.2 1.2 0 0 0 0 2.3h7.5Z"/><path fill="#EB373E" d="M120.7 13.8h-7.3V11h17.4v3h-7.2v28.6h-3V13.8Zm33.8 16.8a12.3 12.3 0 0 1-12 12.3c-6.7 0-12.3-5.3-12.3-12a12.3 12.3 0 0 1 12.3-12.3 12.3 12.3 0 0 1 12 12m-21.1.3a9 9 0 1 0 18-.4c0-2.6-.8-4.6-2.6-6.5a9.1 9.1 0 0 0-15.3 6.8zm44.4-11.8-13.4 31.4h-3.3l3.5-8.8-8.9-22.6h3.4l7.5 18.5 7.8-18.5zm4.7 16.4c0 2.4 1.8 4.4 4.2 4.4 2.2 0 4-1.6 4-3.9 0-2.7-2.2-3.8-4.4-4.4-1.6-.5-3.1-1-4.2-2a6 6 0 0 1-1.9-4.4c0-3.8 3.1-6.6 6.7-6.6 3.5 0 6.4 2.9 6.4 6.3h-3c0-2-1.7-3.2-3.7-3.2a3.2 3.2 0 0 0-3.3 3.2c0 2.5 2 3.2 4.1 3.9 3.5 1 6.6 2.5 6.6 6.7 0 4.4-3.3 7.4-7.6 7.4a7.2 7.2 0 0 1-7-7.4h3Z"/></svg><span class='sr-txt'>9to5Toys</span></a> </li> <li class='menu-item-logo menu-item-ninetofive-electrek'><a class='' href='https://electrek.co/'><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 232 56" fill="none" class="icon-ninetofive-electrek"><mask id="ab" style="mask-type:alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="11" y="6" width="212" height="43"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M44 6.5V40c0 4.3 2 7.9 8 7.9h3.6v-6.1H54c-1.4 0-2.1-1-2.1-2.8V6.5h-8Zm148.7 0v41h7.7v-41h-7.7ZM123 8.8v8.6h-3.8v5.8h3.8V40c0 4.3 2 7.9 8 7.9h3.4v-6.1h-1.5c-1.2 0-1.9-1-1.9-2.8V23.2h4.6v-5.8H131V8.8h-8Zm37 23.8c0 11.6 7.4 16 14.1 16 8 0 12.8-4.6 13.3-10h-8.2c-1 2.3-3.1 3-5 3-4.4 0-6.3-3-6.6-7v-2.3l.3-3.3c.4-3.8 2.4-6 5.8-6 3.6 0 5.5 2.5 5.5 6h-7.5v5.6h15.7c.2-12.9-5-18.2-13.7-18.2-8 0-13.8 5.8-13.8 16.2Zm-102 0c0 11.6 7.5 16 14.2 16 8 0 12.8-4.6 13.3-10h-8.2c-1 2.3-3.2 3-5.1 3-4 0-6.3-3-6.3-7l-.2-2.3.2-3.3h.3c.5-3.8 2.1-6 5.5-6 3.6 0 5.6 2.5 5.8 6H70l-.2 2.8.2 2.8h15.5c.2-12.9-5.1-18.2-13.8-18.2-8 0-13.7 5.8-13.7 16.2Zm-47 0c0 11.6 7.5 16 14.2 16 8.2 0 12.8-4.6 13.3-10h-8.2c-.7 2.3-3 3-5 3-4.2 0-6.3-3-6.3-7v-2.3l.2-3.3c.5-3.8 2.4-6 5.5-6 3.6 0 5.6 2.5 5.8 6H23l-.2 2.8.2 2.8h15.5c.2-12.9-5-18.2-13.8-18.2-8 0-13.7 5.8-13.7 16.2Zm136.9-10.1V17h-7.5v30.4h8V33.3c0-6 1.9-8.6 6.7-8.6h2.4v-8.3h-1c-3.6 0-6.2 1.3-8.6 6ZM89.3 32.8c0 9.9 4.8 15.7 13.5 15.7 8 0 12.8-5.8 13.3-12.1h-8c-.2 2.8-1.4 5.3-5 5.3-4.4 0-5.6-4-5.6-9.1 0-7.4 2.7-9.4 5.8-9.4 3.1 0 4.3 2.3 4.8 4.8h8c-1-8.3-5.3-11.6-13-11.6-9 0-13.8 6.6-13.8 16.4ZM212 17.1l-9.2 12.4v2.3l9.6 15.7h9.7L211 30.3l10.6-13.2H212Z" fill="#fff"></path></mask><g mask="url(#ab)"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M480.6 392.6v-590.5h-727v590.5h727Z" fill="url(#bc)"></path></g><defs><linearGradient id="bc" x1="15.4" y1="38.3" x2="218.9" y2="38.3" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"><stop stop-color="#5ADFFF"></stop><stop offset=".3" stop-color="#02B7FC"></stop><stop offset="1" stop-color="#00DA97"></stop></linearGradient></defs></svg><span class='sr-txt'>Electrek</span></a> </li> <li class='menu-item-logo menu-item-ninetofive-dronedj'><a class='' href='https://dronedj.com/'><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 176 56" class="icon-ninetofive-dronedj"><title>Drone DJ Logo</title><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M110 37.8c-.7-.5-.8-1.3.2-1.7-.4-1-1.7-1.6-2.2-2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 0-5 3.2c-.2-1.4.5-2.7 2.6-3.6 1.3-.6 2.8-.9 4.3-1 0 .5-.6.7-.7 1.2.4.9 1.6 1.5 2.2 2.4a4 4 0 0 1 2.3.7c.8.5.9 1.3 0 1.7h-.1c.1.8 1.6 1.5 2.2 2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 0 5-3.2c.2 1.3-.5 2.7-2.6 3.6-1.3.5-2.8.8-4.3.9 0-.4.7-.6.7-1.1-.4-.8-1.8-1.5-2.2-2.5a4 4 0 0 1-2.3-.6Z" clip-rule="evenodd"/><path fill="#C81C34" d="M22.8 45c15.1 0 15.4-19.7-.1-19.7H13V45zm-.1-4.7h-2.5V30h2.5c5.4 0 5.4 10.3 0 10.3"/><path fill="#C81C34" d="M41.9 45H35v-9.3c0-3.7 3-6.7 6.8-6.7h6v3.8h-3.4c-1.5 0-2.7 1-2.6 3.5V45Z"/><path fill="#C81C34" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M68.5 40.6a16.5 16.5 0 0 1-14.8 1.5c-4.3-2-4.7-5.7-.9-8.5a16.5 16.5 0 0 1 14.8-1.4c4.3 1.9 4.7 5.7.9 8.4m3 1.4a22.9 22.9 0 0 1-20.4 2c-6-2.6-6.6-7.9-1.3-11.7 1.7-1.3 4-2.2 6.3-2.8v.1c.2.6 1 .7 1.5.4l.3-.1v.7c.3.3.7.4 1.1.2.5-.1 1.4-.9 1.8-1.2l1-.8.2.4c0 .4.2.4.4.7.1.2.3.4.6.4.2 0 .4 0 .6-.2l.2-.3c.2-.3 0-.7 0-1 2.3.1 4.5.6 6.4 1.4 6 2.7 6.6 8 1.4 11.8Z" clip-rule="evenodd"/><path fill="#C81C34" d="M86.3 28.5c-5.4 0-8.9 1.6-8.9 6.3V45h6.5V34.9c0-1.3.7-2.1 2.4-2.1s2.4.8 2.4 2V45h6.6V34.8c0-4.6-3.6-6.3-9-6.3"/><path fill="#C81C34" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M101 42a23 23 0 0 0 20.5 2c2.2-1 3.6-2.2 4.4-3.7h-4.5c-.6.7-1.5 1.3-2.6 1.8-4.3 2-11 1.3-14.7-1.5a7 7 0 0 1-2-2.2h8l-.6-.3c-.9-.6-1-1.6-.2-2.2h-7.8c.3-1.5 1.5-2.8 3.5-3.7 4.3-2 11-1.3 14.8 1.4a7 7 0 0 1 2 2.2h-8.1l.6.3c.9.7 1 1.7.1 2.3h12.1c.2-2-1-4.2-3.6-6.1-3.7-2.7-9.4-4-14.6-3.5v.3c0 .7-.8 1-1.5.9.3.3.3.8 0 1.2-.1.3-.5.4-1 .4-.4 0-.8-.2-1.1-.5l-1.1-1.1c.1 1-1.3 1.3-2 .7-5.3 2.8-5.5 7.7-.5 11.3Z" clip-rule="evenodd"/><path fill="#C81C34" d="M137.8 45c15.1 0 15.3-19.7-.1-19.7H128V45zm-.2-4.7h-2.5V30h2.5c5.4 0 5.5 10.3 0 10.3"/><path fill="#C81C34" d="M162.9 25.3h-7.5v12.2c0 2.6-.4 3.7-2.6 3.7h-3.5V45h6.1c4.7 0 7.7-2.6 7.5-7V25.2Z"/><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M72.7 44a22.9 22.9 0 0 1-20.4 2 10 10 0 0 1-3.6-2.4l1.8 1c9.9 4.3 25.2-.6 25.5-8.1 1 2.4 0 5.2-3.3 7.5m46.5-3.6v.2l.2-.2zM99.8 44a23 23 0 0 0 20.5 2 10 10 0 0 0 3.6-2.4l-1.8 1c-9.9 4.3-25.2-.6-25.6-8.1-1 2.4.1 5.2 3.3 7.5" clip-rule="evenodd"/><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="m66.3 46.8 14.8 6.8-.8-1.3-13.5-5.7zm40 0-14.7 6.8.8-1.3 13.5-5.7.5.2Zm-20 1H88c.3 0 .4 0 .4.2l.9 4c0 .2-.3.5-.4.5l-.8.2-1 .2a3.5 3.5 0 0 1-1.3 0l-1-.2-.8-.2c-.1 0-.4-.3-.4-.6l.9-3.9c0-.2.2-.3.4-.3h1.6Zm0 5.7h-.6l-2-.5c-.4 0-1-.5-.9-.9l1.1-4.2c0-.3.5-.4.8-.4H88c.3 0 .7.1.8.4l1.1 4.2c0 .4-.5.8-1 1l-1.9.3h-.6Zm0-6.9H84c-.6 0-1.1.3-1.6.6l-1.4 1c-.4.2-1.1.2-1.6 0l-10.8-3.7-4 2 20 9.1c.5.3 1.2.4 1.9.4.6 0 1.3-.1 1.9-.4l20-9.1-4-2-11 3.7c-.4.2-1 .2-1.4 0l-1.5-1c-.5-.3-1-.5-1.6-.6h-2.4Zm-23.8-8.8c.7-.5.8-1.3-.1-1.7.4-1 1.6-1.6 2.1-2.5 2.3.4 3.8 1.4 5 3.2.2-1.4-.5-2.7-2.6-3.6-1.2-.6-2.7-.9-4.3-1 0 .5.6.7.7 1.2-.3.9-1.6 1.5-2.2 2.4a4 4 0 0 0-2.3.7c-.7.5-.8 1.3.1 1.7 0 .8-1.6 1.5-2.1 2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 1-5-3.2c-.2 1.3.5 2.7 2.6 3.6 1.2.5 2.7.8 4.3.9 0-.4-.7-.6-.7-1.1.4-.8 1.8-1.5 2.2-2.5a4 4 0 0 0 2.3-.6M73.3.6c2.6.4 4 1.7 4.9 3.4l-.7.4c-1.5-2.8-3.7-3.2-6.5-3l-.4.1c-1.4.2-4.6 1.8-3.8 3.2-1.8 0-2.2 2.8-.6 4.5l-.5.3c-1.4-1-1.8-3.6-.7-5.3 1.7-3 5-4.2 8.3-3.6M79 4.3a8 8 0 0 1 1.8 4.4l-.4.1c-.2-1.4-1-3.3-2-4.3zm24.7 18.5c.4-1.5.6-3.5.6-5v-.6c-.3-1.4-4-2.5-5.2-3.6 0-.1 0-.2.2-.3.3-.6-.2-.7-.7-.8H97l-.3-.3-1.8-.5-2.4-1c-.9-.5-1.5-1-2.3-1.3l-1-.5-.8-.5-1-.2a14 14 0 0 0-1.4 0l-1.4.1h-.8l-2.4.2c.8-.8-.7-5.2-2.7-4.6-1-2.1-2.7-3.2-5.2-3.7-3.5-.7-7.1.6-9 3.7q-.9 1.5-.6 3.3c.1 1.2.7 2 1.5 2.7-1 1.6 1.3 4.9 3.4 4.4-1.3-.5-2.6-2.2-3.2-3.8 0-.2.2-.5.5-.6.6 1.9 1.8 3.4 3.3 4.3h.3c-.7.4-1.5.9-1.7 1.5l-.8 3.2-.2.7c0 .2-.3.3-.3.5l-.5 1c0 .3 0 .3.2.4h.2c-1.7 1.2-3.4 2.1-4.6 2.8-.1.2-.2.3-.4.3-.9.4-.6.3-1.2 1-.2.2-.4.3-.5.6v.6c-1.2 1-2.1 1.4-3.1 2.4-.4.2 0 .7.5.4l3.4-2c.1-.1.3-.1 0 0-.4.7-1.4 1.5-2 2s-.4 1 .2.8L62 28c.2 0 .2 0 .2.2l.1.8c0 .2.3.4.3.5l.3.2h.2l.2-.2c0-.1-.3-.8 0-1.3.2-.3.5-.3.7-.7l.3-.6.1-.9h.1c1.3-.9 2.7-1.5 4.6-2.7l.3.2c.3.3 1-.4 1.2-1v-.3l.7-.9c.2-.2.7-.5.9-.9l.3-.2.1-.2c0-.5-.8-1.2-.6-1.3.2 0 1 .8 1.2.7l.4-.3c.2 0-.8-2-.7-2l1.2 2.2 1.4 1.5.4.8c.2.7.6.9 1 1.2.3.3 0 1.8.1 2.1 0 1 .7 2 .6 2.5l-.2 2.7c2.1-2.4 5.8-2.8 8.8-2.8 3.1 0 7 .5 9 3l.9 1.4c.5-.4.8-1 .5-1.6-.1-.2.2-1.7-.7-1.5-.5 0-1-.2-1-.7-.1-1.2.6-1.3 1.3-2.4-.3-.6-1.3-1.9-1.2-2 0-.9-1.3-1.3-1.6-1.9-.7-1.7-.2-2.3-1.5-3.4l-1-.8c-.1-.1-2.2-.2-3.6-2.5-.2-.2.8 1 1.7 1.5 1 .5 2 .4 2 .3l-.5-1.4c.2 0 2.1 2.9 2.3 2.9.6.2 1 .5 1.4.8h.5c.1 0 0 .1 0 .2l1 .3h.4c.2.1.2.2.3 0l.3-1 1.6.6c.4 0 .8.4 1 .8l-.2 2.2c-.3.3-1.2 2.8-2.1 3.5-.4.4-.7.7-.8 1l-.6.8c-.2.4 0 .4.2.5.9.1 1.8-.3 2.2-1 .3-.4 1-.8 1.2-.8s.8.6 1.1 1.5l1.2 2.5c.4.5 1.7.4 1.3-.3-.4-.6-1-2-1.2-3.4a16 16 0 0 0 3.2 4.2c1 .8 2 .3 1.4-.6-1.6-1.6-2.1-2-3-4.2 1.5 1.8 2 2.6 3.3 3.5.7.4 1.4-.2 1-.8-1.4-1.1-1.8-1.4-2.8-2.8 1.2 1 1.5 1.2 2.7 1.7.7.2.8-.3.2-.9-2.6-1.6-2-2.2-3.9-3.8Z" clip-rule="evenodd"/></svg><span class='sr-txt'>DroneDJ</span></a> </li> <li class='menu-item-link'><a class='' href='https://spaceexplored.com/about/'>About</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="header-right flex"> <nav id="nav-social" class="nav-social" aria-hidden="true" inert> <ul id="menu-social" class="menu flex"><li id="nav-menu-item-16800" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on YouTube" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/SpaceExplored" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-youtube"><path fill="currentColor" d="m11.903 18.544-.001-8.49 8.105 4.26zM29.7 8.584s-.293-2.082-1.192-2.999c-1.141-1.204-2.42-1.21-3.006-1.28C21.304 4 15.007 4 15.007 4h-.014s-6.297 0-10.495.306c-.587.07-1.865.075-3.006 1.28C.592 6.501.3 8.583.3 8.583s-.3 2.445-.3 4.89v2.292c0 2.445.3 4.89.3 4.89s.292 2.082 1.192 2.998c1.141 1.204 2.64 1.166 3.308 1.292 2.4.232 10.2.304 10.2.304s6.304-.01 10.502-.315c.586-.071 1.865-.077 3.006-1.28.899-.917 1.192-3 1.192-3s.3-2.444.3-4.889v-2.292c0-2.445-.3-4.89-.3-4.89"/></svg></a></li> <li id="nav-menu-item-16801" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/SpaceExplored" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-facebook"><path fill="currentColor" d="M17.3 29.4h-6.2V14.7H8v-5h3.1V6.5C11.1 2.5 13 0 18 0h4v5h-2.6c-2 0-2 .8-2 2v2.6H22l-.5 5h-4.2z"/></svg></a></li> <li id="nav-menu-item-16803" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/space_explored" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-twitter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M17.1 12.4 27.1 1h-2.3L16 10.9 9 1H1l10.5 15L1 28h2.3l9.3-10.4L20 28h8M4.2 2.8H8l16.9 23.6H21"/></svg></a></li> <li id="nav-menu-item-16802" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on Instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/space_explored/" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-instagram"><path fill="currentColor" d="M15 2.9c3.943 0 4.406.018 5.965.088 1.441.065 2.22.305 2.742.51a4.6 4.6 0 0 1 1.7 1.102 4.5 4.5 0 0 1 1.1 1.699c.2.521.446 1.3.51 2.742.07 1.559.088 2.021.088 5.965s-.017 4.406-.087 5.965c-.065 1.441-.305 2.22-.51 2.742a4.6 4.6 0 0 1-1.102 1.7 4.5 4.5 0 0 1-1.699 1.1c-.521.2-1.3.446-2.742.51-1.559.07-2.022.088-5.965.088s-4.406-.017-5.965-.088c-1.441-.064-2.22-.304-2.742-.51a4.6 4.6 0 0 1-1.7-1.1 4.5 4.5 0 0 1-1.1-1.7c-.2-.522-.446-1.3-.51-2.742-.07-1.559-.088-2.022-.088-5.965s.017-4.406.087-5.965c.065-1.441.305-2.22.51-2.742a4.6 4.6 0 0 1 1.102-1.7 4.5 4.5 0 0 1 1.699-1.101c.521-.2 1.3-.445 2.742-.51C10.594 2.912 11.057 2.9 15 2.9m0-2.66c-4.008 0-4.512.018-6.088.088-1.57.07-2.642.322-3.58.686a7.2 7.2 0 0 0-2.613 1.705 7.3 7.3 0 0 0-1.705 2.613C.65 6.27.398 7.342.328 8.918.258 10.488.24 10.992.24 15s.018 4.512.088 6.088c.07 1.57.322 2.642.686 3.586a7.2 7.2 0 0 0 1.705 2.613 7.3 7.3 0 0 0 2.613 1.705c.938.363 2.01.615 3.586.686 1.576.07 2.074.088 6.088.088s4.512-.018 6.088-.088c1.57-.07 2.642-.323 3.586-.686a7.2 7.2 0 0 0 2.613-1.705 7.3 7.3 0 0 0 1.705-2.613c.363-.938.615-2.01.686-3.586.07-1.576.087-2.074.087-6.088s-.017-4.512-.087-6.088c-.07-1.57-.323-2.642-.686-3.586a7.2 7.2 0 0 0-1.705-2.613 7.3 7.3 0 0 0-2.613-1.705c-.938-.363-2.01-.615-3.586-.686C19.512.258 19.008.24 15 .24"/><path fill="currentColor" d="M15 7.418a7.583 7.583 0 0 0 0 15.164A7.587 7.587 0 0 0 22.582 15 7.587 7.587 0 0 0 15 7.418m0 12.504a4.921 4.921 0 1 1 0-9.844 4.921 4.921 0 1 1 0 9.844M22.88 8.889a1.77 1.77 0 1 0 0-3.54 1.77 1.77 0 0 0 0 3.54"/></svg></a></li> <li id="nav-menu-item-16844" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on Follow" href="/follow" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="30" height="30" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-follow"><path fill="currentColor" d="M15.405 12.3a5.66 5.66 0 0 1-5.65-5.65 5.65 5.65 0 0 1 11.3 0c0 3.12-2.543 5.65-5.65 5.65m0-9.13c-1.905 0-3.475 1.63-3.475 3.48s1.57 3.28 3.475 3.28S18.88 8.5 18.88 6.65 17 3.17 15.405 3.17"/><path fill="currentColor" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="1.5" d="m5.957 25.314-.008-.008a.63.63 0 0 1-.199-.465v-.01l.062-3.317V21.5c0-1.852.958-3.52 2.65-4.748 1.7-1.234 4.125-2.007 6.942-2.007s5.242.773 6.941 2.008c1.693 1.23 2.651 2.9 2.651 4.76v.01l.011.754-.001.002a.5.5 0 0 1-.194.08h-.292a.43.43 0 0 1-.182-.07l-.01-.008-.008-.76c-.001-1.99-.916-3.56-2.53-4.599-1.575-1.014-3.778-1.502-6.386-1.502s-4.831.484-6.43 1.493c-1.635 1.031-2.584 2.598-2.584 4.6v.008l.03 2.588.003.245.147.196q.025.035.048.063a.786.786 0 0 0 .43.304l.188.123h6.92l.024.04a1 1 0 0 1 .113.309l.004.03v.008l.001.003v.008l-.004.023a.703.703 0 0 1-.107.252H7.064c-.493 0-.884-.17-1.107-.4Zm1.303-.369h-.004z"/><path fill="currentColor" d="M25.499 25.726c0 .405-.332.934-.737.934H22.16v2.6c0 .405-.53.74-.936.74-.405 0-.934-.332-.934-.737V26.66h-2.603c-.405 0-.737-.53-.737-.934 0-.406.332-.936.737-.936h2.603v-2.602c0-.405.53-.737.934-.737.406 0 .936.332.936.737v2.602h2.602c.405 0 .737.53.737.936"/></svg></a></li> </ul> </nav> <button class="social-toggle js-button" id="js-social-toggle" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="nav-social" title="Toggle social menu"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-plus"><circle cx="15" cy="15" r="14" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" /><path stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" d="M15 7.5v15M22.5 15h-15" /></svg> <span class="screen-reader-text">Toggle social menu</span> </button> <nav class="nav-utility flex" aria-hidden="true"> <ul id="menu-utility" class="menu flex"><li id="nav-menu-item-2016" class="icon-comment menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Submit a Tip / Contact Us" href="https://spaceexplored.com/contact/" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z"/></svg></a></li> </ul> </nav> <button class="darkmode-toggle js-button" id="js-darkmode-toggle" aria-pressed="false" title="Toggle dark mode"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 20 20" class="icon-darkmode"><path fill="currentColor" d="M10 14a4 4 0 0 0 0-8z" /><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M10 0C4.477 0 0 4.477 0 10s4.477 10 10 10 10-4.477 10-10S15.523 0 10 0m0 2v4a4 4 0 1 0 0 8v4a8 8 0 1 0 0-16" clip-rule="evenodd" /></svg> <span class="screen-reader-text">Toggle dark mode</span> </button> <div class="header-search" aria-hidden="true"> <form role="search" id="searchform" class="search-form header-search-form" method="get" action="https://spaceexplored.com/"> <label for="search-field" class="screen-reader-text"> Search for: </label> <input type="search" id="search-field" name="s" value="" class="" placeholder="Search …" /> <button type="submit" class="" tabindex="-1"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Submit</span> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-search"><path stroke="currentColor" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21.5 21.5 28 28M13.142 2c6.155 0 11.143 4.99 11.143 11.142 0 6.153-4.99 11.143-11.143 11.143S2 19.295 2 13.142 6.99 2 13.142 2" /></svg> </button> </form> </div> <button class="search-toggle js-button" id="js-search-toggle" aria-controls="header-search-form"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-search"><path stroke="currentColor" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21.5 21.5 28 28M13.142 2c6.155 0 11.143 4.99 11.143 11.142 0 6.153-4.99 11.143-11.143 11.143S2 19.295 2 13.142 6.99 2 13.142 2" /></svg> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-close"><path fill="currentColor" d="M1 30 30 1zm29 0L1 1Z" /><path stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" d="M30 30 1 1m0 29L30 1z" /></svg> <span class="screen-reader-text">Toggle search form</span> </button>  </div>  </div> </div> <div id="header-bottom" class="header-bottom" aria-hidden="false"> <nav class="nav-primary nav-menu container"> <ul id="menu-guides" class="primary-menu-ul"><li id="menu-item-1937" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-has-children menu-item-1937"><button class="menu-item-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sub-menu" aria-haspopup="true">NASA</button> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-13700" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13700"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/artemis/">Artemis</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13705" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13705"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/sls/">SLS</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13706" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13706"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/mars-2020/">Perseverance/Ingenuity</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13720" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13720"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/gateway/">Gateway</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13707" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13707"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/international-space-station/">International Space Station</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13709" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13709"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/commercial-crew-program/">Commercial Crew Program</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13719" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13719"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/human-landing-system/">Human Landing System</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13713" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13713"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/orion/">Orion</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-1938" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-has-children menu-item-1938"><button class="menu-item-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sub-menu" aria-haspopup="true">SpaceX</button> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-13722" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13722"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/falcon-heavy/">Falcon Heavy</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13703" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13703"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/starlink/">Starlink</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13701" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13701"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/starship/">Starship</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13704" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13704"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/falcon-9/">Falcon 9</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13739" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13739"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/spacex-fleet/">SpaceX Fleet</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-1987" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-has-children menu-item-1987"><button class="menu-item-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sub-menu" aria-haspopup="true">ULA</button> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-13744" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13744"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/rocketship/">Rocketship</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13716" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13716"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/vulcan/">Vulcan</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13717" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13717"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/atlas-v/">Atlas V</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13721" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13721"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/delta-iv-heavy/">Delta IV Heavy</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-1981" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-has-children menu-item-1981"><button class="menu-item-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sub-menu" aria-haspopup="true">Blue Origin</button> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-13712" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13712"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/new-shepard/">New Shepard</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13718" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13718"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/new-glenn/">New Glenn</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-13708" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-has-children menu-item-13708"><button class="menu-item-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sub-menu" aria-haspopup="true">Rocket Lab</button> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-13743" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13743"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/neutron/">Neutron</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13711" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13711"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/electron/">Electron</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-13729" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-home menu-item-has-children menu-item-13729"><button class="menu-item-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sub-menu" aria-haspopup="true">More</button> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-13734" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13734"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/esa/">ESA</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13738" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13738"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/roscosmos/">Roscosmos</a></li> <li id="menu-item-37352" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-37352"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/sierra-space/">Sierra Space</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13737" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13737"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/astra/">Astra</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13732" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13732"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/boeing/">Boeing</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13735" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13735"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/firefly/">Firefly</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13730" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13730"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13731" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13731"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-galactic/">Virgin Galactic</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13733" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-13733"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/northrop-grumman/">Northrop Grumman</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-22167" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_featured menu-item-has-children menu-item-22167"><button class="menu-item-button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="sub-menu" aria-haspopup="true">Science</button> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-37831" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-37831"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/climate-change/">Climate Change</a></li> <li id="menu-item-37832" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-37832"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/nuclear-fusion/">Nuclear Fusion</a></li> <li id="menu-item-37833" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-37833"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/james-webb-telescope/">James Webb telescope</a></li> <li id="menu-item-37834" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_guides menu-item-37834"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/hubble-space-telescope/">Hubble Space Telescope</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-22168" class="menu-item menu-item-type-taxonomy menu-item-object-ninetofive_featured menu-item-22168"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/defense/">Defense</a></li> <li id="menu-item-25991" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-25991"><a href="https://cottonbureau.com/people/9to5mac">Store</a></li> <li id="menu-item-37351" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-37351"><a target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/fpTvKDkGW6">Join our Discord!</a></li> </ul></nav> <div class="header-bottom__icons"> <nav id="nav-social-mobile" class="nav-social-mobile"> <ul id="menu-social" class="menu flex"><li id="nav-menu-item-16800" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on YouTube" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/SpaceExplored" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-youtube"><path fill="currentColor" d="m11.903 18.544-.001-8.49 8.105 4.26zM29.7 8.584s-.293-2.082-1.192-2.999c-1.141-1.204-2.42-1.21-3.006-1.28C21.304 4 15.007 4 15.007 4h-.014s-6.297 0-10.495.306c-.587.07-1.865.075-3.006 1.28C.592 6.501.3 8.583.3 8.583s-.3 2.445-.3 4.89v2.292c0 2.445.3 4.89.3 4.89s.292 2.082 1.192 2.998c1.141 1.204 2.64 1.166 3.308 1.292 2.4.232 10.2.304 10.2.304s6.304-.01 10.502-.315c.586-.071 1.865-.077 3.006-1.28.899-.917 1.192-3 1.192-3s.3-2.444.3-4.889v-2.292c0-2.445-.3-4.89-.3-4.89"/></svg></a></li> <li id="nav-menu-item-16801" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/SpaceExplored" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-facebook"><path fill="currentColor" d="M17.3 29.4h-6.2V14.7H8v-5h3.1V6.5C11.1 2.5 13 0 18 0h4v5h-2.6c-2 0-2 .8-2 2v2.6H22l-.5 5h-4.2z"/></svg></a></li> <li id="nav-menu-item-16803" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/space_explored" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-twitter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M17.1 12.4 27.1 1h-2.3L16 10.9 9 1H1l10.5 15L1 28h2.3l9.3-10.4L20 28h8M4.2 2.8H8l16.9 23.6H21"/></svg></a></li> <li id="nav-menu-item-16802" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on Instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/space_explored/" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-instagram"><path fill="currentColor" d="M15 2.9c3.943 0 4.406.018 5.965.088 1.441.065 2.22.305 2.742.51a4.6 4.6 0 0 1 1.7 1.102 4.5 4.5 0 0 1 1.1 1.699c.2.521.446 1.3.51 2.742.07 1.559.088 2.021.088 5.965s-.017 4.406-.087 5.965c-.065 1.441-.305 2.22-.51 2.742a4.6 4.6 0 0 1-1.102 1.7 4.5 4.5 0 0 1-1.699 1.1c-.521.2-1.3.446-2.742.51-1.559.07-2.022.088-5.965.088s-4.406-.017-5.965-.088c-1.441-.064-2.22-.304-2.742-.51a4.6 4.6 0 0 1-1.7-1.1 4.5 4.5 0 0 1-1.1-1.7c-.2-.522-.446-1.3-.51-2.742-.07-1.559-.088-2.022-.088-5.965s.017-4.406.087-5.965c.065-1.441.305-2.22.51-2.742a4.6 4.6 0 0 1 1.102-1.7 4.5 4.5 0 0 1 1.699-1.101c.521-.2 1.3-.445 2.742-.51C10.594 2.912 11.057 2.9 15 2.9m0-2.66c-4.008 0-4.512.018-6.088.088-1.57.07-2.642.322-3.58.686a7.2 7.2 0 0 0-2.613 1.705 7.3 7.3 0 0 0-1.705 2.613C.65 6.27.398 7.342.328 8.918.258 10.488.24 10.992.24 15s.018 4.512.088 6.088c.07 1.57.322 2.642.686 3.586a7.2 7.2 0 0 0 1.705 2.613 7.3 7.3 0 0 0 2.613 1.705c.938.363 2.01.615 3.586.686 1.576.07 2.074.088 6.088.088s4.512-.018 6.088-.088c1.57-.07 2.642-.323 3.586-.686a7.2 7.2 0 0 0 2.613-1.705 7.3 7.3 0 0 0 1.705-2.613c.363-.938.615-2.01.686-3.586.07-1.576.087-2.074.087-6.088s-.017-4.512-.087-6.088c-.07-1.57-.323-2.642-.686-3.586a7.2 7.2 0 0 0-1.705-2.613 7.3 7.3 0 0 0-2.613-1.705c-.938-.363-2.01-.615-3.586-.686C19.512.258 19.008.24 15 .24"/><path fill="currentColor" d="M15 7.418a7.583 7.583 0 0 0 0 15.164A7.587 7.587 0 0 0 22.582 15 7.587 7.587 0 0 0 15 7.418m0 12.504a4.921 4.921 0 1 1 0-9.844 4.921 4.921 0 1 1 0 9.844M22.88 8.889a1.77 1.77 0 1 0 0-3.54 1.77 1.77 0 0 0 0 3.54"/></svg></a></li> <li id="nav-menu-item-16844" class="menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Follow Space Explored on Follow" href="/follow" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="30" height="30" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-follow"><path fill="currentColor" d="M15.405 12.3a5.66 5.66 0 0 1-5.65-5.65 5.65 5.65 0 0 1 11.3 0c0 3.12-2.543 5.65-5.65 5.65m0-9.13c-1.905 0-3.475 1.63-3.475 3.48s1.57 3.28 3.475 3.28S18.88 8.5 18.88 6.65 17 3.17 15.405 3.17"/><path fill="currentColor" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="1.5" d="m5.957 25.314-.008-.008a.63.63 0 0 1-.199-.465v-.01l.062-3.317V21.5c0-1.852.958-3.52 2.65-4.748 1.7-1.234 4.125-2.007 6.942-2.007s5.242.773 6.941 2.008c1.693 1.23 2.651 2.9 2.651 4.76v.01l.011.754-.001.002a.5.5 0 0 1-.194.08h-.292a.43.43 0 0 1-.182-.07l-.01-.008-.008-.76c-.001-1.99-.916-3.56-2.53-4.599-1.575-1.014-3.778-1.502-6.386-1.502s-4.831.484-6.43 1.493c-1.635 1.031-2.584 2.598-2.584 4.6v.008l.03 2.588.003.245.147.196q.025.035.048.063a.786.786 0 0 0 .43.304l.188.123h6.92l.024.04a1 1 0 0 1 .113.309l.004.03v.008l.001.003v.008l-.004.023a.703.703 0 0 1-.107.252H7.064c-.493 0-.884-.17-1.107-.4Zm1.303-.369h-.004z"/><path fill="currentColor" d="M25.499 25.726c0 .405-.332.934-.737.934H22.16v2.6c0 .405-.53.74-.936.74-.405 0-.934-.332-.934-.737V26.66h-2.603c-.405 0-.737-.53-.737-.934 0-.406.332-.936.737-.936h2.603v-2.602c0-.405.53-.737.934-.737.406 0 .936.332.936.737v2.602h2.602c.405 0 .737.53.737.936"/></svg></a></li> </ul> </nav> <div class="mobile-utils"> <nav class="nav-utility flex" aria-hidden="true"> <ul id="menu-utility" class="menu flex"><li id="nav-menu-item-2016" class="icon-comment menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page main-menu-item menu-item-depth-0"><a title="Submit a Tip / Contact Us" href="https://spaceexplored.com/contact/" class="menu-link main-menu-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z"/></svg></a></li> </ul> </nav> <button class="darkmode-toggle js-button" id="js-darkmode-toggle" aria-pressed="false"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 20 20" class="icon-darkmode"><path fill="currentColor" d="M10 14a4 4 0 0 0 0-8z" /><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M10 0C4.477 0 0 4.477 0 10s4.477 10 10 10 10-4.477 10-10S15.523 0 10 0m0 2v4a4 4 0 1 0 0 8v4a8 8 0 1 0 0-16" clip-rule="evenodd" /></svg> <span class="screen-reader-text">Toggle dark mode</span> </button> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <main id="main" role="main" tabindex="-1"> <div class="nd83f1c44f ad-container ad-container--leaderboard order-control__mobile-top"> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1436850350386-0" class="inlinead"></div> <script type="text/plain" data-consent-needed="marketing"> // Make sure that nineto5ads exists, it will load ad once google tag exists window.nineto5ads = window.nineto5ads|| []; if (typeof adSizes === 'undefined') { var adSizes = {"leaderboard":{"mobile":[[320,50],[320,100]],"tablet":[[728,90],[320,100]],"desktop":[[970,250],[728,90],[970,70],[970,90]]},"sidebar":{"mobile":[300,250],"desktop":[[300,600],[300,250]]}}; } function getLeaderboardApstagSlotsSizes() { if ( window.innerWidth < 768 ) { return adSizes.leaderboard.mobile; } else if ( window.innerWidth < 1024 ) { return adSizes.leaderboard.tablet; } else { return adSizes.leaderboard.desktop; } } window.nineto5ads.push(function() { apstag.fetchBids({ slots: [{ slotID: "div-gpt-ad-1436850350386-0", slotName: "\/1049447\/SpaceExp-Top", sizes: getLeaderboardApstagSlotsSizes() }], timeout: 2e3 }, function(bids) { googletag.display( "div-gpt-ad-1436850350386-0" ); apstag.setDisplayBids(); googletag.pubads().refresh([leaderboardAdSlot]); }); }); </script> </div> <div id="content" class="container flex-lg post-36461 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-news ninetofive_featured-spaceflight ninetofive_guides-launcher ninetofive_guides-rocket-lab ninetofive_guides-stratolaunch ninetofive_guides-vast ninetofive_guides-virgin-orbit"> <div class="container med"> <div class="post-content guide-content"> <h1 attr-title="Virgin Orbit" class="post-title"><span>Virgin Orbit</span></h1> <div class="guide-content__top flex"> <div class="guide-content__meta flex"> <span class="count">29 'Virgin Orbit' stories</span> <span class="date">March 2020 - May 2023</span> </div> <a href="#posts" class="btn-outline">See All Stories</a> </div> <div class="post-body"> <p>Virgin Orbit was an air-launch, SmallSat launch company based in Long Beach, California. The company spun out of Virgin Galactic and was own by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group.</p> <p>The company’s mission was based on an, at the time, pioneering idea called “rapid responsive launch.” The plan would be able to launch anywhere in the world within months or weeks of purchasing the flight. Now we see that happen everywhere in the launch industry.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image wp-block-image--obfuscated"><img src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" alt="Site default logo image" loading="lazy" /></figure> <div id="div-gpt-ad-author-ad-39019" class="ndc5394565 ndec4d34d8" data-author="seth-guide" data-post-id="39019" data-unit="/1049447/Author" data-placement="content"></div><p>Virgin Orbit’s method would consist of launching a liquid fueled, two-stage rocket from the wing of a Boeing 747 airplane. The rocket, called LauncherOne, and the aircraft, CosmicGirl, could operate from almost any commercial runway in the world.</p> <p>LauncherOne flew for a total six times with four of them being successful. A rather impressive launch rate for a new company pushing its technology to the limits. However it was not enough to save the company.</p> <p>LauncherOne’s first flight was in May of 2020 with intern and student built satellites. However, it failed to reach orbit due to a problem with the first stage. Virgin Orbit went on to successfully launch four straight LauncherOne rockets.</p> <p>The final flight of LauncherOne took place out of Spaceport Cornwall in the UK in January 2023, the previous flights originated out of Mojave Air and Space Port. This flight failed due to an issue with the rocket’s second stage, losing the handful of satellites it carried.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image wp-block-image--obfuscated"><img src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" alt="Site default logo image" loading="lazy" /></figure> <p>This turned out to be the final straw that broke its back as Virgin Orbit went on to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2023. The company was strapped for cash for a few quarters already and continued to fail at the very idea it originated, rapid launches.</p> <p>Its competitors divided up its remaining assets in a an auction with Rocket Lab, Firefly, Stratolaunch, and Launcher gaining much of its technology, equipment, and facilities.</p> </div> </div> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs"> <div class="featured-items"> <h2 attr-title="Featured"> Featured </h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">Space Explored</span> <span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 221 56" class="icon-ninetofive-spaceexplored"><path d="M124.784 47.076c-2.164.37-4.39.065-6.374-.876a61 61 0 0 0 4.063-2.749h.478l1.195-.08a6.65 6.65 0 0 0 5.498-5.975 56 56 0 0 0 3.426-3.506 10.521 10.521 0 0 1-8.286 13.226zm7.927-14.301a56 56 0 0 1-3.067 3.227l-.08-.439a6.69 6.69 0 0 0-5.144-5.363 6.694 6.694 0 0 0-8.079 5.638 6.735 6.735 0 0 0 4.778 7.374c-1.315.916-2.55 1.753-3.705 2.43a10.477 10.477 0 1 1 15.297-12.867m-89.435 4.103-7.967-8.485h6.772l5.458 6.055 5.537-6.055h6.613l-7.967 8.405 8.525 8.526h-7.011l-5.697-6.096-5.737 6.096h-6.931zM18.06 41.499v-9.282h13.704v-3.824H13v16.93h18.923V41.5z" /><path d="M21.007 35.165h9.96v3.346h-9.96zm60.235-6.135c-1.036-.558-1.913-.637-5.18-.637H63.116v16.93h5.14V32.497h7.489c2.191 0 2.709.478 2.709 2.51 0 1.593-.598 2.031-2.71 2.031h-4.58v4.144h5.378c2.948 0 4.063-.2 5.059-.797 1.394-.877 1.992-2.55 1.992-5.777 0-3.226-.638-4.74-2.35-5.577m6.931-.637h5.179V41.14h14.421v4.183h-19.6zm82.264 6.772h10v3.346h-10z" /><path d="M167.529 41.5v-9.283h13.704v-3.824H162.47v16.93h18.923V41.5zm18.804-13.107h14.62c3.585 0 5.258.398 6.414 1.553.956.917 1.354 1.992 1.513 4.143l.12 2.79c0 1.513-.12 3.266-.279 4.222-.279 2.032-1.673 3.625-3.545 3.984-.956.199-1.713.239-3.546.239h-15.297zM200.116 41.3c1.395 0 1.514 0 2.112-.2 1.235-.398 1.593-1.274 1.593-4.222 0-3.545-.637-4.263-3.585-4.263h-8.764V41.3zm-44.14-2.43c2.152-.518 2.909-1.753 2.909-4.9 0-2.27-.439-3.745-1.435-4.502-.956-.836-2.27-1.075-5.298-1.075h-14.58v16.93h5.139V32.537h8.206c1.554 0 1.992.08 2.35.518.359.318.439.796.439 1.872 0 1.673-.478 1.992-2.948 1.992h-5.139v4.143h4.979c2.311-.04 2.829.319 2.829 2.151v2.112h5.258v-2.67c.04-2.55-.597-3.465-2.709-3.784m-47.645-21.154c0 2.47-.08 3.307-.438 4.064-.678 1.474-2.032 2.15-4.661 2.31-1.036.12-3.068.12-6.454.12-4.9 0-6.454-.2-7.848-1.116-1.673-1.035-2.151-2.828-2.151-7.848 0-4.461.518-6.095 2.31-7.09 1.514-.877 3.148-1.116 7.888-1.116 6.334 0 7.689.12 9.123.836 1.394.678 2.032 2.192 2.032 4.661v.558h-4.94c-.12-1.832-.478-1.992-4.94-1.992-4.223 0-4.98.08-5.617.638-.598.557-.757 1.274-.757 4.023 0 4.064.398 4.343 5.338 4.343 3.825 0 4.382 0 5.099-.32.757-.318 1.036-.836 1.036-2.07zM75.624 7.16h-6.891L59.21 24.09h5.856l7.052-13.305 7.17 13.305h5.617zm41.869 13.107v-9.282h13.665V7.159h-18.764V24.09h18.963v-3.824z" /><path d="M120.402 13.932h9.999v3.346h-9.999zM56.263 7.797c-1.075-.518-1.912-.638-5.178-.638H38.137V24.09h5.14V11.263h7.489c2.19 0 2.709.478 2.709 2.51 0 1.593-.598 2.031-2.71 2.031h-4.58v4.143h5.378c2.908 0 4.063-.199 5.059-.797 1.394-.876 1.992-2.55 1.992-5.776s-.638-4.74-2.35-5.577M22.362 20.585c5.975 0 6.693-.16 6.693-1.594 0-.677-.32-1.155-.877-1.354q-.557-.16-3.227-.2h-4.66c-3.108 0-4.423-.199-5.498-.757C13.558 16.083 13 14.73 13 12.418c0-3.068.876-4.342 3.307-4.94C17.66 7.12 19.653 7 23.357 7c5.937 0 10.08.16 10.08.16v3.664s-5.538-.199-8.844-.199c-1.674 0-3.864.04-4.701.12-1.355.08-1.833.438-1.833 1.394 0 .717.359 1.195 1.116 1.354.319.08.398.12 2.071.12h4.82c.439 0 2.71.08 3.586.16 3.227.119 4.502 1.553 4.502 4.94 0 3.146-.917 4.5-3.387 5.058-1.274.28-3.784.439-7.489.439-6.414 0-10.198-.2-10.198-.2v-3.704s5.378.279 9.282.279" /><path fill="#811bf6" d="M121.039 37.316c0-1.394-1.315-2.709-2.709-2.709 1.394 0 2.709-1.274 2.709-2.669 0 1.395 1.275 2.67 2.669 2.67-1.394 0-2.669 1.314-2.669 2.708M119.199 39.248a.86.86 0 1 0 0-1.72.86.86 0 0 0 0 1.72M123.469 37.607a.43.43 0 1 0 0-.86.43.43 0 0 0 0 .86M122.971 31.922a.43.43 0 1 0 0-.86.43.43 0 0 0 0 .86M125.82 34.528c0-.638-.598-1.275-1.275-1.275.677 0 1.275-.598 1.275-1.275 0 .677.637 1.275 1.274 1.275-.637 0-1.274.637-1.274 1.275M72.079 24.09c0-2.27-2.111-4.342-4.382-4.342 2.27 0 4.382-2.111 4.382-4.382 0 2.27 2.071 4.382 4.342 4.382-2.27 0-4.342 2.072-4.342 4.342m56.171 15.378a.877.877 0 0 1-1.514.597l1.275-1.155c.159.16.239.358.239.558m-3.068 2.23a.44.44 0 0 1-.438.439.6.6 0 0 1-.359-.16l.678-.557c.079.08.119.199.119.278" class="purple" /><path fill="#811bf6" d="M125.461 39.786c-6.812 5.737-13.425 9.322-15.497 8.525a.9.9 0 0 1-.438-.318c-.757-.877.279-3.147 2.59-6.016-.598 1.076-.837 1.913-.638 2.47l.159.319.439.279c1.792.637 7.011-2.072 12.309-6.534 5.339-4.461 8.924-9.122 8.565-10.995 0-.199-.079-.358-.199-.478l-.239-.239c-.518-.279-1.434-.199-2.589.2 3.227-1.753 5.657-2.39 6.414-1.475.119.12.159.28.199.439.438 2.19-4.223 8.087-11.075 13.823" class="purple" /></svg></span> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/11/starships-florida-presence-will-be-much-larger-than-in-starbase/" aria-hidden="true"> <img width="290" height="145" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjSw8bDaUAATzM2.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=290&h=145&crop=1" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjSw8bDaUAATzM2.jpeg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjSw8bDaUAATzM2.jpeg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjSw8bDaUAATzM2.jpeg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjSw8bDaUAATzM2.jpeg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="42724" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/09/starship-flight-8-booster-15-completes-static-fire/gjsw8bdauaatzm2/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjSw8bDaUAATzM2.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="1998,999" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Starbase facility at night" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: SpaceX</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjSw8bDaUAATzM2.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjSw8bDaUAATzM2.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/11/starships-florida-presence-will-be-much-larger-than-in-starbase/">Starship’s Florida presence will be much larger than in Starbase</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 11 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/13/senators-propose-nearly-20b-budget-for-iron-dome-for-america/" aria-hidden="true"> <img width="290" height="145" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/htb-2_01.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=290&h=145&crop=1" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/htb-2_01.jpg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/htb-2_01.jpg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/htb-2_01.jpg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/htb-2_01.jpg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="42764" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/13/senators-propose-nearly-20b-budget-for-iron-dome-for-america/htb-2_01/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/htb-2_01.jpg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="1600,900" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"16","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark II","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1736795716","copyright":"","focal_length":"16","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"59","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="htb-2_01" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: U.S. Department of Defense</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/htb-2_01.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/htb-2_01.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/13/senators-propose-nearly-20b-budget-for-iron-dome-for-america/">Senators propose nearly $20B budget for ‘Iron Dome for America’</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/ttlcrossgirl/"> <img alt='Avatar for Theresa Cross' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a156a9e39726e9c1575647367684ae86?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a156a9e39726e9c1575647367684ae86?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/ttlcrossgirl/" title="Posts by Theresa Cross" rel="author">Theresa Cross</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 13 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/13/what-is-going-on-with-starliner-is-it-going-to-launch-this-year/" aria-hidden="true"> <img width="290" height="145" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Boeing-Starliner-ISS.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=290&h=145&crop=1" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Boeing-Starliner-ISS.jpeg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Boeing-Starliner-ISS.jpeg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Boeing-Starliner-ISS.jpeg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Boeing-Starliner-ISS.jpeg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="30777" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/05/23/boeing-oft-2-starliner-docks-with-space-station-a-successful-but-rocky-venture/boeing-starliner-iss/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Boeing-Starliner-ISS.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="4096,2731" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Boeing-Starliner-ISS" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: NASA</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Boeing-Starliner-ISS.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/05/Boeing-Starliner-ISS.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/13/what-is-going-on-with-starliner-is-it-going-to-launch-this-year/">What is going on with Starliner? Is it going to launch this year?</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 13 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/09/starship-flight-8-booster-15-completes-static-fire/" aria-hidden="true"> <img width="290" height="145" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjX67jdW0AACl1U.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=290&h=145&crop=1" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjX67jdW0AACl1U.jpeg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjX67jdW0AACl1U.jpeg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjX67jdW0AACl1U.jpeg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjX67jdW0AACl1U.jpeg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="42723" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/09/starship-flight-8-booster-15-completes-static-fire/gjx67jdw0aacl1u/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjX67jdW0AACl1U.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="2000,1000" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Starship Flight 8 booster static fire" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: SpaceX</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjX67jdW0AACl1U.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/GjX67jdW0AACl1U.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2025/02/09/starship-flight-8-booster-15-completes-static-fire/">Starship Flight 8: Booster 15 completes static fire</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 9 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-36461" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-36461" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div></aside> <div id="river" class="river"> <div class="container flex-lg"> <div id="posts" class="container med left river__posts posts-anchor"> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/rocket-lab/">Rocket Lab</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/vast/">Vast</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcher/">Launcher</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/stratolaunch/">Stratolaunch</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/23/virgin-orbit-sold-in-pieces-assets-going-to-rocket-lab-launcher-and-stratolaunch/">Virgin Orbit sold in pieces: Assets going to Rocket Lab, Launcher, and Stratolaunch</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">May 23 2023 - 4:34 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/23/virgin-orbit-sold-in-pieces-assets-going-to-rocket-lab-launcher-and-stratolaunch/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/23/virgin-orbit-sold-in-pieces-assets-going-to-rocket-lab-launcher-and-stratolaunch/"> <img width="1499" height="1000" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1499" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="34810" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/fwbjw3bxoaiet5j/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="2048,1366" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Cosmic Girl LaunchOne Virgin Orbit" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: Virgin Orbit</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>After months of <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/03/virgin-orbit-getting-closer-to-a-sale-with-court-approved-plan/">speculation, potential, and disappointments</a>, Virgin Orbit’s fate has been sealed. It will go down in history as a company that revolutionized an industry that it eventually couldn’t keep up with.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launcher,rocket-lab,stratolaunch,vast,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="36461" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/23/virgin-orbit-sold-in-pieces-assets-going-to-rocket-lab-launcher-and-stratolaunch/#more-36461" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/richard-branson/">Richard Branson</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/03/virgin-orbit-getting-closer-to-a-sale-with-court-approved-plan/">Virgin Orbit getting closer to a sale with court approved plan</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">May 3 2023 - 8:59 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/03/virgin-orbit-getting-closer-to-a-sale-with-court-approved-plan/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/03/virgin-orbit-getting-closer-to-a-sale-with-court-approved-plan/"> <img width="1600" height="892" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="1423" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/virgin-orbit-87/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="3066,1710" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="virgin-orbit-87" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>We have an update this week on the current status of Virgin Orbit’s bankruptcy as the company looks to continue operations under a new owner. However, that outcome isn’t guaranteed with its currently approved plan by the courts.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="richard-branson,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="35790" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/05/03/virgin-orbit-getting-closer-to-a-sale-with-court-approved-plan/#more-35790" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/20/is-virgin-orbit-still-alive-apparently-so-and-want-to-launch-again-this-year/">Is Virgin Orbit still alive? Apparently so, and want to launch again this year</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Apr 20 2023 - 5:26 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/20/is-virgin-orbit-still-alive-apparently-so-and-want-to-launch-again-this-year/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/20/is-virgin-orbit-still-alive-apparently-so-and-want-to-launch-again-this-year/"> <img width="1501" height="1000" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1501" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="34811" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/fwn8fppwqaezrjr/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="2048,1364" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="LauncherOne Virgin Orbit" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>LauncherOne is a two-stage rocket — powered by liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene — that can send small payloads into low Earth orbit after being air-launched by a modified 747 aircraft. Credit: Virgin Orbit</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Two weeks ago, Virgin Orbit <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/04/virgin-orbit-files-for-bankruptcy-after-it-continues-to-fail-to-find-a-buyer/">filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy</a> protection and laid off 85% of its workforce after failing to secure funding. However, it seems that doesn’t mean the company is finished, as it says it is working towards a launch later this year.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launcherone,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="35538" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/20/is-virgin-orbit-still-alive-apparently-so-and-want-to-launch-again-this-year/#more-35538" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs sidebar--1"> <div class="widget ninetofive-branded-rss"> <div class="cross-site-feed featured-items ninetofive-dronedj"> <h2 attr-title="More">More<span class="screen-reader-text"> from DroneDJ</span></h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">DroneDJ</span> <a href="https://dronedj.com" target="_blank"><span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 176 56" class="icon-ninetofive-dronedj"><title>Drone DJ Logo</title><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M110 37.8c-.7-.5-.8-1.3.2-1.7-.4-1-1.7-1.6-2.2-2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 0-5 3.2c-.2-1.4.5-2.7 2.6-3.6 1.3-.6 2.8-.9 4.3-1 0 .5-.6.7-.7 1.2.4.9 1.6 1.5 2.2 2.4a4 4 0 0 1 2.3.7c.8.5.9 1.3 0 1.7h-.1c.1.8 1.6 1.5 2.2 2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 0 5-3.2c.2 1.3-.5 2.7-2.6 3.6-1.3.5-2.8.8-4.3.9 0-.4.7-.6.7-1.1-.4-.8-1.8-1.5-2.2-2.5a4 4 0 0 1-2.3-.6Z" clip-rule="evenodd" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M22.8 45c15.1 0 15.4-19.7-.1-19.7H13V45zm-.1-4.7h-2.5V30h2.5c5.4 0 5.4 10.3 0 10.3" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M41.9 45H35v-9.3c0-3.7 3-6.7 6.8-6.7h6v3.8h-3.4c-1.5 0-2.7 1-2.6 3.5V45Z" /><path fill="#C81C34" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M68.5 40.6a16.5 16.5 0 0 1-14.8 1.5c-4.3-2-4.7-5.7-.9-8.5a16.5 16.5 0 0 1 14.8-1.4c4.3 1.9 4.7 5.7.9 8.4m3 1.4a22.9 22.9 0 0 1-20.4 2c-6-2.6-6.6-7.9-1.3-11.7 1.7-1.3 4-2.2 6.3-2.8v.1c.2.6 1 .7 1.5.4l.3-.1v.7c.3.3.7.4 1.1.2.5-.1 1.4-.9 1.8-1.2l1-.8.2.4c0 .4.2.4.4.7.1.2.3.4.6.4.2 0 .4 0 .6-.2l.2-.3c.2-.3 0-.7 0-1 2.3.1 4.5.6 6.4 1.4 6 2.7 6.6 8 1.4 11.8Z" clip-rule="evenodd" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M86.3 28.5c-5.4 0-8.9 1.6-8.9 6.3V45h6.5V34.9c0-1.3.7-2.1 2.4-2.1s2.4.8 2.4 2V45h6.6V34.8c0-4.6-3.6-6.3-9-6.3" /><path fill="#C81C34" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M101 42a23 23 0 0 0 20.5 2c2.2-1 3.6-2.2 4.4-3.7h-4.5c-.6.7-1.5 1.3-2.6 1.8-4.3 2-11 1.3-14.7-1.5a7 7 0 0 1-2-2.2h8l-.6-.3c-.9-.6-1-1.6-.2-2.2h-7.8c.3-1.5 1.5-2.8 3.5-3.7 4.3-2 11-1.3 14.8 1.4a7 7 0 0 1 2 2.2h-8.1l.6.3c.9.7 1 1.7.1 2.3h12.1c.2-2-1-4.2-3.6-6.1-3.7-2.7-9.4-4-14.6-3.5v.3c0 .7-.8 1-1.5.9.3.3.3.8 0 1.2-.1.3-.5.4-1 .4-.4 0-.8-.2-1.1-.5l-1.1-1.1c.1 1-1.3 1.3-2 .7-5.3 2.8-5.5 7.7-.5 11.3Z" clip-rule="evenodd" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M137.8 45c15.1 0 15.3-19.7-.1-19.7H128V45zm-.2-4.7h-2.5V30h2.5c5.4 0 5.5 10.3 0 10.3" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M162.9 25.3h-7.5v12.2c0 2.6-.4 3.7-2.6 3.7h-3.5V45h6.1c4.7 0 7.7-2.6 7.5-7V25.2Z" /><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M72.7 44a22.9 22.9 0 0 1-20.4 2 10 10 0 0 1-3.6-2.4l1.8 1c9.9 4.3 25.2-.6 25.5-8.1 1 2.4 0 5.2-3.3 7.5m46.5-3.6v.2l.2-.2zM99.8 44a23 23 0 0 0 20.5 2 10 10 0 0 0 3.6-2.4l-1.8 1c-9.9 4.3-25.2-.6-25.6-8.1-1 2.4.1 5.2 3.3 7.5" clip-rule="evenodd" /><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="m66.3 46.8 14.8 6.8-.8-1.3-13.5-5.7zm40 0-14.7 6.8.8-1.3 13.5-5.7.5.2Zm-20 1H88c.3 0 .4 0 .4.2l.9 4c0 .2-.3.5-.4.5l-.8.2-1 .2a3.5 3.5 0 0 1-1.3 0l-1-.2-.8-.2c-.1 0-.4-.3-.4-.6l.9-3.9c0-.2.2-.3.4-.3h1.6Zm0 5.7h-.6l-2-.5c-.4 0-1-.5-.9-.9l1.1-4.2c0-.3.5-.4.8-.4H88c.3 0 .7.1.8.4l1.1 4.2c0 .4-.5.8-1 1l-1.9.3h-.6Zm0-6.9H84c-.6 0-1.1.3-1.6.6l-1.4 1c-.4.2-1.1.2-1.6 0l-10.8-3.7-4 2 20 9.1c.5.3 1.2.4 1.9.4.6 0 1.3-.1 1.9-.4l20-9.1-4-2-11 3.7c-.4.2-1 .2-1.4 0l-1.5-1c-.5-.3-1-.5-1.6-.6h-2.4Zm-23.8-8.8c.7-.5.8-1.3-.1-1.7.4-1 1.6-1.6 2.1-2.5 2.3.4 3.8 1.4 5 3.2.2-1.4-.5-2.7-2.6-3.6-1.2-.6-2.7-.9-4.3-1 0 .5.6.7.7 1.2-.3.9-1.6 1.5-2.2 2.4a4 4 0 0 0-2.3.7c-.7.5-.8 1.3.1 1.7 0 .8-1.6 1.5-2.1 2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 1-5-3.2c-.2 1.3.5 2.7 2.6 3.6 1.2.5 2.7.8 4.3.9 0-.4-.7-.6-.7-1.1.4-.8 1.8-1.5 2.2-2.5a4 4 0 0 0 2.3-.6M73.3.6c2.6.4 4 1.7 4.9 3.4l-.7.4c-1.5-2.8-3.7-3.2-6.5-3l-.4.1c-1.4.2-4.6 1.8-3.8 3.2-1.8 0-2.2 2.8-.6 4.5l-.5.3c-1.4-1-1.8-3.6-.7-5.3 1.7-3 5-4.2 8.3-3.6M79 4.3a8 8 0 0 1 1.8 4.4l-.4.1c-.2-1.4-1-3.3-2-4.3zm24.7 18.5c.4-1.5.6-3.5.6-5v-.6c-.3-1.4-4-2.5-5.2-3.6 0-.1 0-.2.2-.3.3-.6-.2-.7-.7-.8H97l-.3-.3-1.8-.5-2.4-1c-.9-.5-1.5-1-2.3-1.3l-1-.5-.8-.5-1-.2a14 14 0 0 0-1.4 0l-1.4.1h-.8l-2.4.2c.8-.8-.7-5.2-2.7-4.6-1-2.1-2.7-3.2-5.2-3.7-3.5-.7-7.1.6-9 3.7q-.9 1.5-.6 3.3c.1 1.2.7 2 1.5 2.7-1 1.6 1.3 4.9 3.4 4.4-1.3-.5-2.6-2.2-3.2-3.8 0-.2.2-.5.5-.6.6 1.9 1.8 3.4 3.3 4.3h.3c-.7.4-1.5.9-1.7 1.5l-.8 3.2-.2.7c0 .2-.3.3-.3.5l-.5 1c0 .3 0 .3.2.4h.2c-1.7 1.2-3.4 2.1-4.6 2.8-.1.2-.2.3-.4.3-.9.4-.6.3-1.2 1-.2.2-.4.3-.5.6v.6c-1.2 1-2.1 1.4-3.1 2.4-.4.2 0 .7.5.4l3.4-2c.1-.1.3-.1 0 0-.4.7-1.4 1.5-2 2s-.4 1 .2.8L62 28c.2 0 .2 0 .2.2l.1.8c0 .2.3.4.3.5l.3.2h.2l.2-.2c0-.1-.3-.8 0-1.3.2-.3.5-.3.7-.7l.3-.6.1-.9h.1c1.3-.9 2.7-1.5 4.6-2.7l.3.2c.3.3 1-.4 1.2-1v-.3l.7-.9c.2-.2.7-.5.9-.9l.3-.2.1-.2c0-.5-.8-1.2-.6-1.3.2 0 1 .8 1.2.7l.4-.3c.2 0-.8-2-.7-2l1.2 2.2 1.4 1.5.4.8c.2.7.6.9 1 1.2.3.3 0 1.8.1 2.1 0 1 .7 2 .6 2.5l-.2 2.7c2.1-2.4 5.8-2.8 8.8-2.8 3.1 0 7 .5 9 3l.9 1.4c.5-.4.8-1 .5-1.6-.1-.2.2-1.7-.7-1.5-.5 0-1-.2-1-.7-.1-1.2.6-1.3 1.3-2.4-.3-.6-1.3-1.9-1.2-2 0-.9-1.3-1.3-1.6-1.9-.7-1.7-.2-2.3-1.5-3.4l-1-.8c-.1-.1-2.2-.2-3.6-2.5-.2-.2.8 1 1.7 1.5 1 .5 2 .4 2 .3l-.5-1.4c.2 0 2.1 2.9 2.3 2.9.6.2 1 .5 1.4.8h.5c.1 0 0 .1 0 .2l1 .3h.4c.2.1.2.2.3 0l.3-1 1.6.6c.4 0 .8.4 1 .8l-.2 2.2c-.3.3-1.2 2.8-2.1 3.5-.4.4-.7.7-.8 1l-.6.8c-.2.4 0 .4.2.5.9.1 1.8-.3 2.2-1 .3-.4 1-.8 1.2-.8s.8.6 1.1 1.5l1.2 2.5c.4.5 1.7.4 1.3-.3-.4-.6-1-2-1.2-3.4a16 16 0 0 0 3.2 4.2c1 .8 2 .3 1.4-.6-1.6-1.6-2.1-2-3-4.2 1.5 1.8 2 2.6 3.3 3.5.7.4 1.4-.2 1-.8-1.4-1.1-1.8-1.4-2.8-2.8 1.2 1 1.5 1.2 2.7 1.7.7.2.8-.3.2-.9-2.6-1.6-2-2.2-3.9-3.8Z" clip-rule="evenodd" /></svg></span></a> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/21/dji-mimo-app-new-update/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/dji-mimo-app-update-osmo-mobile-7-editing-filters.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/21/dji-mimo-app-new-update/">Elevate your content creation: Discover DJI Mimo app's new features</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e8f4970187688d370117ced145b1f3a?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Ishveena Singh"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ishveena Singh</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/dji-rs-4-mini-add-activetrack-to-any-camera-or-phone/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/RS-4-Mini-AI300-Magnetic-Quick-Release-Design.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/dji-rs-4-mini-add-activetrack-to-any-camera-or-phone/">DJI RS 4 Mini: Add ActiveTrack to any camera or smartphone</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Seth Kurkowski"> </span> <span class="author__link">Seth Kurkowski</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/dji-rs-4-mini-compare/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/DJI-rs-4-mini-gimbal-vs-rs-3-mini-compare.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="DJI rs 4 mini gimbal vs rs 3 mini compare" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/dji-rs-4-mini-compare/">DJI RS 4 Mini vs. RS 3 Mini: Which gimbal is best for you?</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e8f4970187688d370117ced145b1f3a?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Ishveena Singh"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ishveena Singh</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/canadian-tourist-drone-spy-us/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/cape-canaveral-florida-canadian-drone-spy.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="cape canaveral florida canadian drone spy" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/canadian-tourist-drone-spy-us/">71-year-old Canadian tourist charged for flying drone over Florida military base</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e8f4970187688d370117ced145b1f3a?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Ishveena Singh"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ishveena Singh</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/action-5-pro-firmware-dji/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/dji-Osmo-Action-5-Pro-camera-firmware-update-Skiing-360%C2%B0-Wrist-Strap.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="dji Osmo Action 5 Pro camera firmware update Skiing 360° Wrist Strap" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/action-5-pro-firmware-dji/">DJI just made the Osmo Action 5 Pro even more tempting</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e8f4970187688d370117ced145b1f3a?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Ishveena Singh"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ishveena Singh</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-35538" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-35538" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div> </aside> <div class="container med left river__posts"> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/04/virgin-orbit-files-for-bankruptcy-after-it-continues-to-fail-to-find-a-buyer/">Virgin Orbit files for bankruptcy after it continues to fail to find a buyer</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Apr 4 2023 - 7:44 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/04/virgin-orbit-files-for-bankruptcy-after-it-continues-to-fail-to-find-a-buyer/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/04/virgin-orbit-files-for-bankruptcy-after-it-continues-to-fail-to-find-a-buyer/"> <img width="1600" height="520" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/pagebanner-default-2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/pagebanner-default-2.jpg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/pagebanner-default-2.jpg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/pagebanner-default-2.jpg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/pagebanner-default-2.jpg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="35151" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/04/virgin-orbit-files-for-bankruptcy-after-it-continues-to-fail-to-find-a-buyer/pagebanner-default-2/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/pagebanner-default-2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="2460,800" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Virgin Orbit banner" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/pagebanner-default-2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/pagebanner-default-2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Virgin Orbit announced Tuesday morning that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after it ceased operations and practically ran out of cash. This comes less than a week after the company <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/31/virgin-orbit-shuts-down-after-failing-to-gain-more-funds/">laid off most of its workforce</a>.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="35146" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/04/04/virgin-orbit-files-for-bankruptcy-after-it-continues-to-fail-to-find-a-buyer/#more-35146" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/richard-branson/">Richard Branson</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/31/virgin-orbit-shuts-down-after-failing-to-gain-more-funds/">Virgin Orbit shuts down after failing to gain more funds</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Mar 31 2023 - 11:09 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/31/virgin-orbit-shuts-down-after-failing-to-gain-more-funds/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 1 Comment </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/31/virgin-orbit-shuts-down-after-failing-to-gain-more-funds/"> <img width="1600" height="900" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="14451" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/09/virgin-orbit-nearing-readiness-for-first-operational-flight-of-launcherone/virginorbit_cosmicgirl_launcherone_totallytubular/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="VirginOrbit_CosmicGirl_LauncherOne_TotallyTubular" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: Virgin Orbit</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>In an all-hands meeting Thursday afternoon, Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart told employees the bad news we had been expecting for a few days. The company will be laying off most of its workforce and cease operations due to a failure to gain funding.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="richard-branson,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="34954" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/31/virgin-orbit-shuts-down-after-failing-to-gain-more-funds/#more-34954" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/richard-branson/">Richard Branson</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/nasdaq/">NASDAQ</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/22/virgin-orbit-employees-will-return-to-work/">Small number of Virgin Orbit employees will return tomorrow to work on next mission</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Mar 22 2023 - 10:29 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/22/virgin-orbit-employees-will-return-to-work/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/22/virgin-orbit-employees-will-return-to-work/"> <img width="1600" height="895" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="1415" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/virgin-orbit-88/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="2207,1234" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="virgin-orbit-88" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Last week we saw the first major collapse of a recent commercial space company, with <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/">Virgin Orbit furloughing its entire staff</a> except for a handful of employees. However, there are some signs of hope, as tomorrow more employees will return for work with more coming later.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="nasdaq,richard-branson,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="34825" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/22/virgin-orbit-employees-will-return-to-work/#more-34825" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs sidebar--2"> <div class="widget ninetofive-branded-rss"> <div class="cross-site-feed featured-items ninetofive-mac"> <h2 attr-title="More">More<span class="screen-reader-text"> from 9to5Mac</span></h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">9to5Mac</span> <a href="https://9to5mac.com" target="_blank"><span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 221 56" class="icon-ninetofive-mac"><title>9to5Mac Logo</title><path fill="#004A7C" d="m17.39 43.42 7.55-11.18a7 7 0 0 1-3.84 1c-5.78 0-10.1-5.58-10.1-11.1 0-2.85 1.2-5.74 3.1-7.77A10.45 10.45 0 0 1 21.97 11c6 0 10.8 5.14 10.8 11.05 0 4.23-1.9 6.73-4.1 10.06L21.1 43.4h-3.7Zm4.53-13.38c4.32.21 7.64-3.46 7.64-7.73 0-4.36-3.15-8.25-7.64-8.25a7.88 7.88 0 0 0-7.73 7.95c-.04 4.31 3.72 8.24 7.73 8.03M43.2 14.4h-7.33v-2.9h17.78v2.9H46.4v29h-3.2zm44 12.95c0 9.28-7.65 16.62-16.89 16.62-8.93 0-16.83-7.2-16.83-16.36A16.7 16.7 0 0 1 70.3 11c9.03 0 16.88 7.2 16.88 16.36Zm-3.2 0c0-7.38-6.35-13.3-13.64-13.3-7.6 0-13.69 6.05-13.69 13.56 0 7.38 6.43 13.3 13.69 13.3 7.5 0 13.64-6 13.64-13.56m11.9-15.83h14.42v2.89H98.5l-1.6 8.8c1.65-.94 3.5-1.5 5.4-1.5 6.05 0 10.67 5.18 10.67 11.09 0 6-4.58 11.18-10.7 11.18-6.05 0-10.54-4.7-10.97-10.58h3.2c.25 4.02 3.36 7.51 7.59 7.51 4.44 0 7.68-3.7 7.68-8.02 0-4.28-3.2-8.12-7.64-8.12-2.59 0-4.96 1.42-6.56 3.37l-2.55-.91 2.9-15.71ZM70.33 16.9v10.94zm0 12.12c.66 0 1.19-.53 1.19-1.18V16.9a1.18 1.18 0 0 0-2.37 0v10.94c0 .66.53 1.18 1.18 1.18m0-1.18h-7.55zm0 1.18a1.18 1.18 0 0 0 0-2.36h-7.55a1.18 1.18 0 0 0 0 2.36z" /><path fill="#0095FF" d="M118.32 11.5h4.93l11.66 27.17 11.61-27.16h4.92v31.9h-3.2V15.06l-12 28.37h-2.72l-12-28.37v28.37h-3.2zm63.17 31.92h-3.06v-4.45h-.09c-1.73 3.33-5.35 5.01-9.07 5.01-3.54 0-7.38-1.55-10.4-5-.87-.96-2.33-3.94-2.33-7.52 0-3.24 1.33-6.13 3.4-8.3a12.3 12.3 0 0 1 9.25-3.88c3.71 0 7.47 1.64 9.15 5.01h.09v-4.5h3.06zm-21.76-11.7c0 5.18 4.49 9.2 9.54 9.2a9.33 9.33 0 0 0 9.16-9.16 9.2 9.2 0 0 0-9.24-9.41 9.4 9.4 0 0 0-9.46 9.37m50.7 4.79a12.41 12.41 0 0 1-11.5 7.47c-7.03 0-12.9-5.18-12.9-12.4 0-6.99 5.96-12.3 12.78-12.3 5 0 9.84 2.94 11.66 7.69h-3.59a9.47 9.47 0 0 0-8.03-4.62c-5.22 0-9.63 3.88-9.63 9.2 0 5.22 4.1 9.36 9.37 9.36 3.67 0 6.22-1.5 8.3-4.4h3.53Z" /></svg></span></a> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/9to5rewards-win-apples-latest-macbook-pro-from-chargeasap-giveaway/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Jeffs-Studio-Setup-14-inch-MacBook-Pro-different-view-with-Husky-Mobile-Workbench.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/9to5rewards-win-apples-latest-macbook-pro-from-chargeasap-giveaway/">9to5Rewards: Win Apple's latest MacBook Pro from Chargeasap [Giveaway]</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85700b4b3b5d6089c388df52d53a7fcc?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Sponsored Post"> </span> <span class="author__link">Sponsored Post</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/proximity-pairing-mac-macos-15-4/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/mac-setup-pairing.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="Apple to add proximity pairing to the Mac with macOS 15.4" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/proximity-pairing-mac-macos-15-4/">Apple to add proximity pairing setup to the Mac with macOS 15.4</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/36d1bcbba2ffa3509f294100b9af0388?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Filipe Espósito"> </span> <span class="author__link">Filipe Espósito</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/ios-18-4-beta-1-heres-everything-new/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/ios-18.4-beta-1-update.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/ios-18-4-beta-1-heres-everything-new/">iOS 18.4 beta 1: Here's everything new</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8ca0a5473ca1b059b4b0aa628da621ff?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Chance Miller"> </span> <span class="author__link">Chance Miller</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/apple-home-device-category-ios-18-4/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/homepad-concept-homekit-02.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="HomePad concept Home app" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/apple-home-device-category-ios-18-4/">New 'Home' device category mentioned in iOS 18.4 beta code [U]</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/36d1bcbba2ffa3509f294100b9af0388?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Filipe Espósito"> </span> <span class="author__link">Filipe Espósito</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/ios-18-4-lets-you-set-default-iphone-apps-in-these-new-categories/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/iphone-home-screen.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/ios-18-4-lets-you-set-default-iphone-apps-in-these-new-categories/">iOS 18.4 lets you set default iPhone apps in these new categories</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ad66af5f17fa7d608707972ecfca0160?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Ryan Christoffel"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ryan Christoffel</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-34825" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-34825" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div> </aside> <div class="container med left river__posts"> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/cosmic-girl/">Cosmic Girl</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/spaceport-cornwall/">Spaceport Cornwall</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/">Virgin Orbit seeks cash infusion to reboost the company</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/ttlcrossgirl/"> <img alt='Avatar for Theresa Cross' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a156a9e39726e9c1575647367684ae86?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a156a9e39726e9c1575647367684ae86?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/ttlcrossgirl/" title="Posts by Theresa Cross" rel="author">Theresa Cross</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Mar 21 2023 - 3:20 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/"> <img width="1499" height="1000" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1499" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="34810" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/fwbjw3bxoaiet5j/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="2048,1366" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Cosmic Girl LaunchOne Virgin Orbit" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: Virgin Orbit</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWbjW3BXoAIET5j.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>It’s been a turbulent week for Virgin Orbit, headquartered out of Long Beach California. The company suspended all operations and furloughed most of its workforce for a week as it sought relief by raising funds to rescue its rocket-flying business, according to sources close to the matter on March 15.</p> <p>During a 5 p.m. EDT meeting that day, company higher-ups explained that employees could cash in their paid time off as the furlough would be unpaid with a small team remaining in place continuing to work.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1364" data-attachment-id="34811" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/fwn8fppwqaezrjr/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="2048,1364" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="LauncherOne Virgin Orbit" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>LauncherOne is a two-stage rocket — powered by liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene — that can send small payloads into low Earth orbit after being air-launched by a modified 747 aircraft. Credit: Virgin Orbit</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-34811" srcset="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg 2048w, https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?resize=300,200 300w, https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?resize=768,512 768w, https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?resize=1024,682 1024w, https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?resize=1536,1023 1536w, https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?resize=350,233 350w, https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?resize=140,93 140w, https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?resize=1501,1000 1501w, https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/FWn8fppWQAEzrJr.jpeg?resize=150,100 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">LauncherOne is a two-stage rocket — powered by liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene — that can send small payloads into low Earth orbit after being air-launched by a modified 747 aircraft. Credit: Virgin Orbit</figcaption></figure> <p>During the third quarter of 2022, Virgin Orbit reported a loss of $42.9 million as cash demands continued, with fourth quarter funding coming from an investment arm of its founder Richard Branson’s parent company, Virgin Group.</p> <p>Notes in the amounts of $25 million, an unsecured convertible note secured in November of 2022, along with another $30 million in senior secured notes in December 2022 and January 2023 gives “first priority” access to assets by Branson’s parent company.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="cosmic-girl,launcherone,spaceport-cornwall,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="34809" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/21/virgin-orbit-cash-boost/#more-34809" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/richard-branson/">Richard Branson</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/15/virgin-orbit-pausing-operations-as-it-looks-for-a-means-of-survival/">Virgin Orbit pausing operations as it looks for a means of survival</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Mar 15 2023 - 3:11 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/15/virgin-orbit-pausing-operations-as-it-looks-for-a-means-of-survival/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/15/virgin-orbit-pausing-operations-as-it-looks-for-a-means-of-survival/"> <img width="1600" height="900" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="14451" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/09/virgin-orbit-nearing-readiness-for-first-operational-flight-of-launcherone/virginorbit_cosmicgirl_launcherone_totallytubular/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="VirginOrbit_CosmicGirl_LauncherOne_TotallyTubular" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: Virgin Orbit</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>According to CNBC’s Michael Sheetz, Virgin Orbit will be shutting down and furloughing its employees for at least one week while it looks for funding to continue operations.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="richard-branson,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="34711" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2023/03/15/virgin-orbit-pausing-operations-as-it-looks-for-a-means-of-survival/#more-34711" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/12/how-to-watch-virgin-orbits-upcoming-launcherone-mission-above-the-clouds/">How to watch Virgin Orbit’s upcoming LauncherOne mission, ‘Above the Clouds’</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/arinwaichulis/"> <img alt='Avatar for Arin Waichulis' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1c1cc79524e7407a21ee7168fbe8e08e?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1c1cc79524e7407a21ee7168fbe8e08e?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/arinwaichulis/" title="Posts by Arin Waichulis" rel="author">Arin Waichulis</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Jan 12 2022 - 7:05 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/12/how-to-watch-virgin-orbits-upcoming-launcherone-mission-above-the-clouds/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/12/how-to-watch-virgin-orbits-upcoming-launcherone-mission-above-the-clouds/"> <img src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" alt="Site default logo image" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Virgin Orbit is back at it again with their one-of-a-kind LauncherOne rocket. Wednesday, the rocket will launch mid-air from Virgin Orbit’s custom Boeing 747 with several customer satellites onboard. Here’s everything we know and how you can watch it live.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launcherone,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="27185" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/12/how-to-watch-virgin-orbits-upcoming-launcherone-mission-above-the-clouds/#more-27185" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs sidebar--3"> <div class="widget ninetofive-branded-rss"> <div class="cross-site-feed featured-items ninetofive-electrek"> <h2 attr-title="More">More<span class="screen-reader-text"> from Electrek</span></h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">Electrek</span> <a href="https://electrek.co" target="_blank"><span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 232 56" class="icon-ninetofive-electrek"><title>Electrek Logo</title><mask id="a" width="212" height="43" x="11" y="6" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse"><path fill="#fff" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M44 6.5V40c0 4.3 2 7.9 8 7.9h3.6v-6.1H54c-1.4 0-2.1-1-2.1-2.8V6.5h-8Zm148.7 0v41h7.7v-41zM123 8.8v8.6h-3.8v5.8h3.8V40c0 4.3 2 7.9 8 7.9h3.4v-6.1h-1.5c-1.2 0-1.9-1-1.9-2.8V23.2h4.6v-5.8H131V8.8zm37 23.8c0 11.6 7.4 16 14.1 16 8 0 12.8-4.6 13.3-10h-8.2c-1 2.3-3.1 3-5 3-4.4 0-6.3-3-6.6-7v-2.3l.3-3.3c.4-3.8 2.4-6 5.8-6 3.6 0 5.5 2.5 5.5 6h-7.5v5.6h15.7c.2-12.9-5-18.2-13.7-18.2-8 0-13.8 5.8-13.8 16.2Zm-102 0c0 11.6 7.5 16 14.2 16 8 0 12.8-4.6 13.3-10h-8.2c-1 2.3-3.2 3-5.1 3-4 0-6.3-3-6.3-7l-.2-2.3.2-3.3h.3c.5-3.8 2.1-6 5.5-6 3.6 0 5.6 2.5 5.8 6H70l-.2 2.8.2 2.8h15.5c.2-12.9-5.1-18.2-13.8-18.2-8 0-13.7 5.8-13.7 16.2m-47 0c0 11.6 7.5 16 14.2 16 8.2 0 12.8-4.6 13.3-10h-8.2c-.7 2.3-3 3-5 3-4.2 0-6.3-3-6.3-7v-2.3l.2-3.3c.5-3.8 2.4-6 5.5-6 3.6 0 5.6 2.5 5.8 6H23l-.2 2.8.2 2.8h15.5c.2-12.9-5-18.2-13.8-18.2-8 0-13.7 5.8-13.7 16.2m136.9-10.1V17h-7.5v30.4h8V33.3c0-6 1.9-8.6 6.7-8.6h2.4v-8.3h-1c-3.6 0-6.2 1.3-8.6 6ZM89.3 32.8c0 9.9 4.8 15.7 13.5 15.7 8 0 12.8-5.8 13.3-12.1h-8c-.2 2.8-1.4 5.3-5 5.3-4.4 0-5.6-4-5.6-9.1 0-7.4 2.7-9.4 5.8-9.4s4.3 2.3 4.8 4.8h8c-1-8.3-5.3-11.6-13-11.6-9 0-13.8 6.6-13.8 16.4M212 17.1l-9.2 12.4v2.3l9.6 15.7h9.7L211 30.3l10.6-13.2z" clip-rule="evenodd" /></mask><g mask="url(#a)"><path fill="url(#b)" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M480.6 392.6v-590.5h-727v590.5z" clip-rule="evenodd" /></g><defs><linearGradient id="b" x2="218.9" y2="38.3" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"><stop stop-color="#5ADFFF" /><stop offset=".3" stop-color="#02B7FC" /><stop offset="1" stop-color="#00DA97" /></linearGradient></defs></svg></span></a> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/trump-to-shut-down-all-8000-ev-charging-ports-at-federal-govt-buildings/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/pexels-photo-9800006.jpeg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="gray electric car parked on a charging bay" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/trump-to-shut-down-all-8000-ev-charging-ports-at-federal-govt-buildings/">Trump to shut down all 8,000 EV charging ports at federal govt buildings</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b2390be790ce625b95e69e27b1a32fe1?s=30&d=identicon&r=g" alt="Michelle Lewis"> </span> <span class="author__link">Michelle Lewis</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/ford-mustang-mach-e-leased-less-than-toyota-camry/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Ford-Mach-E-lease-Camry-1.jpeg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="Ford-Mach-E-lease-Camry" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/ford-mustang-mach-e-leased-less-than-toyota-camry/">Ford Mustang Mach-E is heavily discounted, you can even lease it for less than a Toyota…</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9f7c30a1ae9b39bfb3de5c1175d9d10e?s=30&d=identicon&r=g" alt="Peter Johnson"> </span> <span class="author__link">Peter Johnson</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/nema-bidirectional-ev-charging-standard/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/GM-Energy-V2H-Bundle-Side-Profile.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="GM bidirectional charger" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/nema-bidirectional-ev-charging-standard/">NEMA unveils a standard for bidirectional EV charging</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b2390be790ce625b95e69e27b1a32fe1?s=30&d=identicon&r=g" alt="Michelle Lewis"> </span> <span class="author__link">Michelle Lewis</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/podcast-tesla-protests-rivian-earnings-kias-new-evs-and-more/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/12/business_card-1.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="electrek podcast" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/podcast-tesla-protests-rivian-earnings-kias-new-evs-and-more/">Podcast: Tesla protests, Rivian earnings, Kia's new EVs, and more</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ecd1698b64e3d1fca5c1ceead88373dd?s=30&d=identicon&r=g" alt="Fred Lambert"> </span> <span class="author__link">Fred Lambert</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/genesis-gv90-ultra-luxe-ev-caught-with-coach-doors-first-time/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Genesis-GV90-ultra-luxury-SUV-side.jpeg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="Genesis-GV90-coach-doors" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://electrek.co/2025/02/21/genesis-gv90-ultra-luxe-ev-caught-with-coach-doors-first-time/">Here's our first look at the Genesis GV90 with coach doors: The next ultra-luxe EV</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9f7c30a1ae9b39bfb3de5c1175d9d10e?s=30&d=identicon&r=g" alt="Peter Johnson"> </span> <span class="author__link">Peter Johnson</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-27185" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-27185" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div> </aside> <div class="container med left river__posts"> <article class="article aside container"> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/11/launch-spotlight-virgin-orbits-first-2022-launch-of-its-launcherone-vehicle/"> <img width="1500" height="1000" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/above-the-clouds2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1500" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/above-the-clouds2.jpg?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/above-the-clouds2.jpg?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/above-the-clouds2.jpg?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/above-the-clouds2.jpg?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="27198" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/11/launch-spotlight-virgin-orbits-first-2022-launch-of-its-launcherone-vehicle/above-the-clouds2/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/above-the-clouds2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all" data-orig-size="2500,1667" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="above-the-clouds2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/above-the-clouds2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/above-the-clouds2.jpg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launch/">Launch</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h4"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/11/launch-spotlight-virgin-orbits-first-2022-launch-of-its-launcherone-vehicle/">Launch Spotlight: Virgin Orbit’s first 2022 launch of its LauncherOne vehicle</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Jan 11 2022 - 1:37 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/11/launch-spotlight-virgin-orbits-first-2022-launch-of-its-launcherone-vehicle/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <p>After becoming a publically traded company last week, Richard Branson’s commercial launch provider, <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a>, is preparing for its first launch of 2022. Onboard will be four payloads from both civil and commercial entities. Continuing on with fun names Virgin Orbit has given its mission, this one is called “Above the Clouds.”</p> <p><strong>Launch Date:</strong> Wednesday, January 12, ~5:00 p.m. EST (Takeoff: ~4:00 p.m. EST)</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launch,launcherone,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="27176" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/11/launch-spotlight-virgin-orbits-first-2022-launch-of-its-launcherone-vehicle/#more-27176" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/science/">Science</a></li> <li class="meta__guide sponsored"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/feature/spaceflight/">Spaceflight</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/southwest-research-institute/">Southwest Research Institute</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/09/05/virgin-orbit-partners-with-the-southwest-research-institute-to-explore-research-opportunities-on-future-flights/">Virgin Orbit partners with the Southwest Research Institute to explore research opportunities on future flights</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/harrykstoltz/"> <img alt='Avatar for Harry Stoltz' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2b522c94951ebce2083bcc69c245c04f?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2b522c94951ebce2083bcc69c245c04f?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/harrykstoltz/" title="Posts by Harry Stoltz" rel="author">Harry Stoltz</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Sep 5 2021 - 6:52 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/09/05/virgin-orbit-partners-with-the-southwest-research-institute-to-explore-research-opportunities-on-future-flights/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/09/05/virgin-orbit-partners-with-the-southwest-research-institute-to-explore-research-opportunities-on-future-flights/"> <img width="1600" height="895" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="19190" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/09/05/virgin-orbit-partners-with-the-southwest-research-institute-to-explore-research-opportunities-on-future-flights/virgin-orbit-88-2/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="2207,1234" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Virgin-Orbit-88" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a> announced a partnership with the Texas-based nonprofit Southwest Research Institute to work on future research missions.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="southwest-research-institute,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="19156" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/09/05/virgin-orbit-partners-with-the-southwest-research-institute-to-explore-research-opportunities-on-future-flights/#more-19156" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launchertwo/">LauncherTwo</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/spac/">SPAC</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/08/23/virgin-orbit-announces-plans-for-reusability-and-a-new-launchertwo-vehicle/">Virgin Orbit announces plans for reusability and a new LauncherTwo vehicle</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Aug 23 2021 - 3:36 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/08/23/virgin-orbit-announces-plans-for-reusability-and-a-new-launchertwo-vehicle/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/08/23/virgin-orbit-announces-plans-for-reusability-and-a-new-launchertwo-vehicle/"> <img width="1600" height="892" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="virgin orbit launcherone" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12652" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/04/22/virgin-orbit-selected-to-launch-6-imaging-satellites-to-low-earth-orbit/virgin-orbit-87-2/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="1793,1000" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Virgin-Orbit-87" data-image-description="<p>Virgin Orbit / Greg Robinson</p> " data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>The smallsat launcher owned by Richard Branson announced it will be joining the trend of other space companies and merging with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). This also comes with some new future plans for Virgin Orbit like turning LauncherOne into a reusable rocket and developing a new LauncherTwo vehicle.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launcherone,launchertwo,spac,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="17709" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/08/23/virgin-orbit-announces-plans-for-reusability-and-a-new-launchertwo-vehicle/#more-17709" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs sidebar--4"> <div class="widget ninetofive-branded-rss"> <div class="cross-site-feed featured-items ninetofive-google"> <h2 attr-title="More">More<span class="screen-reader-text"> from 9to5Google</span></h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">9to5Google</span> <a href="https://9to5google.com" target="_blank"><span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 279 56" class="icon-ninetofive-google"><title>9to5Google Logo</title><path fill="#26651A" d="m17.28 41.9 7.43-11a6.9 6.9 0 0 1-3.78.98c-5.69 0-9.93-5.48-9.93-10.91 0-2.8 1.19-5.65 3.06-7.65a10.27 10.27 0 0 1 7.72-3.31c5.9 0 10.6 5.05 10.6 10.87 0 4.16-1.86 6.63-4.03 9.9L20.93 41.9zm4.46-13.16c4.24.21 7.5-3.4 7.5-7.6 0-4.3-3.1-8.12-7.5-8.12a7.75 7.75 0 0 0-7.6 7.82c-.04 4.25 3.65 8.11 7.6 7.9m20.91-15.38h-7.2v-2.84h17.47v2.84H45.8v28.55h-3.14V13.36ZM85.9 26.11c0 9.13-7.51 16.35-16.59 16.35-8.78 0-16.55-7.1-16.55-16.1 0-9.13 7.47-16.35 16.55-16.35 8.87 0 16.59 7.1 16.59 16.1m-3.14 0c0-7.27-6.24-13.09-13.4-13.09A13.35 13.35 0 0 0 55.9 26.36c0 7.26 6.32 13.08 13.45 13.08 7.39 0 13.41-5.9 13.41-13.33m11.71-15.6h14.18v2.85H97l-1.57 8.67a10.63 10.63 0 0 1 5.3-1.49c5.94 0 10.48 5.1 10.48 10.92 0 5.9-4.5 11-10.52 11-5.94 0-10.35-4.63-10.78-10.4h3.14c.26 3.94 3.31 7.38 7.47 7.38 4.37 0 7.55-3.65 7.55-7.9 0-4.2-3.14-7.98-7.5-7.98-2.55 0-4.89 1.4-6.46 3.31l-2.5-.9 2.84-15.45Zm-25.14 5.3v10.77zm0 11.93c.64 0 1.16-.52 1.16-1.16V15.81a1.16 1.16 0 1 0-2.32 0v10.77c0 .64.52 1.16 1.16 1.16m0-1.16H61.9zm0 1.16a1.16 1.16 0 0 0 0-2.32H61.9a1.16 1.16 0 0 0 0 2.32z" /><path fill="#57E53B" d="M148.38 27.42c-.6 8.62-8.15 15.04-16.6 15.04-9.04 0-16.8-7.22-16.8-16.4 0-4.16 1.9-8.37 4.83-11.26a16.7 16.7 0 0 1 11.97-4.8c3.27 0 6.5.9 9.21 2.68 2.04 1.36 4.67 3.78 5.48 6.2h-3.57c-2.2-3.7-6.75-5.86-11.12-5.86-3.35 0-6.75 1.14-9.34 3.52-2.58 2.38-4.32 6-4.32 9.56 0 7.65 6.32 13.34 13.79 13.34 5.6 0 11.12-3.7 12.69-9.17h-17.53v-2.85h21.3Zm27.75 2.72c0 6.63-5.34 12.32-12.05 12.32-6.58 0-12.18-5.35-12.18-12.02a12.2 12.2 0 0 1 12.18-12.28c6.45 0 12.05 5.52 12.05 11.98m-21.1.3c0 4.97 4.08 9 9.05 9 5.18 0 8.91-4.25 8.91-9.3a8.4 8.4 0 0 0-2.71-6.42 9.15 9.15 0 0 0-6.2-2.55 9.1 9.1 0 0 0-9.04 9.27Zm48.14-.3c0 6.63-5.35 12.32-12.06 12.32-6.58 0-12.18-5.35-12.18-12.02a12.2 12.2 0 0 1 12.18-12.28c6.45 0 12.06 5.52 12.06 11.98m-21.1.3c0 4.97 4.08 9 9.04 9 5.18 0 8.92-4.25 8.92-9.3a8.4 8.4 0 0 0-2.72-6.42 9.14 9.14 0 0 0-6.2-2.55 9.1 9.1 0 0 0-9.04 9.27m48.77 8.15c0 3.62-.13 5.83-2.72 8.63-2.25 2.46-5.86 3.78-9.17 3.78-5.09 0-10.1-3.44-11.37-8.54h3.05c1.83 3.44 4.59 5.52 8.58 5.52 2.97 0 6.07-1.36 7.6-4.03 1.01-1.83 1.01-3.32 1.01-5.36v-1.27c-1.48 3.48-5.47 5.14-9.08 5.14a12.5 12.5 0 0 1-8.36-3.4 11.6 11.6 0 0 1-3.65-8.7c0-3.28 1.36-6.25 2.2-7.19 3.06-3.87 6.33-5.01 9.64-5.01 3.7 0 7.47 1.65 9.25 5.01v-4.5h3.02zm-20.97-8.54c0 5.14 3.6 9.4 8.91 9.4 2.47 0 4.63-.81 6.37-2.64a10 10 0 0 0 2.63-6.5c0-5.23-4.12-9.14-9.3-9.14-4.83 0-8.6 4.13-8.6 8.88Zm26.31-19.54h3.14v31.4h-3.14V10.5Zm10.74 20.9c.17 4.42 4.46 8.03 8.74 8.03 3.44 0 6.92-1.9 8.32-5.1h3.27a12.32 12.32 0 0 1-11.29 8.12c-6.8 0-12.18-5.35-12.18-12.15a12.05 12.05 0 0 1 21.43-7.65c2.17 2.68 2.63 5.4 2.72 8.75zm17.87-2.84a9.25 9.25 0 0 0-8.87-7.4 9.11 9.11 0 0 0-9 7.4z" /></svg></span></a> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/pixelated-042/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/03/Pixelated-cover.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/pixelated-042/">Will the real Android 16 please enter beta?</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ba5acd965e31e2bfe2fbd4e37d8f68b9?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Abner Li"> </span> <span class="author__link">Abner Li</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/youtube-music-mixes-naming/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/10/Pixel-8-Pro-YouTube-Music-11.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/youtube-music-mixes-naming/">YouTube Music is now descriptively naming My Mixes</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ba5acd965e31e2bfe2fbd4e37d8f68b9?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Abner Li"> </span> <span class="author__link">Abner Li</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/the-centauri-carbon-is-the-best-step-to-more-reliable-3d-printing/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/Centauri-carbon-printer-2.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/the-centauri-carbon-is-the-best-step-to-more-reliable-3d-printing/">The Centauri Carbon is the best step to more reliable 3D printing</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85700b4b3b5d6089c388df52d53a7fcc?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Sponsored Post"> </span> <span class="author__link">Sponsored Post</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/oneplus-watch-3-meda-china-typo-fix/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/oneplus-watch-3-meda-in-china.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/oneplus-watch-3-meda-china-typo-fix/">OnePlus will fix Watch 3's 'Meda in China' typo, offers free returns</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53c3eccb0df53253da7fb21049b682a7?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Ben Schoon"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ben Schoon</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/samsung-galaxy-s25-colors-launch-promos-stock/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5google.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/samsung-galaxy-s25-17.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/02/21/samsung-galaxy-s25-colors-launch-promos-stock/">Samsung's best Galaxy S25 colors are out of stock as launch promos continue</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/53c3eccb0df53253da7fb21049b682a7?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Ben Schoon"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ben Schoon</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-17709" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-17709" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div> </aside> <div class="container med left river__posts"> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/richard-branson/">Richard Branson</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/30/how-to-watch-virgin-orbits-second-flight-of-2021/">[Update: Succesful orbit and payload deployment] How to watch Virgin Orbit’s second flight of 2021</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Jun 30 2021 - 6:16 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/30/how-to-watch-virgin-orbits-second-flight-of-2021/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/30/how-to-watch-virgin-orbits-second-flight-of-2021/"> <img width="1600" height="892" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="virgin orbit launcherone" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12652" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/04/22/virgin-orbit-selected-to-launch-6-imaging-satellites-to-low-earth-orbit/virgin-orbit-87-2/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="1793,1000" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Virgin-Orbit-87" data-image-description="<p>Virgin Orbit / Greg Robinson</p> " data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>This morning Virgin Orbit is attempting their third flight of the LauncherOne air-launched vehicle. This will be the first operational flight of the vehicle after <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/">their successful Demo-2</a> mission in January.</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Wednesday, June 30th, 10:47 a.m. EDT (Drop and Launch)</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launcherone,richard-branson,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="15222" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/30/how-to-watch-virgin-orbits-second-flight-of-2021/#more-15222" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launch/">Launch</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/09/virgin-orbit-nearing-readiness-for-first-operational-flight-of-launcherone/">Virgin Orbit getting close to fly their first operational LauncherOne mission</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Jun 9 2021 - 8:48 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/09/virgin-orbit-nearing-readiness-for-first-operational-flight-of-launcherone/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/09/virgin-orbit-nearing-readiness-for-first-operational-flight-of-launcherone/"> <img width="1600" height="900" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="14451" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/09/virgin-orbit-nearing-readiness-for-first-operational-flight-of-launcherone/virginorbit_cosmicgirl_launcherone_totallytubular/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="VirginOrbit_CosmicGirl_LauncherOne_TotallyTubular" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Image: Virgin Orbit</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Virgin Orbit has become one of the newest launch providers to come online with the success of their <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/">Demo 2 launch</a> earlier this year. Now their first operational mission is nearing launch readiness by the end of this month.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launch,launcherone,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="14431" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/06/09/virgin-orbit-nearing-readiness-for-first-operational-flight-of-launcherone/#more-14431" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/cosmic-girl/">Cosmic Girl</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/04/22/virgin-orbit-selected-to-launch-6-imaging-satellites-to-low-earth-orbit/">Virgin Orbit selected to launch 6 imaging satellites to low Earth orbit</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/derekiswise/"> <img alt='Avatar for Derek Wise' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/60b2a8cf3b51484a93cc1b5d326ee4e7?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/60b2a8cf3b51484a93cc1b5d326ee4e7?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/derekiswise/" title="Posts by Derek Wise" rel="author">Derek Wise</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Apr 22 2021 - 6:05 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/04/22/virgin-orbit-selected-to-launch-6-imaging-satellites-to-low-earth-orbit/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/04/22/virgin-orbit-selected-to-launch-6-imaging-satellites-to-low-earth-orbit/"> <img width="1600" height="892" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="virgin orbit launcherone" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="12652" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/04/22/virgin-orbit-selected-to-launch-6-imaging-satellites-to-low-earth-orbit/virgin-orbit-87-2/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="1793,1000" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Virgin-Orbit-87" data-image-description="<p>Virgin Orbit / Greg Robinson</p> " data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>In a <a href="https://virginorbit.com/the-latest/virgin-orbit-to-launch-hyperspectral-constellation-for-qinetiq-hypersat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a> Wednesday, Virgin Orbit announced that they were selected by geospatial analytics company Hypersat, and QinetiQ, a defense and security company, to launch 6 hyperspectral satellites into low earth orbit.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="cosmic-girl,launcherone,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="12648" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/04/22/virgin-orbit-selected-to-launch-6-imaging-satellites-to-low-earth-orbit/#more-12648" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs sidebar--5"> <div class="widget ninetofive-branded-rss"> <div class="cross-site-feed featured-items ninetofive-connectthewatts"> <h2 attr-title="More">More<span class="screen-reader-text"> from Connect The Watts</span></h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">Connect The Watts</span> <a href="https://connectthewatts.com" target="_blank"><span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1251 423" class="icon-ninetofive-connectthewatts"><path d="M1120.28 5.46v62.58l29.54 29.54-29.54 29.54v62.58l92.12-92.12zM1090.74 68.04v59.08l29.54-29.54z" class="watts" /><path d="M.2 96.18c0-51.8 38.36-93.52 96-93.52 27.72 0 52.64 9.8 69.16 26.32l-35 36.12c-12.88-13.16-23.24-14.28-31.92-14.28-23.52 0-42.84 19-42.84 45.36 0 26.88 17.92 45.92 42.84 45.92 14.84 0 28.56-6.72 38.64-20.16L171 159.18c-18.2 20.16-43.68 31.08-74.76 31.08C38.56 190.26.2 148.54.2 96.18" class="connect" /><path d="M163.44 115.5c0-41.44 33.32-74.48 77.28-74.48S318 74.06 318 115.5c0 41.16-33.32 74.2-77.28 74.2s-77.28-33.04-77.28-74.2m103 0c0-17.08-10.64-29.68-25.76-29.68S215 98.42 215 115.5c0 17.36 10.64 29.4 25.76 29.4s25.72-12.04 25.72-29.4ZM325 43.82h48.16v16.52C386.32 44.94 402 41 416.28 41c36.12 0 50.12 21.3 50.12 63.3v82.6h-51v-76.16c0-16.24-6.16-22.12-16-22.12-15.68 0-23.52 13.16-23.52 30.8v67.48H325ZM476.19 43.82h48.16v16.52C537.51 44.94 553.19 41 567.47 41c36.12 0 50.12 21.28 50.12 63.28v82.6h-51v-76.14c0-16.24-6.16-22.12-16-22.12-15.68 0-23.52 13.16-23.52 30.8v67.48h-51ZM623.19 115.5c0-41.44 32.2-74.48 74.48-74.48 40.6 0 71.68 33 71.68 74.48a132 132 0 0 1-1.12 16.5h-94.92c4.2 13.44 16.8 18.48 30.52 18.48a73.2 73.2 0 0 0 33.88-8.68l17.08 34.44c-16 9.8-33.6 13.44-51.24 13.44-43.4.02-80.36-27.14-80.36-74.18m99.68-12.32c-1.68-13.16-12-22.12-25.2-22.12-12.6 0-22.68 9-25.76 22.12ZM775 115.5c0-41.44 33.27-74.5 77.23-74.5 19.59 0 35.55 5.88 50.67 17.92l-29.39 35.3c-5.32-5-11.2-8.4-19.88-8.4-16.53 0-27.16 12.6-27.16 29.68 0 17.36 10.36 29.4 28.28 29.4 9.8 0 17.92-4.2 24.07-10.36l25.49 37.52c-13.72 11.48-31.92 17.64-52.08 17.64-43.96 0-77.23-33.04-77.23-74.2M927.54 140.7V84.14h-21V43.82h21V18.06l51-12.6v38.36h31.64v40.32H978.5v52.64c0 6.72 3.36 9 7.84 9 4.2 0 9.24-2 12.88-4.48l13.72 37.24c-12.32 8.68-27.44 11.2-40 11.2-27.48-.04-45.4-17.68-45.4-49.04M56.84 283.59H0v-45.08h166.88v45.08H110V420H56.84ZM175.28 235.71h51v54c12.6-12.6 27.16-15.68 40.32-15.68 36.12 0 50.12 21.28 50.12 63.28V420h-51v-76.21c0-16.24-6.16-22.12-16-22.12-15.68 0-23.52 13.16-23.52 30.8V420h-51ZM323.68 348.55c0-41.44 32.2-74.48 74.47-74.48 40.61 0 71.68 33 71.68 74.48a133 133 0 0 1-1.11 16.52H373.8c4.2 13.44 16.8 18.48 30.51 18.48a73.2 73.2 0 0 0 33.88-8.68l17.08 34.44c-16 9.8-33.59 13.44-51.23 13.44-43.4 0-80.36-27.16-80.36-74.2m99.67-12.32c-1.67-13.16-12-22.12-25.2-22.12-12.59 0-22.67 9-25.75 22.12Z" class="connect" /><path d="M506.47 238.51h54.6l19.6 101.64c.84 5 2 9.24 2.8 14 1.12-4.76 2-7.56 3.36-14l23.8-101.64h52.92l23.52 101.64c1.4 6.44 2.24 9.24 3.36 14 1.12-4.76 2-8.12 3.08-14l21.84-101.64h52.36L721.79 420h-56l-24.64-98.28c-1.68-6.44-2.8-12-4.2-18.2-1.4 6.16-2.52 11.76-4.2 18.2L608.11 420h-55.72ZM750.48 348.55c0-41.44 21.56-74.48 61.32-74.48 11.48 0 30.52 3.92 38.92 18.76v-16h48.16V420h-48.16v-16c-7.84 14.56-27.44 18.76-38.92 18.76-39.8-.01-61.32-33.05-61.32-74.21m97.72 0c0-17.08-9.52-29.68-23-29.68s-23 12.6-23 29.68c0 17.36 9.52 29.4 23 29.4s23-12.04 23-29.4M927.44 373.75v-56.56h-21v-40.32h21v-25.76l51-12.6v38.36H1010v40.32h-31.6v52.64c0 6.72 3.36 9 7.83 9 4.21 0 9.25-2 12.88-4.48l13.72 37.24c-12.31 8.68-27.43 11.2-40 11.2-27.47-.04-45.39-17.68-45.39-49.04M1038 373.75v-56.56h-21v-40.32h21v-25.76l51-12.6v38.36h31.64v40.32H1089v52.64c0 6.72 3.36 9 7.84 9 4.2 0 9.24-2 12.88-4.48l13.72 37.24c-12.32 8.68-27.44 11.2-40 11.2-27.44-.04-45.44-17.68-45.44-49.04M1126 405.67l16.24-35.84c11.2 7.56 21.56 12 43.4 12 .56 0 14-.84 14-6.44 0-4.48-8.4-5.32-16.8-7.28-31.08-7.56-54-20.16-54-46.48 0-31.36 28.56-47.6 58.8-47.6 27.72 0 44.24 6.16 58 13.44l-15.12 34.16c-16.52-6.44-31.64-8.4-41.16-8.4-5 0-9 1.68-9 4.48 0 5.32 12 7.28 26.32 11.2 20.16 5.88 44.52 15.68 44.52 44.52 0 38.36-38.92 49.28-65.8 49.28-32.85.04-51.05-9.71-59.4-17.04" class="watts" /></svg></span></a> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://connectthewatts.com/2025/02/17/planet-fitness-heart-health-month-special-membership-offer/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/connectthewatts.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/02/fitness-clubs-overview.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="A large room with many people in a gym" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://connectthewatts.com/2025/02/17/planet-fitness-heart-health-month-special-membership-offer/">Planet Fitness: Heart Health Month Special Membership Offer</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/296a49fbcc6e1344ab6474f62c5db7a3?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Jacob Knight"> </span> <span class="author__link">Jacob Knight</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 18 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://connectthewatts.com/2025/02/14/myfitnesspal-acquires-intent-to-enhance-meal-planning-for-members/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/connectthewatts.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-30-at-4.34.00%E2%80%AFPM.png?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="myfitnesspal" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://connectthewatts.com/2025/02/14/myfitnesspal-acquires-intent-to-enhance-meal-planning-for-members/">Myfitnesspal acquires intent to enhance meal planning for members</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/296a49fbcc6e1344ab6474f62c5db7a3?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Jacob Knight"> </span> <span class="author__link">Jacob Knight</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 14 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://connectthewatts.com/2025/02/14/ride-of-a-life-time-2025-life-times-charity-workout-event-for-kids-health/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/connectthewatts.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/02/Ride_of_a_Life_Time_Childrens_Miracle_Network_Hospitals.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="Ride of a Life Time 2025" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://connectthewatts.com/2025/02/14/ride-of-a-life-time-2025-life-times-charity-workout-event-for-kids-health/">Ride of a Life Time 2025: Life Time’s Charity Workout Event for Kids’ Health</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/296a49fbcc6e1344ab6474f62c5db7a3?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Jacob Knight"> </span> <span class="author__link">Jacob Knight</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 14 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/04/apple-watch-heart-month-challenge-set-for-this-month/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/connectthewatts.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/02/IMG_1812.jpeg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/04/apple-watch-heart-month-challenge-set-for-this-month/">Apple Watch Heart Month Challenge set for this month</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Zac Hall"> </span> <span class="author__link">Zac Hall</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 6 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://connectthewatts.com/2025/02/05/tonal-2-upgrade-pricing-a-1000-discount-to-tonal-owners/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/connectthewatts.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/Tonal-2-Hero-Shot-e1738772790214.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="tonal 2" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://connectthewatts.com/2025/02/05/tonal-2-upgrade-pricing-a-1000-discount-to-tonal-owners/">Tonal 2 Upgrade Pricing: A $1,000 Discount to Tonal Owners</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/296a49fbcc6e1344ab6474f62c5db7a3?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Jacob Knight"> </span> <span class="author__link">Jacob Knight</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 5 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-12648" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-12648" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div> </aside> <div class="container med left river__posts"> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/02/20/virgin-orbit-picks-up-former-oneweb-ceo-to-get-them-ready-for-the-commercial-market/">Virgin Orbit picks up former OneWeb Satellites CEO to get them ready for the commercial market</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2021 - 2:59 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/02/20/virgin-orbit-picks-up-former-oneweb-ceo-to-get-them-ready-for-the-commercial-market/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/02/20/virgin-orbit-picks-up-former-oneweb-ceo-to-get-them-ready-for-the-commercial-market/"> <img width="1600" height="800" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="10915" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/02/20/virgin-orbit-picks-up-former-oneweb-ceo-to-get-them-ready-for-the-commercial-market/untitled-1-13/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="2000,1000" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Untitled-1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Richard Branson’s satellite launcher Virgin Orbit has selected their first Chief Operating Officer to help get the company ready for commercial operations after the success of their <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/">Demo 2 mission</a>. This mission successfully deployed 10 NASA payloads from NASA’s Launch Services Program into orbit around Earth bringing them officially online as a company capable to send satellites into orbit.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="10912" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/02/20/virgin-orbit-picks-up-former-oneweb-ceo-to-get-them-ready-for-the-commercial-market/#more-10912" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/25/virgin-orbit-to-launch-royal-netherlands-air-forces-first-satellite/">Virgin Orbit to launch Royal Netherlands Air Force’s first satellite</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Jan 25 2021 - 12:10 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/25/virgin-orbit-to-launch-royal-netherlands-air-forces-first-satellite/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/25/virgin-orbit-to-launch-royal-netherlands-air-forces-first-satellite/"> <img width="1600" height="895" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="1415" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/virgin-orbit-88/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="2207,1234" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="virgin-orbit-88" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>On the heals of their <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/">first successful launch</a> into orbit earlier this month, Virgin Orbit has been selected to send a new payload for the Royal Netherlands Royal Air Force called BRIK-II, a payload named after the their first airplane.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="10567" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/25/virgin-orbit-to-launch-royal-netherlands-air-forces-first-satellite/#more-10567" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/nasa/">NASA</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/cosmic-girl/">Cosmic Girl</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/">Virgin Orbit successfully launches rocket to space from wing of a 747 plane in milestone mission</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Jan 18 2021 - 7:59 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/"> <img width="1600" height="900" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="10294" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/ld2-ignition-2/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="2207,1242" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Virgin Orbit Cosmic Girl LauncherOne" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Virgin Orbit attempted its second demonstration launch on Sunday after their first attempt failed shortly after the first stage ignition last year. This time around they didn’t just launch a mass simulator but actual payloads from NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites program ElaNa 20 which contained several CubeSats from universities across the nation.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="cosmic-girl,launcherone,nasa,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="10260" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/18/virgin-orbit-successfully-launches-rocket-to-space-from-wing-of-a-747-plane-in-milestone-mission/#more-10260" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs sidebar--6"> <div class="widget ninetofive-branded-rss"> <div class="cross-site-feed featured-items ninetofive-toys"> <h2 attr-title="More">More<span class="screen-reader-text"> from 9to5Toys</span></h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">9to5Toys</span> <a href="https://9to5toys.com" target="_blank"><span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 205 56" class="icon-ninetofive-toys"><path fill="#6B393B" d="m17.3 42.4 7.4-11c-1.2.7-2.3 1-3.8 1-5.7 0-9.9-5.5-9.9-11 0-2.8 1.2-5.7 3-7.6a10.2 10.2 0 0 1 7.8-3.3c6 0 10.7 5 10.7 10.8 0 4-1.8 6.5-4 9.8L21 42.4zm4.5-13.2c4.2.2 7.4-3.4 7.4-7.6 0-4.3-3-8.1-7.4-8.1a7.8 7.8 0 0 0-7.7 7.8c0 4.3 3.6 8.2 7.6 7.9Zm20.9-15.4h-7.2V11h17.4v2.8h-7.2v28.6h-3zm43.2 12.8C86 35.7 78.4 43 69.3 43a16.4 16.4 0 0 1-16.5-16.2c0-9.1 7.5-16.4 16.5-16.4A16.4 16.4 0 0 1 86 26.6Zm-3 0a13.4 13.4 0 0 0-13.5-13.1 13.3 13.3 0 1 0 0 26.7A13.5 13.5 0 0 0 83 26.6ZM94.5 11h14.3v2.8H97l-1.5 8.7c1.5-1 3.3-1.5 5.3-1.5 6 0 10.4 5 10.4 11 0 5.7-4.5 10.8-10.5 10.8S90.4 38.2 90 32.4h3.1c.3 4 3.4 7.4 7.5 7.4 4.4 0 7.6-3.7 7.6-7.9s-3.1-8-7.5-8a8.6 8.6 0 0 0-6.5 3.3l-2.5-.9 2.8-15.4zm-25 16V16.3zm0 1.2c.5 0 1-.5 1-1.2V16.3a1.2 1.2 0 0 0-2.3 0V27c0 .7.5 1.2 1.2 1.2ZM61.8 27h7.5H62Zm7.5 1.2a1.2 1.2 0 0 0 0-2.3H62a1.2 1.2 0 0 0 0 2.3h7.5Z" /><path fill="#EB373E" d="M120.7 13.8h-7.3V11h17.4v3h-7.2v28.6h-3V13.8Zm33.8 16.8a12.3 12.3 0 0 1-12 12.3c-6.7 0-12.3-5.3-12.3-12a12.3 12.3 0 0 1 12.3-12.3 12.3 12.3 0 0 1 12 12m-21.1.3a9 9 0 1 0 18-.4c0-2.6-.8-4.6-2.6-6.5a9.1 9.1 0 0 0-15.3 6.8zm44.4-11.8-13.4 31.4h-3.3l3.5-8.8-8.9-22.6h3.4l7.5 18.5 7.8-18.5zm4.7 16.4c0 2.4 1.8 4.4 4.2 4.4 2.2 0 4-1.6 4-3.9 0-2.7-2.2-3.8-4.4-4.4-1.6-.5-3.1-1-4.2-2a6 6 0 0 1-1.9-4.4c0-3.8 3.1-6.6 6.7-6.6 3.5 0 6.4 2.9 6.4 6.3h-3c0-2-1.7-3.2-3.7-3.2a3.2 3.2 0 0 0-3.3 3.2c0 2.5 2 3.2 4.1 3.9 3.5 1 6.6 2.5 6.6 6.7 0 4.4-3.3 7.4-7.6 7.4a7.2 7.2 0 0 1-7-7.4h3Z" /></svg></span></a> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/ugreen-nexode-20000mah-130w-bank-64/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5toys.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/01/UGREEN-Nexode-20000mAh-130W-3-Port-Power-Bank.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/ugreen-nexode-20000mah-130w-bank-64/">Keep Apple devices topped off with UGREEN's Nexode 20,000mAh 130W 3-port power bank at $64…</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b1ad557a114558d5c940560cc419af3b?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Reinette LeJeune"> </span> <span class="author__link">Reinette LeJeune</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/apple-watch-series-10-on-sale/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5toys.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/01/Apple-Watch-Series-10-sale.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="Apple Watch Series 10-sale" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/apple-watch-series-10-on-sale/">Just about every Apple Watch Series 10 config is now back at Black Friday pricing from $329</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd9d107c201b4c181853d4b70e3d656f?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Justin Kahn"> </span> <span class="author__link">Justin Kahn</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/ecovac-winbot-robots-from-300-low/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5toys.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/02/ECOVACS-Winbot-W1-Pro-Window-Cleaning-Robot.webp?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/ecovac-winbot-robots-from-300-low/">ECOVACS Winbot robots cover every inch of your tall windows' cleaning needs starting from a…</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b1ad557a114558d5c940560cc419af3b?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Reinette LeJeune"> </span> <span class="author__link">Reinette LeJeune</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/bose-airplay-2-smart-ultra-soundbar-deal/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5toys.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/09/Smart-Ultra-Soundbar.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/bose-airplay-2-smart-ultra-soundbar-deal/">Bose's regularly $899 AirPlay 2 Smart Ultra Soundbar is now seeing a deep $300 price drop…</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd9d107c201b4c181853d4b70e3d656f?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Justin Kahn"> </span> <span class="author__link">Justin Kahn</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/anker-8-in-1-usb-docking-station-40/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5toys.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/02/Anker-8-in-1-100W-USB-C-Docking-Station-e1740169966745.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="A person using a laptop" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5toys.com/2025/02/21/anker-8-in-1-usb-docking-station-40/">Streamline your Mac setup with Anker's 8-in-1 100W USB-C Docking Station at $40 (20% off)</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b1ad557a114558d5c940560cc419af3b?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Reinette LeJeune"> </span> <span class="author__link">Reinette LeJeune</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-10260" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-10260" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div> </aside> <div class="container med left river__posts"> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/07/virgin-orbit-will-launch-a-test-rocket-from-the-wing-of-a-747-plane-as-soon-as-this-weekend/">Virgin Orbit will launch a test rocket from the wing of a 747 plane as soon as Wednesday</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/"> <img alt='Avatar for Zac Hall' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/" title="Posts by Zac Hall" rel="author">Zac Hall</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Jan 7 2021 - 10:10 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/07/virgin-orbit-will-launch-a-test-rocket-from-the-wing-of-a-747-plane-as-soon-as-this-weekend/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/07/virgin-orbit-will-launch-a-test-rocket-from-the-wing-of-a-747-plane-as-soon-as-this-weekend/"> <img src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" alt="Site default logo image" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p><em>January 7: VO now has a more firm date of <a href="https://twitter.com/Virgin_Orbit/status/1347244235787968512">Wednesday, January 13</a>.</em></p> <p>Virgin Orbit has announced the next test opportunity for its Launch Demo 2 mission from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. The mission will test launching a rocket to space from the wing of an airplane.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="9743" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2021/01/07/virgin-orbit-will-launch-a-test-rocket-from-the-wing-of-a-747-plane-as-soon-as-this-weekend/#more-9743" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/23/virgin-orbit-targeting-mid-january-for-launch-demo-2-mission-following-covid-19-delays/">Virgin Orbit targeting mid-January for Launch Demo 2 mission following COVID-19 delays</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/"> <img alt='Avatar for Zac Hall' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/" title="Posts by Zac Hall" rel="author">Zac Hall</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Dec 23 2020 - 10:36 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/23/virgin-orbit-targeting-mid-january-for-launch-demo-2-mission-following-covid-19-delays/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/23/virgin-orbit-targeting-mid-january-for-launch-demo-2-mission-following-covid-19-delays/"> <img width="1500" height="1000" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="9337" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/23/virgin-orbit-targeting-mid-january-for-launch-demo-2-mission-following-covid-19-delays/ep8q36cuuaamf5f/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="4096,2731" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Ep8Q36cUUAAMf5f" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Virgin Orbit <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/11/30/virgin-orbit-plans-to-return-to-flight-before-end-of-this-year/">planned</a> to conduct its second Launch Demo mission before the end of the year, but the spread of COVID-19 forced the team to <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/14/virgin-orbit-forced-to-halt-prep-for-next-plane-based-rocket-launch-test-due-to-covid-19/">halt pre-flight work</a> this month. After following recommended safety guidelines, the team at Virgin Orbit is back on track, the company shared today. Virgin Orbit’s launch approach involves dropping a space-bound rocket called LauncherOne from the wing of a 747 plane named Cosmic Girl.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="9332" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/23/virgin-orbit-targeting-mid-january-for-launch-demo-2-mission-following-covid-19-delays/#more-9332" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article aside container"> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/14/virgin-orbit-forced-to-halt-prep-for-next-plane-based-rocket-launch-test-due-to-covid-19/"> <img width="1500" height="1000" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="8662" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/14/virgin-orbit-forced-to-halt-prep-for-next-plane-based-rocket-launch-test-due-to-covid-19/00-3/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="2000,1333" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Virgin Orbit Cosmic Girl LauncherOne" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h4"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/14/virgin-orbit-forced-to-halt-prep-for-next-plane-based-rocket-launch-test-due-to-covid-19/">Virgin Orbit forced to halt prep for next plane-based rocket launch test due to COVID-19</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/"> <img alt='Avatar for Zac Hall' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/" title="Posts by Zac Hall" rel="author">Zac Hall</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Dec 14 2020 - 10:01 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/14/virgin-orbit-forced-to-halt-prep-for-next-plane-based-rocket-launch-test-due-to-covid-19/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <p>Virgin Orbit is developing a launch system that can deploy small rockets from anywhere on the planet, but the spread of COVID-19 continues to affect the pace of progress. </p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launcherone,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="8603" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/14/virgin-orbit-forced-to-halt-prep-for-next-plane-based-rocket-launch-test-due-to-covid-19/#more-8603" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs sidebar--7"> <div class="widget ninetofive-branded-rss"> <div class="cross-site-feed featured-items ninetofive-dronedj"> <h2 attr-title="More">More<span class="screen-reader-text"> from DroneDJ</span></h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">DroneDJ</span> <a href="https://dronedj.com" target="_blank"><span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 176 56" class="icon-ninetofive-dronedj"><title>Drone DJ Logo</title><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M110 37.8c-.7-.5-.8-1.3.2-1.7-.4-1-1.7-1.6-2.2-2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 0-5 3.2c-.2-1.4.5-2.7 2.6-3.6 1.3-.6 2.8-.9 4.3-1 0 .5-.6.7-.7 1.2.4.9 1.6 1.5 2.2 2.4a4 4 0 0 1 2.3.7c.8.5.9 1.3 0 1.7h-.1c.1.8 1.6 1.5 2.2 2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 0 5-3.2c.2 1.3-.5 2.7-2.6 3.6-1.3.5-2.8.8-4.3.9 0-.4.7-.6.7-1.1-.4-.8-1.8-1.5-2.2-2.5a4 4 0 0 1-2.3-.6Z" clip-rule="evenodd" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M22.8 45c15.1 0 15.4-19.7-.1-19.7H13V45zm-.1-4.7h-2.5V30h2.5c5.4 0 5.4 10.3 0 10.3" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M41.9 45H35v-9.3c0-3.7 3-6.7 6.8-6.7h6v3.8h-3.4c-1.5 0-2.7 1-2.6 3.5V45Z" /><path fill="#C81C34" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M68.5 40.6a16.5 16.5 0 0 1-14.8 1.5c-4.3-2-4.7-5.7-.9-8.5a16.5 16.5 0 0 1 14.8-1.4c4.3 1.9 4.7 5.7.9 8.4m3 1.4a22.9 22.9 0 0 1-20.4 2c-6-2.6-6.6-7.9-1.3-11.7 1.7-1.3 4-2.2 6.3-2.8v.1c.2.6 1 .7 1.5.4l.3-.1v.7c.3.3.7.4 1.1.2.5-.1 1.4-.9 1.8-1.2l1-.8.2.4c0 .4.2.4.4.7.1.2.3.4.6.4.2 0 .4 0 .6-.2l.2-.3c.2-.3 0-.7 0-1 2.3.1 4.5.6 6.4 1.4 6 2.7 6.6 8 1.4 11.8Z" clip-rule="evenodd" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M86.3 28.5c-5.4 0-8.9 1.6-8.9 6.3V45h6.5V34.9c0-1.3.7-2.1 2.4-2.1s2.4.8 2.4 2V45h6.6V34.8c0-4.6-3.6-6.3-9-6.3" /><path fill="#C81C34" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M101 42a23 23 0 0 0 20.5 2c2.2-1 3.6-2.2 4.4-3.7h-4.5c-.6.7-1.5 1.3-2.6 1.8-4.3 2-11 1.3-14.7-1.5a7 7 0 0 1-2-2.2h8l-.6-.3c-.9-.6-1-1.6-.2-2.2h-7.8c.3-1.5 1.5-2.8 3.5-3.7 4.3-2 11-1.3 14.8 1.4a7 7 0 0 1 2 2.2h-8.1l.6.3c.9.7 1 1.7.1 2.3h12.1c.2-2-1-4.2-3.6-6.1-3.7-2.7-9.4-4-14.6-3.5v.3c0 .7-.8 1-1.5.9.3.3.3.8 0 1.2-.1.3-.5.4-1 .4-.4 0-.8-.2-1.1-.5l-1.1-1.1c.1 1-1.3 1.3-2 .7-5.3 2.8-5.5 7.7-.5 11.3Z" clip-rule="evenodd" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M137.8 45c15.1 0 15.3-19.7-.1-19.7H128V45zm-.2-4.7h-2.5V30h2.5c5.4 0 5.5 10.3 0 10.3" /><path fill="#C81C34" d="M162.9 25.3h-7.5v12.2c0 2.6-.4 3.7-2.6 3.7h-3.5V45h6.1c4.7 0 7.7-2.6 7.5-7V25.2Z" /><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M72.7 44a22.9 22.9 0 0 1-20.4 2 10 10 0 0 1-3.6-2.4l1.8 1c9.9 4.3 25.2-.6 25.5-8.1 1 2.4 0 5.2-3.3 7.5m46.5-3.6v.2l.2-.2zM99.8 44a23 23 0 0 0 20.5 2 10 10 0 0 0 3.6-2.4l-1.8 1c-9.9 4.3-25.2-.6-25.6-8.1-1 2.4.1 5.2 3.3 7.5" clip-rule="evenodd" /><path fill="#343539" fill-rule="evenodd" d="m66.3 46.8 14.8 6.8-.8-1.3-13.5-5.7zm40 0-14.7 6.8.8-1.3 13.5-5.7.5.2Zm-20 1H88c.3 0 .4 0 .4.2l.9 4c0 .2-.3.5-.4.5l-.8.2-1 .2a3.5 3.5 0 0 1-1.3 0l-1-.2-.8-.2c-.1 0-.4-.3-.4-.6l.9-3.9c0-.2.2-.3.4-.3h1.6Zm0 5.7h-.6l-2-.5c-.4 0-1-.5-.9-.9l1.1-4.2c0-.3.5-.4.8-.4H88c.3 0 .7.1.8.4l1.1 4.2c0 .4-.5.8-1 1l-1.9.3h-.6Zm0-6.9H84c-.6 0-1.1.3-1.6.6l-1.4 1c-.4.2-1.1.2-1.6 0l-10.8-3.7-4 2 20 9.1c.5.3 1.2.4 1.9.4.6 0 1.3-.1 1.9-.4l20-9.1-4-2-11 3.7c-.4.2-1 .2-1.4 0l-1.5-1c-.5-.3-1-.5-1.6-.6h-2.4Zm-23.8-8.8c.7-.5.8-1.3-.1-1.7.4-1 1.6-1.6 2.1-2.5 2.3.4 3.8 1.4 5 3.2.2-1.4-.5-2.7-2.6-3.6-1.2-.6-2.7-.9-4.3-1 0 .5.6.7.7 1.2-.3.9-1.6 1.5-2.2 2.4a4 4 0 0 0-2.3.7c-.7.5-.8 1.3.1 1.7 0 .8-1.6 1.5-2.1 2.5a6.8 6.8 0 0 1-5-3.2c-.2 1.3.5 2.7 2.6 3.6 1.2.5 2.7.8 4.3.9 0-.4-.7-.6-.7-1.1.4-.8 1.8-1.5 2.2-2.5a4 4 0 0 0 2.3-.6M73.3.6c2.6.4 4 1.7 4.9 3.4l-.7.4c-1.5-2.8-3.7-3.2-6.5-3l-.4.1c-1.4.2-4.6 1.8-3.8 3.2-1.8 0-2.2 2.8-.6 4.5l-.5.3c-1.4-1-1.8-3.6-.7-5.3 1.7-3 5-4.2 8.3-3.6M79 4.3a8 8 0 0 1 1.8 4.4l-.4.1c-.2-1.4-1-3.3-2-4.3zm24.7 18.5c.4-1.5.6-3.5.6-5v-.6c-.3-1.4-4-2.5-5.2-3.6 0-.1 0-.2.2-.3.3-.6-.2-.7-.7-.8H97l-.3-.3-1.8-.5-2.4-1c-.9-.5-1.5-1-2.3-1.3l-1-.5-.8-.5-1-.2a14 14 0 0 0-1.4 0l-1.4.1h-.8l-2.4.2c.8-.8-.7-5.2-2.7-4.6-1-2.1-2.7-3.2-5.2-3.7-3.5-.7-7.1.6-9 3.7q-.9 1.5-.6 3.3c.1 1.2.7 2 1.5 2.7-1 1.6 1.3 4.9 3.4 4.4-1.3-.5-2.6-2.2-3.2-3.8 0-.2.2-.5.5-.6.6 1.9 1.8 3.4 3.3 4.3h.3c-.7.4-1.5.9-1.7 1.5l-.8 3.2-.2.7c0 .2-.3.3-.3.5l-.5 1c0 .3 0 .3.2.4h.2c-1.7 1.2-3.4 2.1-4.6 2.8-.1.2-.2.3-.4.3-.9.4-.6.3-1.2 1-.2.2-.4.3-.5.6v.6c-1.2 1-2.1 1.4-3.1 2.4-.4.2 0 .7.5.4l3.4-2c.1-.1.3-.1 0 0-.4.7-1.4 1.5-2 2s-.4 1 .2.8L62 28c.2 0 .2 0 .2.2l.1.8c0 .2.3.4.3.5l.3.2h.2l.2-.2c0-.1-.3-.8 0-1.3.2-.3.5-.3.7-.7l.3-.6.1-.9h.1c1.3-.9 2.7-1.5 4.6-2.7l.3.2c.3.3 1-.4 1.2-1v-.3l.7-.9c.2-.2.7-.5.9-.9l.3-.2.1-.2c0-.5-.8-1.2-.6-1.3.2 0 1 .8 1.2.7l.4-.3c.2 0-.8-2-.7-2l1.2 2.2 1.4 1.5.4.8c.2.7.6.9 1 1.2.3.3 0 1.8.1 2.1 0 1 .7 2 .6 2.5l-.2 2.7c2.1-2.4 5.8-2.8 8.8-2.8 3.1 0 7 .5 9 3l.9 1.4c.5-.4.8-1 .5-1.6-.1-.2.2-1.7-.7-1.5-.5 0-1-.2-1-.7-.1-1.2.6-1.3 1.3-2.4-.3-.6-1.3-1.9-1.2-2 0-.9-1.3-1.3-1.6-1.9-.7-1.7-.2-2.3-1.5-3.4l-1-.8c-.1-.1-2.2-.2-3.6-2.5-.2-.2.8 1 1.7 1.5 1 .5 2 .4 2 .3l-.5-1.4c.2 0 2.1 2.9 2.3 2.9.6.2 1 .5 1.4.8h.5c.1 0 0 .1 0 .2l1 .3h.4c.2.1.2.2.3 0l.3-1 1.6.6c.4 0 .8.4 1 .8l-.2 2.2c-.3.3-1.2 2.8-2.1 3.5-.4.4-.7.7-.8 1l-.6.8c-.2.4 0 .4.2.5.9.1 1.8-.3 2.2-1 .3-.4 1-.8 1.2-.8s.8.6 1.1 1.5l1.2 2.5c.4.5 1.7.4 1.3-.3-.4-.6-1-2-1.2-3.4a16 16 0 0 0 3.2 4.2c1 .8 2 .3 1.4-.6-1.6-1.6-2.1-2-3-4.2 1.5 1.8 2 2.6 3.3 3.5.7.4 1.4-.2 1-.8-1.4-1.1-1.8-1.4-2.8-2.8 1.2 1 1.5 1.2 2.7 1.7.7.2.8-.3.2-.9-2.6-1.6-2-2.2-3.9-3.8Z" clip-rule="evenodd" /></svg></span></a> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/21/dji-mimo-app-new-update/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/dji-mimo-app-update-osmo-mobile-7-editing-filters.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/21/dji-mimo-app-new-update/">Elevate your content creation: Discover DJI Mimo app's new features</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e8f4970187688d370117ced145b1f3a?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Ishveena Singh"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ishveena Singh</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/dji-rs-4-mini-add-activetrack-to-any-camera-or-phone/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/RS-4-Mini-AI300-Magnetic-Quick-Release-Design.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/dji-rs-4-mini-add-activetrack-to-any-camera-or-phone/">DJI RS 4 Mini: Add ActiveTrack to any camera or smartphone</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Seth Kurkowski"> </span> <span class="author__link">Seth Kurkowski</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/dji-rs-4-mini-compare/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/DJI-rs-4-mini-gimbal-vs-rs-3-mini-compare.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="DJI rs 4 mini gimbal vs rs 3 mini compare" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/dji-rs-4-mini-compare/">DJI RS 4 Mini vs. RS 3 Mini: Which gimbal is best for you?</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e8f4970187688d370117ced145b1f3a?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Ishveena Singh"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ishveena Singh</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/canadian-tourist-drone-spy-us/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/cape-canaveral-florida-canadian-drone-spy.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="cape canaveral florida canadian drone spy" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/canadian-tourist-drone-spy-us/">71-year-old Canadian tourist charged for flying drone over Florida military base</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e8f4970187688d370117ced145b1f3a?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Ishveena Singh"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ishveena Singh</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/action-5-pro-firmware-dji/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/dronedj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/dji-Osmo-Action-5-Pro-camera-firmware-update-Skiing-360%C2%B0-Wrist-Strap.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="dji Osmo Action 5 Pro camera firmware update Skiing 360° Wrist Strap" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://dronedj.com/2025/02/20/action-5-pro-firmware-dji/">DJI just made the Osmo Action 5 Pro even more tempting</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7e8f4970187688d370117ced145b1f3a?s=30&d=mm&r=g" alt="Ishveena Singh"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ishveena Singh</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 20 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-8603" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-8603" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div> </aside> <div class="container med left river__posts"> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/jim-simpson/">Jim Simpson</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/07/virgin-orbit-names-ex-aerojet-rocketdyne-strategy-chief-as-first-cso-ahead-of-demo-mission-2/">Virgin Orbit names ex-Aerojet Rocketdyne strategy chief as CSO ahead of next mission</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/"> <img alt='Avatar for Zac Hall' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/" title="Posts by Zac Hall" rel="author">Zac Hall</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Dec 7 2020 - 11:49 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/07/virgin-orbit-names-ex-aerojet-rocketdyne-strategy-chief-as-first-cso-ahead-of-demo-mission-2/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/07/virgin-orbit-names-ex-aerojet-rocketdyne-strategy-chief-as-first-cso-ahead-of-demo-mission-2/"> <img width="1600" height="892" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1600" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="1423" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/virgin-orbit-87/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="3066,1710" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="virgin-orbit-87" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Virgin Orbit has added Jim Simpson to its executive team to serve as the launch company’s first Chief Strategy Officer. Simpson filling the CSO role is the latest sign that Virgin Orbit is maturing and preparing for commercial service. VO is scheduled to launch its <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/11/30/virgin-orbit-plans-to-return-to-flight-before-end-of-this-year/">second demonstration flight</a> in less than two weeks.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="jim-simpson,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="7949" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/12/07/virgin-orbit-names-ex-aerojet-rocketdyne-strategy-chief-as-first-cso-ahead-of-demo-mission-2/#more-7949" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/11/30/virgin-orbit-plans-to-return-to-flight-before-end-of-this-year/">Virgin Orbit plans to return to flight before end of this year</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/"> <img alt='Avatar for Seth Kurkowski' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ed2aab41e37f0d6752e978d4949d2148?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/sethkurk/" title="Posts by Seth Kurkowski" rel="author">Seth Kurkowski</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Nov 30 2020 - 3:11 pm PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/11/30/virgin-orbit-plans-to-return-to-flight-before-end-of-this-year/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/11/30/virgin-orbit-plans-to-return-to-flight-before-end-of-this-year/"> <img width="1440" height="690" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1440" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="7217" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/11/30/virgin-orbit-plans-to-return-to-flight-before-end-of-this-year/ld2a-copy/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="1440,690" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1597424470","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="LD2a-copy" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>After the first Demo Mission of its LauncherOne air launch system ended in the ocean rather than orbit, Virgin Orbit plans to launch Demo Mission 2 on December 19. This will be its second-ever launch attempt, and this time, it will be adding customer payloads to the top of the rocket. </p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="launcherone,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="7213" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/11/30/virgin-orbit-plans-to-return-to-flight-before-end-of-this-year/#more-7213" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> <article class="article standard"> <ul class="article__meta-guides fs-xs"> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/nasa/">NASA</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/virgin-orbit/">Virgin Orbit</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/launcherone/">LauncherOne</a></li> <li class="meta__guide"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/guides/cosmic-girl/">Cosmic Girl</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="h1"><a class="article__title-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/08/03/virgin-orbit-launch-demo-2-mission-nasa-cubesats/">Virgin Orbit Launch Demo 2 mission targeting late 2020, will carry 11 NASA CubeSats</a></h2> <div class="post-meta flex"> <a class="author__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/"> <img alt='Avatar for Zac Hall' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=18&d=wavatar&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4403f5bde9b9dd1799eda1756139557d?s=36&d=wavatar&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-18 photo author-gravatar' height='18' width='18' loading='lazy' decoding='async'/> </a> <span class="author__link"><a href="https://spaceexplored.com/author/apollozac/" title="Posts by Zac Hall" rel="author">Zac Hall</a></span> <span class="meta__post-date">Aug 3 2020 - 11:40 am PT</span> <div class="meta__comment-count"> <a href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/08/03/virgin-orbit-launch-demo-2-mission-nasa-cubesats/?extended-comments=1#comments" class="comments flex"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 30 30" class="icon-comment"><path fill="currentColor" d="M0 0v19.139h5v4.784h5V30l7.94-6.077H30V4.785h-5V0zm2.5 2.392h20v2.393H5v11.961H2.5zm5 4.785h20v14.354H17.06l-4.56 3.49v-3.49h-5zm3.75 3.589v2.392h12.5v-2.392zm0 4.784v2.392h7.5V15.55z" /></svg> 0 Comments </a> </div> </div> <figure class="img-border"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/08/03/virgin-orbit-launch-demo-2-mission-nasa-cubesats/"> <img width="1500" height="1000" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500" class=" wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=320&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=640&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1500&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 1500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="3713" data-permalink="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/08/03/virgin-orbit-launch-demo-2-mission-nasa-cubesats/p1042234-2048x1365-1/" data-orig-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png" data-orig-size="2048,1365" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="P1042234-2048×1365-1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="<p>Photo Credit: Virgin Orbit</p> " data-medium-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=300" data-large-file="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/images/default-spaceexplored-related-guide.png?w=1024" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <div class="article__excerpt"> <p>Virgin Orbit will return to flight as soon as late 2020 with a second demonstration mission aimed at dropping a space-bound LauncherOne rocket from the wing of a 747 plane named Cosmic Girl. The second orbital flight test will include NASA payload this time with 11 small satellites onboard for deployment.</p> <a data-layer-pagetype="post" data-layer-postcategory="cosmic-girl,launcherone,nasa,virgin-orbit" data-layer-viewtype="taxonomy-ninetofive_guides" data-post-id="3707" href="https://spaceexplored.com/2020/08/03/virgin-orbit-launch-demo-2-mission-nasa-cubesats/#more-3707" class="more-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 39 38" class="icon-expand"><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M38.71 20H0v-3h38.71z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path><path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M18 37.9V0h3v37.9z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg> <span class="open">Expand</span> <span class="opening">Expanding</span> <span class="close">Close</span></a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <aside class="sidebar container xs sidebar--8"> <div class="widget ninetofive-branded-rss"> <div class="cross-site-feed featured-items ninetofive-mac"> <h2 attr-title="More">More<span class="screen-reader-text"> from 9to5Mac</span></h2> <h3 class="featured__blog-title"> from <span class="visually-hidden">9to5Mac</span> <a href="https://9to5mac.com" target="_blank"><span class="cross-site__logo"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 221 56" class="icon-ninetofive-mac"><title>9to5Mac Logo</title><path fill="#004A7C" d="m17.39 43.42 7.55-11.18a7 7 0 0 1-3.84 1c-5.78 0-10.1-5.58-10.1-11.1 0-2.85 1.2-5.74 3.1-7.77A10.45 10.45 0 0 1 21.97 11c6 0 10.8 5.14 10.8 11.05 0 4.23-1.9 6.73-4.1 10.06L21.1 43.4h-3.7Zm4.53-13.38c4.32.21 7.64-3.46 7.64-7.73 0-4.36-3.15-8.25-7.64-8.25a7.88 7.88 0 0 0-7.73 7.95c-.04 4.31 3.72 8.24 7.73 8.03M43.2 14.4h-7.33v-2.9h17.78v2.9H46.4v29h-3.2zm44 12.95c0 9.28-7.65 16.62-16.89 16.62-8.93 0-16.83-7.2-16.83-16.36A16.7 16.7 0 0 1 70.3 11c9.03 0 16.88 7.2 16.88 16.36Zm-3.2 0c0-7.38-6.35-13.3-13.64-13.3-7.6 0-13.69 6.05-13.69 13.56 0 7.38 6.43 13.3 13.69 13.3 7.5 0 13.64-6 13.64-13.56m11.9-15.83h14.42v2.89H98.5l-1.6 8.8c1.65-.94 3.5-1.5 5.4-1.5 6.05 0 10.67 5.18 10.67 11.09 0 6-4.58 11.18-10.7 11.18-6.05 0-10.54-4.7-10.97-10.58h3.2c.25 4.02 3.36 7.51 7.59 7.51 4.44 0 7.68-3.7 7.68-8.02 0-4.28-3.2-8.12-7.64-8.12-2.59 0-4.96 1.42-6.56 3.37l-2.55-.91 2.9-15.71ZM70.33 16.9v10.94zm0 12.12c.66 0 1.19-.53 1.19-1.18V16.9a1.18 1.18 0 0 0-2.37 0v10.94c0 .66.53 1.18 1.18 1.18m0-1.18h-7.55zm0 1.18a1.18 1.18 0 0 0 0-2.36h-7.55a1.18 1.18 0 0 0 0 2.36z" /><path fill="#0095FF" d="M118.32 11.5h4.93l11.66 27.17 11.61-27.16h4.92v31.9h-3.2V15.06l-12 28.37h-2.72l-12-28.37v28.37h-3.2zm63.17 31.92h-3.06v-4.45h-.09c-1.73 3.33-5.35 5.01-9.07 5.01-3.54 0-7.38-1.55-10.4-5-.87-.96-2.33-3.94-2.33-7.52 0-3.24 1.33-6.13 3.4-8.3a12.3 12.3 0 0 1 9.25-3.88c3.71 0 7.47 1.64 9.15 5.01h.09v-4.5h3.06zm-21.76-11.7c0 5.18 4.49 9.2 9.54 9.2a9.33 9.33 0 0 0 9.16-9.16 9.2 9.2 0 0 0-9.24-9.41 9.4 9.4 0 0 0-9.46 9.37m50.7 4.79a12.41 12.41 0 0 1-11.5 7.47c-7.03 0-12.9-5.18-12.9-12.4 0-6.99 5.96-12.3 12.78-12.3 5 0 9.84 2.94 11.66 7.69h-3.59a9.47 9.47 0 0 0-8.03-4.62c-5.22 0-9.63 3.88-9.63 9.2 0 5.22 4.1 9.36 9.37 9.36 3.67 0 6.22-1.5 8.3-4.4h3.53Z" /></svg></span></a> </h3> <ul class="featured-items__list"> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/9to5rewards-win-apples-latest-macbook-pro-from-chargeasap-giveaway/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Jeffs-Studio-Setup-14-inch-MacBook-Pro-different-view-with-Husky-Mobile-Workbench.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/9to5rewards-win-apples-latest-macbook-pro-from-chargeasap-giveaway/">9to5Rewards: Win Apple's latest MacBook Pro from Chargeasap [Giveaway]</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85700b4b3b5d6089c388df52d53a7fcc?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Sponsored Post"> </span> <span class="author__link">Sponsored Post</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/proximity-pairing-mac-macos-15-4/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/mac-setup-pairing.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="Apple to add proximity pairing to the Mac with macOS 15.4" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/proximity-pairing-mac-macos-15-4/">Apple to add proximity pairing setup to the Mac with macOS 15.4</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/36d1bcbba2ffa3509f294100b9af0388?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Filipe Espósito"> </span> <span class="author__link">Filipe Espósito</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/ios-18-4-beta-1-heres-everything-new/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/ios-18.4-beta-1-update.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/ios-18-4-beta-1-heres-everything-new/">iOS 18.4 beta 1: Here's everything new</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8ca0a5473ca1b059b4b0aa628da621ff?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Chance Miller"> </span> <span class="author__link">Chance Miller</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/apple-home-device-category-ios-18-4/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/homepad-concept-homekit-02.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="HomePad concept Home app" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/apple-home-device-category-ios-18-4/">New 'Home' device category mentioned in iOS 18.4 beta code [U]</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/36d1bcbba2ffa3509f294100b9af0388?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Filipe Espósito"> </span> <span class="author__link">Filipe Espósito</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> <li> <article class="article feature sidebar flex"> <figure class="article__image"> <a class="article__image-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/ios-18-4-lets-you-set-default-iphone-apps-in-these-new-categories/" aria-hidden="true"> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/iphone-home-screen.jpg?w=300&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1" width="" height="" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </a> </figure> <div class="article__content"> <h3><a class="article__title-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/ios-18-4-lets-you-set-default-iphone-apps-in-these-new-categories/">iOS 18.4 lets you set default iPhone apps in these new categories</a></h3> <div class="post-meta flex"> <span class="author__image-link"> <img class="author-gravatar" loading="lazy" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ad66af5f17fa7d608707972ecfca0160?s=30&d=mm&r=r" alt="Ryan Christoffel"> </span> <span class="author__link">Ryan Christoffel</span> <span class="meta__post-date">Feb 21 2025</span> </div> </div> </article> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-3707" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river rightrail-ad rightrail"></div><div id="div-gpt-ad-1437016474156-0-3707" class="inlinead ad-container ad-container--river hide-lg"></div> </aside> <div class="container med left river__posts"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <script> var rightRailMapping; var inlineMapping; var inlineWideSingleMapping; var leaderboardAdSlot; var refreshTimer = true; var refreshTimeInterval = 30000; var refreshSlots = []; var validAdsCount = 0; // excluding leaderboard. function isInViewport( element, percentInView = 1 ) { var rect = element.getBoundingClientRect(); var elementTop = rect.top + document.documentElement.scrollTop; var elementHeight = rect.height; var elementBottom = elementTop + elementHeight; var viewportTop = window.pageYOffset; var viewportHeight = window.innerHeight; var viewportBottom = viewportTop + viewportHeight; if ( percentInView < 1 && percentInView > 0 ) { var visibleTop = elementTop < viewportTop ? viewportTop : elementTop; var visibleBottom = elementBottom > viewportBottom ? viewportBottom : elementBottom; var pixelsViewable = visibleBottom - visibleTop; return ( pixelsViewable / elementHeight ) >= percentInView; } else { // FULL element has to be in viewport return elementBottom < viewportBottom && elementTop > viewportTop; } } window.addEventListener('load', function() { var adsRefreshInterval = setInterval( refreshAds, refreshTimeInterval ); function refreshAds() { refreshSlots.forEach( function( slot, index ) { var slot_ID = slot.getSlotElementId(); var inViewport = isInViewport( document.getElementById( `${slot_ID}` ), 0.5 ); if ( inViewport ) { googletag.cmd.push( function() { var slotRefreshCount = slot.getTargeting('refresh_count'); slotRefreshCount = ! slotRefreshCount.length ? 0 : Number(slotRefreshCount[0]); refreshSlots[ index ].setTargeting( 'refresh', 'true' ); refreshSlots[ index ].setTargeting( 'refresh_count', `${slotRefreshCount++}` ); googletag.pubads().refresh( [ slot ] ); }); } } ); } function startRefreshTimer() { if ( refreshTimer === false ) { adsRefreshInterval = setInterval( refreshAds, refreshTimeInterval ); refreshTimer = true; }; } function endRefreshTimer() { clearInterval( adsRefreshInterval ); refreshTimer = false; } function visibilityChanged() { if ( document.visibilityState === 'hidden' ) { endRefreshTimer(); } else { startRefreshTimer(); } } document.addEventListener( 'visibilitychange', visibilityChanged, false ); window.addEventListener( 'focus', startRefreshTimer ); window.addEventListener( 'blur', endRefreshTimer ); }); </script> <script type="text/plain" data-consent-needed="marketing"> if (typeof adSizes === 'undefined') { var adSizes = {"leaderboard":{"mobile":[[320,50],[320,100]],"tablet":[[728,90],[320,100]],"desktop":[[970,250],[728,90],[970,70],[970,90]]},"sidebar":{"mobile":[300,250],"desktop":[[300,600],[300,250]]}}; } googletag.cmd.push(function() { var leaderboardMapping = googletag.sizeMapping() .addSize([0, 0], adSizes.leaderboard.mobile) .addSize([768, 200], adSizes.leaderboard.tablet) .addSize([1050, 200], adSizes.leaderboard.desktop) .build(); rightRailMapping = googletag.sizeMapping() .addSize([0, 0], []) .addSize([1024, 200], adSizes.sidebar.desktop) .build(); inlineMapping = googletag.sizeMapping() .addSize([0, 0], adSizes.sidebar.mobile) .addSize([1024, 200], []) .build(); inlineWideSingleMapping = googletag.sizeMapping() .addSize([0, 0], []) .addSize([1024, 200], adSizes.leaderboard.desktop) .build(); inlineWideSingleMappingMobile = googletag.sizeMapping() .addSize([0, 0], adSizes.leaderboard.mobile) .addSize([1024, 200], adSizes.leaderboard.desktop) .build(); leaderboardAdSlot = googletag.defineSlot('/1049447/SpaceExp-Top', [[970, 250], [728,90], [970, 70], [970, 90], [320, 50], [320, 100]], "div-gpt-ad-1436850350386-0") .defineSizeMapping( leaderboardMapping ) .addService( googletag.pubads() ) .setTargeting( 'pos', 'top' ); refreshSlots.push( leaderboardAdSlot ); // Add event listener to add class for any possible styling. googletag.pubads().addEventListener( 'slotRenderEnded', function( event ) { var slotId = event.slot.getSlotElementId(); var slot = document.getElementById( slotId ); var classAdded = slot !== null && ! event.isEmpty ? 'advert-loaded' : 'advert-not-loaded'; slot.classList.add( classAdded ); }); // Top level targeting googletag.pubads().setTargeting( 'environment', 'production' ); googletag.pubads().setTargeting( 'page_type', 'ninetofive_guides-archive' ); googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ fetchMarginPercent: 200, // Fetch slots within 2 viewports. renderMarginPercent: 200, // Render slots within 2 viewports. mobileScaling: 3.5 // Increase the above values on mobile to 7 viewports. }); // Other services. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); googletag.enableServices(); }); window.nineto5ads = window.nineto5ads || []; window.nineto5ads.forEach(function(ad){ googletag.cmd.push(ad); }); // Function to generate unique names for slots var nextSlotId = 1; function generateNextSlotName() { var id = nextSlotId++; return 'div-gpt-ad-' + id; } function loadAds( page ) { var inlineAdsSelector = page === 1 ? '#content .inlinead:empty' : '#infinite-view-' + page +' .inlinead'; var inlineAds = document.querySelectorAll( inlineAdsSelector ); var gptSlots = []; // If page is not undefined or 1, we need to reset the adSlotsConfig array. // To prevent cannot create slot error. if (!page || page === 1) { window.adSlotsConfig = window.adSlotsConfig || []; } else { window.adSlotsConfig = []; } inlineAds.forEach( function( element, index ) { var isRightRailAd = element.classList.contains( 'rightrail' ); var isInSidebar = element.classList.contains( 'ad-container--river' ); var isInlineWideSingle = element.classList.contains( 'inline-wide-single' ); var isInlineMobileandDesktop = element.classList.contains( 'mobile-and-desktop' ); if ( ( window.innerWidth < 960 && isRightRailAd ) || ( window.innerWidth < 1024 && isInlineWideSingle && ! isInlineMobileandDesktop ) ) { return; } else if ( window.innerWidth >= 960 && ! isRightRailAd && ! isInlineWideSingle ) { return; } validAdsCount++; var slotDivID = generateNextSlotName(); var slotDiv = document.createElement( 'div' ); var slotPosition = isRightRailAd ? `rightrail_${validAdsCount}` : `inline_${validAdsCount}`; var slotAdUnitPath = isRightRailAd ? "\/1049447\/SpaceExp-RightRail" : "\/1049447\/SpaceExp-Inline"; var slotSizes = [300, 250]; // Default size that could be applicable to all ad slots. if ( isInlineWideSingle ) { slotSizes = window.innerWidth >= 1024 ? adSizes.leaderboard.desktop : ( window.innerWidth >= 768 ? adSizes.leaderboard.tablet : adSizes.leaderboard.mobile ); } else if ( isInSidebar ) { slotSizes = window.innerWidth >= 960 ? adSizes.sidebar.desktop : adSizes.sidebar.mobile; } slotDiv.id = slotDivID; // ID for apstag must be the same as slotDivID slotDiv.classList.add( slotPosition ); element.append( slotDiv ); var slotMapping = isRightRailAd ? 'rightRailMapping' : 'inlineMapping'; slotMapping = isInlineWideSingle ? 'inlineWideSingleMapping' : slotMapping; slotMapping = isInlineMobileandDesktop ? 'inlineWideSingleMappingMobile' : slotMapping; adSlotsConfig.push( { slotID: slotAdUnitPath, slotName: slotDivID, sizes: slotSizes, slotMapping: slotMapping, slotPosition: slotPosition, } ); }); if ( adSlotsConfig.length ) { apstag.fetchBids({ slots: adSlotsConfig, timeout: 2e3 }, function(bids) { googletag.cmd.push( function() { adSlotsConfig.forEach( function( slot ) { var newSlot = googletag.defineSlot(slot.slotID, slot.sizes, slot.slotName) .addService( googletag.pubads() ) .setTargeting( 'pos', slot.slotPosition ); if ( slot?.slotMapping ) { newSlot.defineSizeMapping( eval( slot.slotMapping ) ) } gptSlots.push( newSlot ); if (!slot.slotID.includes('/Outbrain')) { refreshSlots.push( newSlot ); } googletag.display( slot.slotName ); } ); apstag.setDisplayBids(); googletag.pubads().refresh( gptSlots ); }); }); } } </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var infiniteScroll = {"settings":{"id":"river","ajaxurl":"https:\/\/spaceexplored.com\/?infinity=scrolling","type":"scroll","wrapper":true,"wrapper_class":"infinite-wrap","footer":false,"click_handle":"1","text":"More Posts","totop":"Scroll back to top","currentday":"03.08.20","order":"DESC","scripts":[],"styles":[],"google_analytics":false,"offset":1,"history":{"host":"spaceexplored.com","path":"\/guides\/virgin-orbit\/page\/%d\/","use_trailing_slashes":true,"parameters":""},"query_args":{"ninetofive_guides":"virgin-orbit","error":"","m":"","p":0,"post_parent":"","subpost":"","subpost_id":"","attachment":"","attachment_id":0,"name":"","pagename":"","page_id":0,"second":"","minute":"","hour":"","day":0,"monthnum":0,"year":0,"w":0,"category_name":"","tag":"","cat":"","tag_id":"","author":"","author_name":"","feed":"","tb":"","paged":0,"meta_key":"","meta_value":"","preview":"","s":"","sentence":"","title":"","fields":"","menu_order":"","embed":"","category__in":[],"category__not_in":[],"category__and":[],"post__in":[],"post__not_in":[],"post_name__in":[],"tag__in":[],"tag__not_in":[],"tag__and":[],"tag_slug__in":[],"tag_slug__and":[],"post_parent__in":[],"post_parent__not_in":[],"author__in":[],"author__not_in":[],"search_columns":[],"post_type":"post","update_post_meta_cache":false,"update_post_term_cache":false,"ep_integrate":true,"ep_facet":true,"aggs":{"name":"terms","use-filter":true,"aggs":{"category":{"terms":{"size":10,"field":"terms.category.slug"}},"post_tag":{"terms":{"size":10,"field":"terms.post_tag.slug"}},"post_format":{"terms":{"size":10,"field":"terms.post_format.slug"}},"ninetofive_featured":{"terms":{"size":10,"field":"terms.ninetofive_featured.slug"}},"ninetofive_podcasts":{"terms":{"size":10,"field":"terms.ninetofive_podcasts.slug"}},"ninetofive_guides":{"terms":{"size":10,"field":"terms.ninetofive_guides.slug"}},"ep_custom_result":{"terms":{"size":10,"field":"terms.ep_custom_result.slug"}},"0":{"terms":{"size":10,"field":"terms.0.slug"}}}},"tax_query":[],"posts_per_page":24,"ignore_sticky_posts":false,"suppress_filters":false,"cache_results":true,"update_menu_item_cache":false,"lazy_load_term_meta":false,"nopaging":false,"comments_per_page":"50","no_found_rows":false,"taxonomy":"ninetofive_guides","term":"virgin-orbit","order":"DESC","dfp_id":"1049447"},"query_before":"2025-02-21 23:27:00","last_post_date":"2020-08-03 11:40:15","body_class":"infinite-scroll neverending","loading_text":"Loading new page","stats":"blog=178374012&host=spaceexplored.com&v=ext&j=1:14.3&x_pagetype=infinite-jetpack"}}; </script> <div id="jp-carousel-loading-overlay"> <div id="jp-carousel-loading-wrapper"> <span id="jp-carousel-library-loading"> </span> </div> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-overlay" style="display: none;"> <div class="jp-carousel-container">  <div class="jp-carousel-wrap swiper-container jp-carousel-swiper-container jp-carousel-transitions" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageGallery"> <div class="jp-carousel swiper-wrapper"></div> <div class="jp-swiper-button-prev swiper-button-prev"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskPrev" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="8" y="6" width="9" height="12"> <path d="M16.2072 16.59L11.6496 12L16.2072 7.41L14.8041 6L8.8335 12L14.8041 18L16.2072 16.59Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskPrev)"> <rect x="0.579102" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> </div> <div class="jp-swiper-button-next swiper-button-next"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskNext" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="8" y="6" width="8" height="12"> <path d="M8.59814 16.59L13.1557 12L8.59814 7.41L10.0012 6L15.9718 12L10.0012 18L8.59814 16.59Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskNext)"> <rect x="0.34375" width="23.8822" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> </div> </div>  <div class="jp-carousel-close-hint"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskClose" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="5" y="5" width="15" height="14"> <path d="M19.3166 6.41L17.9135 5L12.3509 10.59L6.78834 5L5.38525 6.41L10.9478 12L5.38525 17.59L6.78834 19L12.3509 13.41L17.9135 19L19.3166 17.59L13.754 12L19.3166 6.41Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskClose)"> <rect x="0.409668" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> </div>  <div class="jp-carousel-info"> <div class="jp-carousel-info-footer"> <div class="jp-carousel-pagination-container"> <div class="jp-swiper-pagination swiper-pagination"></div> <div class="jp-carousel-pagination"></div> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-title-container"> <h2 class="jp-carousel-photo-caption"></h2> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-icons-container"> <a href="#" class="jp-carousel-icon-btn jp-carousel-icon-info" aria-label="Toggle photo metadata visibility"> <span class="jp-carousel-icon"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskInfo" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="2" y="2" width="21" height="20"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M12.7537 2C7.26076 2 2.80273 6.48 2.80273 12C2.80273 17.52 7.26076 22 12.7537 22C18.2466 22 22.7046 17.52 22.7046 12C22.7046 6.48 18.2466 2 12.7537 2ZM11.7586 7V9H13.7488V7H11.7586ZM11.7586 11V17H13.7488V11H11.7586ZM4.79292 12C4.79292 16.41 8.36531 20 12.7537 20C17.142 20 20.7144 16.41 20.7144 12C20.7144 7.59 17.142 4 12.7537 4C8.36531 4 4.79292 7.59 4.79292 12Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskInfo)"> <rect x="0.8125" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-info-extra"> <div class="jp-carousel-info-content-wrapper"> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-title-container"> <h2 class="jp-carousel-photo-title"></h2> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-comments-wrapper"> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-image-meta"> <div class="jp-carousel-title-and-caption"> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-info"> <h3 class="jp-carousel-caption" itemprop="caption description"></h3> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-description"></div> </div> <ul class="jp-carousel-image-exif" style="display: none;"></ul> <a class="jp-carousel-image-download" href="#" target="_blank" style="display: none;"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="mask0" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="3" y="3" width="19" height="18"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M5.84615 5V19H19.7775V12H21.7677V19C21.7677 20.1 20.8721 21 19.7775 21H5.84615C4.74159 21 3.85596 20.1 3.85596 19V5C3.85596 3.9 4.74159 3 5.84615 3H12.8118V5H5.84615ZM14.802 5V3H21.7677V10H19.7775V6.41L9.99569 16.24L8.59261 14.83L18.3744 5H14.802Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#mask0)"> <rect x="0.870605" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> <span class="jp-carousel-download-text"></span> </a> <div class="jp-carousel-image-map" style="display: none;"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <link rel='stylesheet' id='all-css-0' href='https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/jetpack-14.3/modules/infinite-scroll/infinity.css?m=1739986767g' type='text/css' media='all' /> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/jetpack-14.3/_inc/build/infinite-scroll/infinity.min.js?m=1739986767g" ></script><script data-consent-needed="marketing" type="text/plain" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/js/ads.js?ver=6ae84c0f43bc25330427" id="ads-js" defer></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://spaceexplored.com/_static/??/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/js/googlecmp.js,/wp-content/client-mu-plugins/9to5-core/dist/js/frontend.js,/wp-includes/js/dist/hooks.min.js?m=1739294330j" ></script><script type="text/javascript" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-includes/js/dist/i18n.min.js?ver=5e580eb46a90c2b997e6" id="wp-i18n-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="wp-i18n-js-after"> /* <![CDATA[ */ wp.i18n.setLocaleData( { 'text direction\u0004ltr': [ 'ltr' ] } ); /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" id="wp-parsely-loader-js-before"> /* <![CDATA[ */ window.wpParselySiteId = 'spaceexplored.com'; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wp-parsely-3.17/build/loader.js?ver=b681bb9905652ac12735" id="wp-parsely-loader-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" data-parsely-site="spaceexplored.com" src="https://cdn.parsely.com/keys/spaceexplored.com/p.js?ver=3.17.0" id="parsely-cfg"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="frontend-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var nineToFiveAjax = {"posts_endpoint":"https:\/\/spaceexplored.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}; var globalJSVars = {"ajaxurl":"https:\/\/spaceexplored.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/themes/ninetofive/dist/js/frontend.js?m=1738359969g" ></script><script data-consent-needed="marketing" type="text/plain" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?ver=0.1.0" id="google-adsense-js" async></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="jetpack-carousel-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var jetpackSwiperLibraryPath = {"url":"https:\/\/spaceexplored.com\/wp-content\/mu-plugins\/jetpack-14.3\/_inc\/build\/carousel\/swiper-bundle.min.js"}; var jetpackCarouselStrings = {"widths":[370,700,1000,1200,1400,2000],"is_logged_in":"","lang":"en","ajaxurl":"https:\/\/spaceexplored.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","nonce":"3268b4e2db","display_exif":"0","display_comments":"0","single_image_gallery":"1","single_image_gallery_media_file":"","background_color":"black","comment":"Comment","post_comment":"Post Comment","write_comment":"Write a Comment...","loading_comments":"Loading Comments...","image_label":"Open image in full-screen.","download_original":"View full size <span class=\"photo-size\">{0}<span class=\"photo-size-times\">\u00d7<\/span>{1}<\/span>","no_comment_text":"Please be sure to submit some text with your comment.","no_comment_email":"Please provide an email address to comment.","no_comment_author":"Please provide your name to comment.","comment_post_error":"Sorry, but there was an error posting your comment. Please try again later.","comment_approved":"Your comment was approved.","comment_unapproved":"Your comment is in moderation.","camera":"Camera","aperture":"Aperture","shutter_speed":"Shutter Speed","focal_length":"Focal Length","copyright":"Copyright","comment_registration":"0","require_name_email":"1","login_url":"https:\/\/spaceexplored.com\/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fspaceexplored.com%2F2023%2F05%2F23%2Fvirgin-orbit-sold-in-pieces-assets-going-to-rocket-lab-launcher-and-stratolaunch%2F","blog_id":"10","meta_data":["camera","aperture","shutter_speed","focal_length","copyright"]}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://spaceexplored.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/jetpack-14.3/_inc/build/carousel/jetpack-carousel.min.js?m=1739986767g" ></script><script type="text/javascript" src="https://stats.wp.com/e-202508.js" id="jetpack-stats-js" data-wp-strategy="defer"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="jetpack-stats-js-after"> /* <![CDATA[ */ _stq = window._stq || []; _stq.push([ "view", JSON.parse("{\"v\":\"ext\",\"blog\":\"178374012\",\"post\":\"0\",\"tz\":\"-8\",\"srv\":\"spaceexplored.com\",\"hp\":\"vip\",\"j\":\"1:14.3\"}") ]); _stq.push([ "clickTrackerInit", "178374012", "0" ]); /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript"> (function() { var extend = function(out) { out = out || {}; for (var i = 1; i < arguments.length; i++) { if (!arguments[i]) continue; for (var key in arguments[i]) { if (arguments[i].hasOwnProperty(key)) out[key] = arguments[i][key]; } } return out; }; extend( window.infiniteScroll.settings.scripts, ["jquery","blockthrough","darkmode","jquery-core","jquery-migrate","the-neverending-homepage","ads","googlecmp","ninetofive-core-scripts","wp-hooks","wp-i18n","wp-parsely-loader","wp-parsely-tracker","frontend","google-adsense","jetpack-carousel","jetpack-stats"] ); extend( window.infiniteScroll.settings.styles, ["wp-block-library","mediaelement","wp-mediaelement","elasticpress-related-posts-block","ninetofive-core-styles","styles","jetpack-carousel-swiper-css","jetpack-carousel","wp-parsely-recommendations-style","videopress-video-style","jetpack-sharing-buttons-style","elasticpress-facet-style","global-styles","10up-CCfonts","critical","the-neverending-homepage","core-block-supports-duotone"] ); })(); </script> <span id="infinite-aria" aria-live="polite"></span>  </body> </html>