The UK space sector is looking for positive results after the first orbital start from Western Europe e.gfailed.
The mission seemed to have started smoothly. Around 22:00 GMT on Monday the Boeing 747 carry Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket successful started in South West England.
The jet then climbed about 35,000 feet before launching the rocket over the Atlantic. But then disaster struck.
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“We seem to have an anomaly that prevented us from reaching orbit. We are evaluating the information,” Virgin Orbit said on Twitter.
We appear to have an anomaly that has prevented us from reaching orbit. We evaluate the information.
— Virgin Orbit (@VirginOrbit) January 9, 2023
The US company soon announced more details. The problem had occurred during the firing of LauncherOne’s second stage engine while the rocket was traveling at more than 18,000 km/h.
All nine satellites on board were lost. Among them was Amber-1, which was developed for sea detection by British Satellite Applications Catapult and Horizon Technologies.
“We will come back stronger.
Paul Febrve, CTO at Satellite Applications Catapult, said the failure was a major setback for everyone involved but a “minor bump” to Britain’s space strategy.
“It’s a blow, but not a crippling blow,” Febrve told TNW. “We will learn from this, come back stronger and improve our skills in the UK.”
This skill has a solid foundation. As a north latitude island, Great Britain has a promising geography for launching satellites in pcan and sun-synchronous orbits passing over the North and South Poles.
There are several compelling reasons to take advantage of these strengths. One of them is the growing demand for digital connectivity around the world that cannot be met by using terrestrial infrastructure alone.
Satellite Applications Catapult has been discontinued operate two satellites on the British mission. Photo credit: Horizon Technologies
Another motif was brutally emphasized by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The February invasion uncovered the need to rapidly deploy small satellites for military intelligence, which has increased demand for launches in Europe.
Great Britain has presented itself as the ideal provider of these space ports. In addition to its favorable geography, the country is is a leading satellite manufacturer, home of many private space companies and the first nation in Europe to introduce new space laws.
Seven spaceports across the UK are currently under development. They are unlikely to provide launch pads for missions to the moon, but they could offer promising locations for smaller satellites.
“This particular vehicle transported satellites from seven different suppliers, each performing different tasks. They were truly handcrafted in relation to their purpose,” said Febvre.
“We’re really focused on responsive go-to-market and innovation – not the scale-up aspect.”
“WWe remain determined to become Europe’s leading supplier.
Febvre found further hope in what had already been achieved. Although the mission failed to reach its ultimate goal on Monday, it proved that space launches from British soil are possible.
The trial will also improve domestic expertise, regulation and capabilities.
“The project has succeeded in creating a horizontal launch capability at Spaceport Cornwall and we remain committed to becoming the leading provider of commercial small satellite launches in Europe by 2030, with vertical launches planned from Scotland,” said MAtt Archer, director of commercial space travel at the UK Space Agency, said in a statement.
Because the satellites were insured, their manufacturers and operators will be compensated for their loss. A bigger problem will be reputation damage.
Setbacks in space aren’t uncommon, but they still scare investors. Virgin Orbit must now convince the critics that the failure will not be repeated. The UK, meanwhile, is already planning another launch within the next 12 months.
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